Tag: mobile refrigeration

Mobile refrigeration vehicles use a refrigeration system, to effectively maintain temperatures for safe delivery of products.

Food Delivery In Lockdown

HOW LOCKDOWN WORKED UP AN APPETITE FOR FOOD DELIVERY

The coronavirus pandemic has reshaped the food delivery industry. As the world adjusted to social distancing and lockdowns, personal delivery services became a lifeline for struggling restaurants and grocery stores – and to meet the rising demand, temperature-controlled transit has rapidly expanded.

A taste for takeout

Despite dine-in closures leaving the food sector reeling, we saw the food-delivery sub-sector flourish. Popularity in takeout-delivery spiked in the early days of the pandemic, making it one of the fastest-growing markets – with AAL statistics showing 63.8% of Canadians had ordered food deliveries online in the last six months of 2020. Grocery giant Sobeys reported their e-commerce sales rose by 241% compared to 2019, and this boom in online shopping led to big investments in fulfilling delivery orders.

In a post-pandemic world, the public’s appetite for convenience is set to continue, with 49.4% of Canadians saying they’ll keep ordering online.

Changing consumer habits

With such a drastic shift in food delivery, the demand for temperature-controlled transportation has accelerated, in what was already a steadily growing industry. More and more companies are relying on third-party delivery channels to meet these changing consumer habits and Covid-19’s impact can be felt across the sector. Walmart is expanding its distribution network, with plans to hire more than 3,000 drivers. This means their in-home delivery option will soon be available to 30-million US households, five times the current level.

Beyond the food-delivery ecosystem

This steep increase in last-mile deliveries isn’t confined to the food sector either – it includes all perishable goods. Cold chain growth has amplified the importance of refrigerated transportation. From fresh groceries to life-saving vaccines, the safe delivery of products has never been more important. Many different industries rely on controlled temperatures to ensure their commodities arrive at their destination in optimal condition – and choosing the right reefer (refrigerated trailer) is key to quality delivery.

Food delivery with ATC's RT16 guarantees products arrive fresh every time.

Satisfying the appetite for convenience

So how can businesses meet this growing demand for convenience? Put simply, by knowing which type of reefer works best for what requirements. For direct-drive refrigeration solutions, powered by the vehicle’s engine, we have a choice of nose-mount and rooftop systems.

With no secondary diesel engines required, our nose-mount options make the refrigeration unit very reliable – meaning less maintenance, and lower cost of ownership. They’re designed for medium-to-large boxed trucks and trailers to support a wide variety of urban deliveries.

Our rooftop systems on the other hand are perfect for businesses looking to run smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles, complete with D.C. electric standby for overnight operation. They’re specifically designed for compact-to-large high-top, extended wheelbase vans.

The solution provider

At ATC, we continuously update our products to meet the ever-evolving needs of today’s competitive markets, and we’re capable of customizing our solutions to suit specific temperature requirements. Depending on your cargo, you may need dual-temperature settings. Take florists for example. They often need to move sensitive tropical plants requiring a different environment to the rest of their product. We design and manufacture units to provide multiple customized settings that ensure all goods arrive fresh.

Whether you want a refrigerated solution for your company or customers, contact ATC today to find the best type, size and modification for any kind of operation. Find your nearest direct drive refrigeration specialist here.

 

Refrigerated Delivery Trucks

For many products, refrigerated delivery is not an option, It Is A Must!

Refrigerated delivery trucks have been such an integral part of the supply chain, that it’s impossible to imagine life without the products they transport. In 1938  Frederick McKinley Jones invented the Refrigeration unit. Later with the creation of the interstate highway system, refrigerated transportation of goods became and continues to be an important aspect of perishable and temperature sensitive products.


The cold chain as it is known is the method and process of transporting products while ensuring they remain fresh, kept from deterioration and losing their value. The global trade of perishable items has increased in the past years causing a larger demand for quick transportation. This is not only true for food, such as produce, meat, and dairy, but also for other sensitive items such as medical products and pharmaceuticals.

