Refrigerated Trailers

Refrigerated trucks and trailers (or reefers) are an integral part of transporting freight that requires climate-controlled conditions. Almost all perishable foods and medicines are delivered in trucks or tractor trailers equipped with transport refrigeration units (TRUs), which are most often powered by small diesel engines. While modern diesel engines emit less emissions compared to older engines, there are new TRU designs and systems with electric plug-in capabilities that can significantly reduce emissions, particularly while parked at distribution centers, warehouses, and grocery stores and centers. Additional resources describing these systems and opportunities will be coming soon. In the meantime, please explore the EPA’s new TRU Emissions Calculator and existing guidance from the DERA program.