The Different Types of Refrigerated Vans

Need to transport temperature-controlled cargo but don’t have the inventory or budget for a full-sized truck? If this sounds like you, a refrigerated van could be the right fit. But what is a refrigerated van exactly? How does a refrigerated van work? And what’s the difference between a refrigerated van and truck?

For those who’ve been in the industry, this might seem pretty straightforward. Still, it helps to clarify the definition, since these terms are often used interchangeably.

A refrigerated van, like a reefer truck (refrigerated semi-trailers), is a vehicle that is equipped with a refrigeration unit and thick insulation to maintain cold temperatures for extended periods on the road. However, a van’s smaller size — between 12 and 28 feet long — makes it ideal for smaller payloads and urban environments.

However, not all refrigerated vans are built the same, and choosing the wrong one can impact product safety, compliance, and operating costs.

Some vans can get colder than others, some use different defrost mechanisms, and some can even maintain multiple temperatures at once. If you’re looking for refrigerated vans for sale but are not sure what options are available, then you’ve come to the right webpage.

In this high-level guide, we’ll go through:

• The different types of refrigerated vans
• How cold does each type of refrigerated van get
• What types of cargo are different vans best suited for
• Factors to keep in mind when selecting a refrigerated van

The 5 Types of Refrigerated Vans

Insulation Vans

A refrigerated van is defined as a vehicle that maintains the temperature of goods by keeping heat out and cold in by using a refrigeration unit to keep the goods cool. Insulation vans don’t fit this latter qualification because they lack a refrigeration system. But they’re still adept at keeping products cool for as long as possible.

As a result, these vehicles are best suited for short trips with non-perishable items that benefit from cooling, such as flowers, produce, and some pharmaceuticals or products that must stay within FDA-recommended safe zones, typically 41°F to 50°F. Their 50-millimeter Styrofoam or polystyrene insulation prevents an easy thermal bridge from forming and introducing heat by cutting off all potential heat and air entryways when employees seal the cargo.

Most fleet managers invest in insulation vans because they are easy to maneuver and fuel-efficient, since they carry no extra refrigeration machinery. It’s also easier and more cost-effective to convert any standard cargo van into an insulation-only van like a Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter, or Ram ProMaster.

Ram ProMaster van built for refrigerated deliveries.

Chiller Conversion Vans

Chiller conversion vans, sometimes referred to as fridge van conversions, are insulated vans with a refrigeration component attached. Unlike an insulation van, which prevents heat or cool air from escaping, the refrigeration unit cycles refrigerant to remove heat, allowing the van to maintain temperatures as low as zero degrees Fahrenheit.

Think of it as a refrigerator on wheels.

Drivers can set the thermostat to the desired temperature, and the refrigeration unit will cycle on and off to maintain it. Chiller conversion vans can hold temperatures between 35°F and 50°F and can go lower if needed. This makes them ideal for dairy, meats, and produce.

Ford Transit freezer van with advanced refrigeration unit.

Of all the van types, chiller vans are the most commonly used type to keep cargo refrigerated but not frozen. Food and beverage companies use them to maintain safe food temperatures during deliveries, and grocery chains and meal kit companies use them to complete local deliveries.

The chiller van’s popularity stems from the fact that nearly all full-size vans can be uplifted into chiller vans. Fleet managers often select this type of refrigerated van because of its versatility, moderate cost, and ability to ensure product quality during transit.

However, it’s important to note that chiller vans are not as fuel-efficient and easy to maintain as insulation vans. That’s because the refrigeration unit consumes more fuel and introduces added equipment that must be maintained to ensure consistent performance, like regularly checking the compressor and fans.

Semi-Freezer Vans

Semi-freezer vans, or medium freezer vans, are a cross between a chiller and a full-freezer van. They also have thicker insulation (75 mm) and bigger refrigeration units that can maintain cold temperatures as low as –4°F.

These types of vans are also equipped with a unique quick defrost mechanism instead of a defrost heater, meaning the refrigeration circuit runs in heat mode to briefly melt ice before switching back to cooling. As a result of their build, semi-freezer vans are usually lighter and more fuel-efficient than full-freezer vans, but this does limit their temperature range (14°F to –4°F).

Semi-freezer van with fully insulated cargo space.

Semi-freezer vans are ideal for regional transportation of frozen meats, poultry, produce, and non-dairy processed foods. Consequently, fleets that typically use this type of vehicle are regional food distributors, such as ice-cream distributors, bakeries, or caterers that transport frozen pastries or dough.

If you’re looking for a vehicle with some freezing capabilities without the higher costs, weight, and fuel burn of a full-freezer, then a semi-freezer van is for you. It also offers greater payload over a full-freezer van, providing the flexibility you need to support your operations.

Full-Freezer Vans

For the coldest of the cold, there are full-freezer vans. These units are outfitted with insulation ranging from 75 to 100 mm thick, heat-resistant doors and sidewalls, and a defrosting system to maintain a chilly -4°F. Some models can even be customized to reach as low as -22°F.