Mobile refrigeration by ATC Truck Refrigeration for delivery of fresh fruit and vegetables. Mobile refrigeration by ATC Truck Refrigeration for delivery of dairy products.Mobile refrigeration by ATC Truck Refrigeration for delivery of pharmaceuticals.Mobile refrigeration by ATC Truck Refrigeration for delivery of fresh meats.
Mobile refrigeration by ATC Truck Refrigeration for delivery of all your perishable foods.Mobile refrigeration by ATC Truck Refrigeration for delivery of fresh seafood.Mobile refrigeration by ATC Truck Refrigeration for delivery of fresh bakery products. Mobile refrigeration by ATC Truck Refrigeration for delivery of pharmaceuticals.


The development of temperature-controlled products is growing at a rate that is more than double the rate of growth in non-temperature controlled products. Since its inception, mobile refrigeration has continued to improve as the demand has increased. Delivering temperature and time-sensitive goods like flowers, bakery, and dairy products, frozen foods, pharmaceuticals and even goods that require dual temperature settings during transport, are all made easier with a refrigerated solution from ATC.

TODAY’S REFRIGERATED DELIVERY TRUCKS

Many businesses are looking to add more fuel-efficient vehicles to their urban delivery fleet and auto manufacturers provide a wide range of options for the growing van market. Reefers, as they are called, were initially used on straight trucks, semi or tractor trailers. Today, vans built as an alternative to traditional straight trucks provide a cost-effective and efficient design. From small cargo vans to high roof extended wheelbase vans with almost the same cargo carrying capacity as a traditional 12 ft straight truck, today’s refrigerated delivery vans are designed with utility, safety and the optimal cargo carrying capacity in mind. 

WHY ATC TRUCK REFRIGERATION ?

Choosing the right reefer system for your refrigerated delivery truck or van can be overwhelming. ATC offers several types of refrigeration units to meet your distribution needs. Whether it’s a fleet or a single delivery van, our direct drive refrigeration systems perform consistently. Your confidence is assured in knowing your fresh and frozen goods are safe, kept at the perfect temperature by reliable ATC refrigeration units.

  • ATC is an endorsed, Mercedes Benz Master Upfitter delivering quality engineered solutions for over 25 years.
  • Delivering temperature and time-sensitive goods are made easier with a proven, dependable refrigerated solution from ATC.
  • ATC’s refrigeration units do not require “special”  diagnostic equipment or software for the units to be repaired and serviced.
  • ATC’s electrical power distribution components are readily available and don’t require brand specific components.
  • ATC has a proven record of ensuring fresh deliveries and achieving business objectives.
  • Simplicity; Designed To Perform and Built To Last. 

 

ATC Truck Refrigeration is the solution provider you need for all your transport refrigeration solutions.
Contact the direct drive refrigeration specialist nearest you or call ATC today to see what our experience and products can do for you.

 Not sure if you need a Reefer? These articles will provide more information to help with your decision.

 

The Man Who Invented the Refrigerated Truck

Frederick McKinley Jones is the inventor of the refrigeration unit. He invented the first portable air-cooling unit, also referred to as the refrigeration unit. With his innovations, mobile refrigeration was improved for the long-distance transport of medical supplies, food, and other perishable goods.

Biography: Before The Portable Refrigeration Unit

Frederick McKinley Jones was born in Cincinnati, Ohio in late Spring of 1893. By the time he was 14 years old, he was able to work with automobiles as a naturally skilled mechanic. From there he continued to self-educate, read and study material that contributed to his natural mechanical ability and innovative mind.

Jones continued to seek advancement and moved from Cincinnati to Hallock, Minnesota. He gained employment as a mechanic on a farm and eventually joined the U.S. Army during World War I. After his time in the military, he returned to Hallock as a mechanic. He continued self-educating, and with his natural mechanical ability, he was able to grasp the intricacies of electronics. From what he learned he was able to build a transmitter for the town’s radio station. During this period, Jones also invented a device that would revolutionize Cinema. He built a device that could finally combine sound with a motion picture. This actually caught the eye of Joseph A. Numero in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Jones began working for Numero in 1930, helping to improve the firm’s sound equipment.

