Reefer rules hit vans
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• Reefer van operators could face a chilly choice from next year — break the law or go bust.
Few refrigerated trucks under 7.5 tonnes are fitted with fridge motors that continue working when the vehicle engine is switched off. On multi-drop operations such vehicles might be unable to keep goods cold enough to comply with new regulations requiring many foods to remain at 8°C or 5°C throughout their journey.
When the cargo door is opened up to 40 times a day a dangerous amount of cold air will escape, Chris Berridge of reefer specialist GRP Massey told a conference of reefer hauliers two weeks ago.
Solutions could inklude vertical air vents near the cargo door or insulated strip curtains, said Berridge, but such modifications would prove expensive. Strip curtains are also unpopular.
Tom Inglis, chairman of reefer operators' body Transfrigoroute, says he sympathises with the small vehicle operators, but believes this is simply one of the "shortcomings of that sort of delivery". His company insists that subcontractors with 7.5tonners use independent reefer motors.