Full freezer vans also come with some of the most advanced features, such as “hot gas” defrost or heavy-duty reverse cycle defrost to quickly clear ice. Because of the potential of the sun degrading the efficacy of a full-freezer van, they are often retrofitted with reinforced, heat-resistant doors and seals.

Precision insulation and corner sealing for reliable cold chain performance.

When shopping around for a full-freezer van, it’s important to pay special attention to the insulation and gasket. Likewise, while full-freezer vans are the coldest, they are also some of the heaviest and least fuel-efficient, with higher operational costs.

So, what types of operations are best suited for a full-freezer van? As you may have guessed, this type of refrigerated vehicle is best for long-haul transportation of frozen items like seafood, meat, or ice cream. Essentially, anything that requires freezing temperatures to be FSMA compliant.

Dual-Freezer/Multi-Temperature Vans

As the name suggests, a dual-freezer or multi-temperature van is a vehicle that enables you to maintain varying temperatures for different goods within the same unit. This is accomplished through the use of various configurations of evaporators and insulated compartments.

However, most systems use a single condenser/compressor with two evaporators dedicated to each zone for precise temperature control. The coldest zone is typically located closest to the refrigeration unit, with warmer zones closer to the door.

Dual-zone or multi-temperature vans require careful design configuration. Most fleet managers will also choose to implement features like strip curtains or air curtains at the opening to reduce temperature fluctuations across zones. Some more advanced models even allow for both chilled and heated transport.

Insulated freezer van interior with heavy-duty cooling system, strip curtains, and ceiling-mounted cooling unit.

Because of the design considerations, this type of refrigerated van tends to be heavier, which contributes to higher operational costs. Businesses that invest in this type of cooling van are grocery home delivery services and foodservice distributors. However, it could be beneficial for operations that require the delivery of both ambient and freezing products across varying travel distances.

Electric/Hybrid Vans

Other types of refrigerated vans entering the market are electric and hybrid refrigerated vans. The cooling systems still work the same. What’s different is the power source. In traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, the refrigeration units run on gas.

The main drawback of a gas-powered refrigeration unit is that it consumes more fuel because the cooling system is tied to the engine being on. Although new models can include standby power to mitigate this issue, they are not as energy efficient as electric and hybrid refrigeration units.

With electric and hybrid refrigerated vans, the refrigeration unit runs off the battery (which is significantly larger) and enables the system to keep running even when the engine is off, potentially saving thousands on fuel costs. Manufacturers like Thermo King and Carrier have developed fully electric refrigeration units.

Refrigerated van with rooftop cooling unit parked in lot.

And unlike the other refrigerated vehicle types mentioned in this article, electric/hybrid models can be configured as a chiller, freezer, or dual-zone van if the battery capacity and unit design can support it. This type of vehicle offers the most flexibility in terms of temperature range and distance and support corporate sustainability goals and alignment with regulatory practices.

But like most things, there are some trade-offs.

Electric vehicles currently lack the range of fossil-fuel vehicles and require daily charging. Batteries are also much heavier than gas engines, which can reduce fuel efficiency to a degree. And while the technology for these vehicles is still in its early years, it will only improve with time.

However, if you’re looking to align with recent zero-carbon regulations or want to reduce your fleet’s carbon footprint, then you may want to invest in an electric/hybrid refrigerated van. The upfront price tag more than pays for itself, as these vehicles are more fuel-efficient than their diesel or gas counterparts and require less maintenance.

A great way to incorporate electric/hybrid vehicles, whether you’re just getting started or looking to update your fleet gradually, is to use them for last-mile delivery in urban/suburban areas.

Selecting the Right Refrigerated Van

The three most important things to keep in mind when choosing a van that’s right for your business are:

• Temperature: Consider the temperature range of goods you transport the most and look for vehicles that serve that range. Chiller conversion and semi-freezer vans offer wide temperature ranges that can accommodate a variety of goods.
• Fuel efficiency: Refrigerated vehicles use more fuel to stay cool, and their extra weight also reduces fuel efficiency. The colder the van runs, the more fuel it consumes, so we recommend looking at semi-freezer and full-freezer vehicles to take those costs into account.
• Body size: A bigger body size means fewer trips and greater shipping capacity, which can offset the cost of fuel.

For a more comprehensive look at all the factors to consider, take a look at our guide on everything you need to know before buying a refrigerated vehicle to cover all your bases. And if you need a more personalized touch, whether you’re deciding between an insulation van and a full-fledged full-freezer vehicle, we can help.

Emerald Transportation can help walk you through the different types of refrigerated vans. We also sell a wide range of quality refrigerated cargo vans, so you get exactly the van that fits your business’s needs. Looking for something a little more specific? We build custom orders, too.

Call or contact us today, and we’ll get you started on finding your perfect fit!

Editor’s Note: This blog was originally published in March 2020 and has been updated for comprehensiveness in September 2025.