The First Portable Air-Cooling Unit

Jones continued to invent and expand his understanding of mechanics and electronics. In 1938, he designed the portable air-cooling units used on trucks that carry perishable goods. By 1940, he received a patent for it and Joseph A. Numero decided to sell his Cinema sound equipment firm in order to go into business with Jones. They formed a new company that specialized in refrigerated/cooling units. It became a multi-million dollar company by 1949 with the introduction of the refrigerated truck.

Frederick McKinley Jones is the Inventor of the Refrigeration Unit and the father of mobile refrigeration for the transportation of perishable goods.

Image is the property of Black History In America

Frederick McKinley Jones is the inventor of the refrigeration unit. He invented the first portable air-cooling unit, also referred to as the refrigeration unit. With his innovations, mobile refrigeration was improved for the long distance transport of medical supplies, food, and other perishable goods

Image is the property of the Minnesota Historical Society

The designs for the portable air-cooling unit were especially important during World War II. They were used to help transport perishable goods throughout the military hospitals and across the open battlefields. It helped preserve food, maintain medicines, and other time-sensitive goods. Medical tents and army hospitals were able to receive blood for their patients. Those on the battlefield didn’t starve to death because they were able to receive supplies due to the portable air-cooling unit.

  • Top Honors and Awards

Jones continued to invent, earning as many as 61 patents in his lifetime. The majority of his inventions were for refrigeration equipment, but his other inventions helped many industries. For instance, he received further patents for portable X-ray machines, improved audio/sound equipment, and more efficient gasoline engines. As an entrepreneur and inventor, it wasn’t long before he got the recognition he deserved. Frederick Mckinley Jones became the first African American to be included in the American Society of Refrigeration-Engineers by 1944. This led to more work in the 1950s, consulting for the U.S. DoD (department of defense) as well as the Bureau of Standards.

Jones passed away in Minneapolis in the early Spring of 1961 after battling cancer. During his lifetime and well after his death, he continued getting the recognition he deserved. By 1977, he was included in Minnesota’s Inventors Hall of Fame. In 1991, his widow was awarded the National Medal of Technology on his behalf. Now known as the National Medal of Technology and Innovation, this medal is considered one of the highest honors awarded to citizens who made significant contributions to technological development. Jones was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2007 for his exceptional patents and work in the field of refrigeration.

Today’s Refrigerated Truck

It’s hard to Imagine Life without Refrigerated trucks. Today, the refrigeration unit helps transport flowers, chocolates, meats, medical supplies and so much more. A refrigerated truck, also known as a reefer, can transport dairy products, frozen foods, even goods that require dual temperature settings during transport. Mobile refrigeration has continued to improve since its inception and delivering temperature and time-sensitive goods are made easier with a refrigerated truck, van, or trailer. 

Why Advanced Temperature Control (ATC)

ATC offers several types of refrigeration units to meet your distribution needs. Whether it’s a fleet or a single delivery van, our direct drive refrigeration systems perform continuously day after day, year after year. Your confidence is assured in knowing your fresh and frozen goods are safe, kept at the perfect temperature by reliable ATC refrigeration units.

  • Looking for an endorsed, Mercedes Benz Master Upfitter delivering quality engineered solutions for over 25 years?
  • Do you have time or temperature sensitive products that need a proven, dependable refrigerated solution for your truck, van, or trailer?
  • Need to ensure your delivery needs and business objectives are achieved?

Advanced Temperature Control is the solution provider you need for all your transport refrigeration solutions. Contact ATC today and we’ll show you how or locate the dealer nearest you.

 

Green Commercial Vehicle Program

The Green Commercial Vehicle Program (GCVP) is an incentive-based program for the commercial transportation sector, where incentives are provided upon proof of purchase as outlined below:

• For the purchase of alternative fuel vehicles such as electric, natural gas or diesel-natural gas dual fuel vehicles, incentive amounts range from 15-50% of the incremental purchase cost of an eligible vehicle as compared to an equivalent conventional fuel vehicle.

