International Truck and Engine Corp. and Johnson Refrigerated Truck Bodies have jointly introduced RouteMax, a new alternative to refrigerated transportation. The RouteMax system will be used exclusively in Johnson truck bodies and charges “cold plates,” which are coated steel plates with tubing containing a salt-brine solution to keep the temperature cool inside the truck body.
“Food service distributors throughout North America place their top priorities on keeping their shipments at the proper temperature in the most efficient and reliable manner,” said Steve Guillaume, gm of medium trucks, International Truck and Engine. “With RouteMax, food-service distributors and customers alike now have a reliable alternative that is more cost effective than current options.”
Unlike a traditional cold plate refrigeration system, RouteMax charges during the route, removing heat from the cold plates. According to the companies, food transportation customers can save up to $6,000 per truck annually and lower operating costs by 80 to 90%. They also say the system is virtually maintenance-free, has a 15-year lifespan and reduces CO2 emissions.
“Large customers and small customers alike should be able to appreciate the improvements to the product reliability and ultimately the bottom line with the launch of this new innovation,” said Ron Ricci, president of Johnson Refrigerated Truck Bodies.
