The Freighter Freez-R refrigerated trailer model has been making waves in the cold chain market since it launched.
The product was unveiled for the first time in October last year at an event hosted by Freighter Group as part of the launch of its advanced manufacturing facility upgrade and comprehensive rebranding. Since then, it has since ushered in a new direction of premium sustainable transport solutions for the business.
The Freez-R is Freighter Group’s latest high performance refrigerated trailer model which is available in lead, tag, B-double and road train combinations. The product is made up of a locally-manufactured Freighter chassis design combined with a locally-assembled Ferroplast technology body, and the end result is an extremely reliable refrigerated trailer solution which delivers industry-leading thermal performance and renowned reliability.
“The Freighter Freez-R range was a major step forward in bringing environmentally conscious designs to the refrigerated transport space,” says Freighter Group National Van Product Manager, Aaron Commons. “As operators are looking for greater efficiency gains, the Freez-R helps deliver this through fuel savings which are directly linked to a significant boost for our environment. It’s a win-win for our customers, with fuel savings and reduced global footprint through less emissions and less fossil fuels.”
Unlike traditional fibreglass panels, the Freighter Freez-R uses thin steel sheets on the inside and out which are bonded to a single full-length layer of polyurethane foam. This construction technique delivers both exceptional strength and superior thermal performance.
“We’ve also recessed the load restraint and double loading tracks directly into the wall, maximising the internal width without compromising the thermal performance,” Aaron explains. “Because the Freez-R’s body is built without fibreglass, repairs are not only easier but also much safer.
“Traditional fibreglass works carry risks such as skin, eye and respiratory irritation from airborne fibres and dust. With Ferroplast technology, repairs are straightforward and more comparable to automotive panel repairs.”
The Freighter Freez-R’s high-quality insulation means that the fridge doesn’t have to operate as often to maintain the inside temperature. Less fridge operating hours equals less fuel usage. This is even more evident when transporting freight through areas that are known to have extreme hot or humid weather conditions.
“Cold chain transporters have dry heat to contend with in the west and tropical heat in the north,” Aaron says. “The Freez-R is designed to stay cool in both extremes without excessive energy use. This performance is what the Freez-R design offers customers, making it the ideal choice for the Australian market.”
The Freighter Freez-R also comes equipped with TrailerConnect telematics as standard which provides operators and drivers with imperative transport diagnostics for both the fridge unit and the trailer. This is delivered through an all-encompassing telematics system that enables users to monitor the temperature, location, tyre pressure, door status, coupling status, Electronic Braking System data and more.
One additional feature is the brake interlock system which allows the operator to remotely lock the brakes of the trailer, preventing potential theft.
“Customers get access to the TrailerConnect telematics system for free for the first 12 months,” says Freighter Group Product Manager for Fridges and Telematics, Jan Fiedler. “It allows them to track a wealth of data which we’ve unified to make the entire trailer combination smart.
“There are hundreds of telematics providers in the market, however our comprehensive solution brings everything all together in one portal. A clever feature is the ability to use customers’ existing telematics hardware and systems to centralise the information, reducing the need to retrofit hardware.”
The Freez-R’s TrailerConnect telematics capabilities even extend to a remote start-up function when used in combination with a Schmitz Cargobull fridge unit. This feature reduces the amount of time and labour in the process of loading freight while also bolstering safety for drivers.
“With the remote start-up, operators can schedule the trailer’s temperature to be optimal by the time they start loading,” Jan explains. “This design allows drivers to begin transporting their freight much quicker. It also takes the responsibility of operating the fridge unit away from the driver if required, removing the need to manually start the fridge ahead of time. It’s a matter of safety – we want them to be attentive on the road.”
Another advantage for customers is the fact that Freighter Group can deliver a complete nose to tail solution with a Freighter Freez-R trailer, Schmitz Cargobull fridge unit and TrailerConnect telematics.
“For cold chain logistics operators, it means one trusted partner for refrigerated equipment needs, servicing, repairs and parts,” Aaron says. “This is all offered through our national Freighter Group dealer and service support network.”
The plethora of capabilities possible with Freez-R has resulted in highly positive customer feedback on the trailer since its launch. Aaron says Freighter Group looks forward to Freez-R cementing itself as an industry-leading refrigerated trailer solution as the product nears its one-year anniversary on the market.
“We’re very confident about this product,” he says. “It’s gaining a lot of traction, particularly from major fleets in the industry who are realising the significant cost savings associated with the product, as well as the smart benefits of the integrated telematics.”