• For fuel saving devices, the incentive amount is 30-50% of the purchase and installation cost, of the aerodynamic device, anti-idling device or electric refrigeration unit. See the list of approved devices.

The GCVP will also include a stream of funding for Commercial Transportation Innovation Pilots. Further details on this portion of the program will be available in 2018.

All eligible purchases made on or after September 1, 2017, will be eligible to apply for incentives. Purchases made on or before March 31, 2018, will be eligible for an early adopter incentive worth an additional 10% for up to 10 vehicles or devices.

Please complete the Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) form and submit the completed form directly to Ontario Shared Services at the address noted in the EFT guide. (link available in Program Guidelines section below)

Applicants must also enroll in the One-Key (Transfer Payment Common Registry) to establish a Transfer Payment Account. Once notified, the applicant must then access Grants Ontario to enter the GCVP application system.

Applications to the Green Commercial Vehicles Program must be submitted electronically through the Grants Ontario System (GOS).

Applications for Green Commercial Vehicle Program Now Open; MTO to Host Webinar

MTO has announced the application form for the Green Commercial Vehicle Program (GCVP) is now online through Grants Ontario. Applicants can apply for the program by logging in and submitting an application using the Grants Ontario Portal.

The GCVP was championed by OTA as a way for the industry to receive the benefit of funds carriers pay through carbon pricing. The program provides rebates towards the purchase of alternative-fuel vehicles and fuel-saving devices, including natural gas and electric technologies.

In addition, MTO will be hosting a webinar in partnership with Grants Ontario on Friday, February 9th from 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm. The webinar session will cover:

  • A brief program overview
  • A walk-through of how to apply through Grants Ontario
  • Tips for submitting multiple applications
  • A Q/A session for participants

Members are encouraged to take part in the webinar by sending an RSVP to GCVP@ontario.ca. MTO will share the webinar details directly with participants.

Members with additional questions regarding program details, the application process or the Grants Ontario system can contact GCVP@ontario.ca for more information.

5 Fast Facts About Refrigerated Trucks

Refrigerated trucks and vans have contributed to a network of growing delivery markets. They are the perfect resource for businesses looking to deliver quality products and services. A refrigerated truck could mean the difference between your perishable goods making it to the sales floor or the waste bin. Here are five fast facts to provide a deeper understanding of the benefits of a refrigerated truck or customized delivery vehicle.

1. Direct Drive Reliability

Our custom refrigeration solutions are direct drive systems. This means that our solutions are powered by the vehicle’s engine. With this feature, the refrigeration unit becomes a more reliable delivery vehicle. Furthermore, it can help avoid the added cost of a secondary diesel engine. With this type of design, the direct drive delivers the dependability needed to efficiently transport the goods.

2. Safe Product Transport

Refrigerated trucks have been used to transport a variety of products that range from life-saving medications to live insects and animals. Reefers have been used to transport honey bees and penguins, amongst other things, which need controlled temperatures when being transported between environments. Refrigerated vans and trailers have also benefited tech and electronic companies. Many people are unaware that certain electronic devices need cool to cold temperatures for optimal operating capacity.

Floral delivery companies also utilize refrigerated vans and trailers to keep their products from prematurely wilting. Companies that sell perfume often use refrigerated trucks because the merchandise needs to be maintained at cool temperatures. This prevents the chemicals in the perfumes and colognes from heating up and changing the scent. Galleries, Museums, and Art Firms often rely on refrigerated vehicles to deliver priceless artwork. This is especially important for older art pieces that have temperature sensitive paints, oils, and canvases.

3. Refrigeration and Heating Units

Your truck can have a refrigeration unit or a heating unit to ensure your goods are at the correct temperature during transport. Our direct drive refrigeration units are designed to meet any of your temperature needs. Perfect for folks looking for refrigerated vans with heating units to maintain their live fish en route to the pet store. If you’re looking for a refrigerated unit that can maintain freezing temperatures for meat, poultry, or seafood than consider our direct drive reefers.

