Did you know that the differences between trailer fuel and reefer fuel can affect the efficiency and cost of transport? The two types of diesel fuel, trailer fuel and reefer fuel, may seem similar, but they have different purposes behind their use.
Next, we’ll break down the differences between the two fuels to help you make an informed choice based on your actual needs.
Table of Contents
What is trailer fuel?
Trailer fuel is usually called No. 2 diesel fuel, which is used to power heavy-duty vehicles. No. 2 diesel fuel undergoes a fine distillation process that makes it more suitable for heavy machinery that runs for long periods. The distillation process separates the diesel fuel from the petrol, creating different grades of diesel fuel. No. 2 diesel fuel suits warmer climates and offers better efficiency and stability. No. 1 diesel fuel, on the other hand, is suitable for cold weather and flows better. In cold weather, No. 1 and No. 2 diesel can be used interchangeably, but No. 2 diesel may require additives at low temperatures to improve its flow and ignition properties.
Characteristics
Trailer fuel (No. 2 diesel) has a high cetane number, a property that allows it to ignite quickly. This improves combustion efficiency and reduces engine starting difficulties.
More importantly, trailer fuel also has good lubricating properties. It can help protect critical components within the engine and reduce wear and tear.
At the same time, the low sulfur content makes it more environmentally friendly and meets modern environmental requirements.
Main uses of trailer fuel
The main purpose of trailer fuel is to power the engines of heavy-duty vehicles. It provides enough torque to easily cope with heavy loads, even at low speeds. This is particularly important for long-distance transport. The high efficiency of this fuel is particularly suitable for long-distance transport and significantly reduces operating costs, making the transport process more economical and efficient.
The main types of trailer fuel
There are various types of trailer fuel, including petrol, diesel, paraffin, TVO (Tractor Vaporising Oil), Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), etc.
Petrol: mainly used for small vehicles with high power output, but suitable for shorter transport distances.
Diesel: Since its invention by Rudolf Diesel at the end of the 19th century, diesel has rapidly become the fuel of choice for heavy-duty vehicles and trailers. It has a high energy density and is suitable for long and efficient runs.
Paraffin: Once widely used in early trailers, paraffin was phased out with the popularity of diesel engines.
TVO (Tractor Vaporising Oil): This blend was widely used in agricultural machinery, especially before diesel became popular. With the advent of diesel, TVO was phased out of the market.
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG): In the mid-20th century, LPG became a popular fuel for agricultural machinery due to its low cost and environmentally friendly characteristics. However, with the rise of diesel trucks, the application of LPG began to decrease.
Refrigerated Truck Fuel
Reefer fuel is diesel fuel specifically designed to support the cooling system of a reefer truck. This fuel ensures that temperature-controlled cargo, such as food and pharmaceuticals, remains fresh during transport by helping to maintain cold temperatures in the cargo hold. The standard fuel tank capacity is usually 50 gallons, but some larger compartments can have a capacity of up to 200 gallons. Typically, reefer fuel tanks are arranged separately from the main fuel tank to ensure that they do not interfere with each other. Fuel burns slowly, and a single tank can last for several days, ensuring stable operation of the reefer system over long distances.
The main use of refrigerated truck fuel
The role of reefer fuel is self-evident – it provides the necessary power for the refrigeration unit of the reefer truck to ensure that items with strict temperature control requirements, such as foodstuffs and medicines, are not damaged during transport. With reefer fuel, the refrigeration system is able to operate efficiently and maintain a constant low temperature inside the vehicle. This design makes reefer fuel an essential choice for temperature-controlled transport, especially in the food and pharmaceutical industries, where this fuel is the most reliable guarantee during transport.
Characteristics of reefer fuel
For transporting temperature-controlled goods, reefer fuel provides a vital safeguard. The high flash point design reduces the potential fire hazards that can be caused when the fuel leaks, making the transport process safer. At the same time, reefer fuel can withstand extreme low temperatures, ensuring that the reefer system operates efficiently at sub-zero temperatures. An anti-gelling additive prevents the fuel from solidifying, avoiding equipment downtime due to condensation. At the same time, reefer fuel meets strict food safety standards, making it ideal for transporting temperature-controlled commodities such as perishable foods and pharmaceuticals.
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Key Differences Between Trailer Fuel and Reefer Fuel
Understanding the differences between trailer fuel and reefer fuel can help you make the most informed choice. Let’s take a look at the differences between trailer fuel and reefer fuel.
Primary Uses
Trailer fuel: Provides continuous power for heavy-duty trucks, suitable for long hauls and heavy-duty jobs
Reefer fuel: Designed for temperature-controlled transport to keep goods such as perishable food and pharmaceuticals cold at all times.
Energy density and efficiency
Trailer fuel: provides a stable energy output for long-distance, high-load transport.
Reefer fuel: the energy density is optimized, mainly for the stable operation of the refrigeration system, to ensure the safety of cargoes in low-temperature environments.
Safety
Trailer fuels: low volatility and lower ignition temperatures provide additional safety and reduce the risk of accidents.
Refrigerated truck fuel: Higher flash point guarantees the safety of refrigerated trucks in low-temperature environments, especially during transport, avoiding dangers caused by low temperatures.
Costs and Taxes
Trailer fuel: Generally, trailer fuel is more lenient in terms of taxation, as its use is mainly focused on transport. For example, the tax on diesel fuel in the United States is approximately $0.24 per gallon.
Reefer fuel: Since reefer fuel is mainly used for cold chain transport, especially for transporting goods with stringent temperature control requirements, it can be relatively costly. The cost of reefer fuel is not only affected by fluctuations in oil prices but is also related to the operational efficiency of the reefer equipment. The fuel tax for reefer trucks in the US is roughly around $0.26 per gallon, which is higher than regular diesel fuel because it is specifically tailored for temperature-controlled transport.
To summarise
When choosing between tractor fuel and reefer fuel, the key is to understand their specialisations and differences. Reefer fuel is designed for low-temperature transport, ensuring that the refrigeration unit continues to work efficiently and is suitable for temperature-controlled goods. Tractor fuels, on the other hand, focus on providing efficient energy support and are suitable for agricultural or heavy equipment use.
At Truckman Automobile, we can provide you with specialist trailer equipment to ensure your transport runs efficiently. Whether you’re looking for a flatbed trailer or a tanker, we can provide expert selection as well as customised advice. Ready to buy a trailer? Contact our experts today for expert advice!