Carrier Transicold recently introduced Fleet Refresh, a program that enables refrigerated fleets to replace aging transport refrigeration units (TRUs) on existing trailers instead of replacing the entire trailer.

The company, which manufactures transport refrigeration equipment, designed the program to help refrigerated fleets extend the service life of existing trailer assets while upgrading older refrigeration units.

Rising trailer acquisition costs and extended lead times have prompted many refrigerated fleets to evaluate alternatives to full trailer replacement. Fleet Refresh replaces the trailer's transport refrigeration unit while allowing fleets to continue using existing trailer assets. The program replaces only the TRU, so certain trailer-mounted components, such as the fuel tank and light bar, are not required, thereby reducing acquisition costs compared to a standard new TRU installation.

Fleet Refresh is available for Carrier Transicold's single- and multi-temperature trailer refrigeration units, including the X4 7500, X4 7700, Vector 8500, Vector 8700, Vector 8600MT, and Vector 8800MT. Each Fleet Refresh installation includes Lynx Fleet telematics and BluEdge service coverage. The telematics platform provides visibility into refrigeration unit performance, while the service plan is designed to help maximize equipment uptime. 

“Many fleets are extending trailer life cycles because of equipment costs and supply constraints, but they still need reliable refrigeration performance,” said Greg Turner, trailer product manager, Truck Trailer Americas, Carrier Transicold. “Fleet Refresh gives customers access to the latest Carrier TRU technology and performance, along with Lynx Fleet telematics and BluEdge service coverage, without replacing a productive trailer.”

What this means for the trucking industry

For refrigerated carriers, extending the life of trailers while replacing aging refrigeration equipment offers another option for managing capital spending. Fleets facing higher equipment costs or longer replacement cycles may be able to maintain cold chain performance without purchasing new trailers.