Knowing which kind of refrigeration unit will work the best for your company or clients needs is only half the battle. There are two kinds of refrigeration systems available, roof mounted and nose mounted. Nose mounted refrigeration units are ideal for medium sized boxed trucks, trailers, and vans. The unit is installed on the outside front-end of the chassis. This design can make it easier to access the unit for regular maintenance needs. If you have lighter commercial delivery vehicles, like a fleet of vans, using a nose-mounted system may be recommended.

Roof-mounted refrigeration units are ideal for larger vans, trailers, and trucks. The amount of refrigeration needed depends on the average external temperature during transport, the preferred temperature for the products, the amount of heat the products can give off, and the amount of insulation the vehicle has. This type of unit is recommended for companies that specialize in delivering frozen meat, dairy, poultry, or seafood.

4. Reefers

Refrigerated trailers are referred to as reefers in the transportation industry. A refrigerated truck and van are also considered reefers for short. Essentially it’s a term used to describe any type of refrigerated delivery vehicle. There are businesses that have a fleet of reefers, indicating they have several delivery vehicles for their needs. If you’re interested in expanding your delivery chain, consider the fleet options available with ATC.

5. Customize Your Refrigerated Trucks

ATC designs and manufactures the refrigeration units, so we can easily customize a truck refrigeration solution to your client’s unique temperature needs. Floral companies, for instance, benefit from warm and cold temperatures for delivery. This is because of the variety of sensitive tropical plants available. With the right refrigeration unit, you can have multiple customized temperature settings, which is a feature known as dual temperature setting. It is great for various products requiring different temperatures during transport.

The cargo area is customized to accommodate multiple temperature sensitive products. One space is for the merchandise that needs cool temperatures while the other space can maintain a different environment and temperature level. For added convenience, the reefer can be designed with a temperature gauge inside the cargo area and inside the cab. This makes it easier to monitor the temperatures while the driver is en route to their destination.

Are you looking for a refrigerated truck, van or trailer for your company or clients? Don’t hesitate to contact the experts at ATC for your refrigeration solutions. We’ll match you with a refrigeration unit to meet your needs. Ask our customer service and knowledgeable staff about our top-notch, cost-effective refrigeration solutions.

Advanced Temperature Control is the solution provider you need for all your transport refrigeration solutions.
Contact the direct drive refrigeration specialist nearest you or call ATC today to see what our experience and products can do for you.

For more information about Truck Refrigeration solutions, see below

Imagine Life Without Refrigerated Trucks

Trying to operate a business without the right delivery vehicles to transport your goods may be tough; especially if those products require colder temperatures during transport. A refrigerated truck would be the most recommended choice when it comes to transporting temperature sensitive items. Meat, dairy, flowers, and medicines are only a few examples of products that are delivered safely using reefers. Attempting to transport such items without refrigerated trucks is difficult to imagine.

Finding a refrigerated truck to meet all your needs is not a daunting task when you know where to look. Advanced Temperature Control (ATC) has over 30 years of experience with truck and van refrigeration systems. Our experts can help determine the best possible method to use for refrigerated trucks or vans.

Life Without Refrigerated Trucks

Refrigerated truck and van systems have a wide array of applications when it comes to transportation and delivery. They are often used in the floral industry as well as bakery, meat, dairy, and other food transport companies. Refrigerated trucks are an efficient way of maintaining fresh products and temperature sensitive freight. Keeping products maintained at precise temperatures during transport helps ensure a smooth delivery whether they are used for large chain suppliers, local shops, or individual business owners.

Life without refrigerated trucks would make it difficult for many industries to safely transport their time and temperature sensitive goods and the following short list are examples of businesses that would not be as successful without refrigerated reefer trucks.

Food Industry

The food industry would be impacted greatly without refrigerated trucks because perishable foods are extremely time sensitive. Without the use of refrigerated trucks, there would be a limited amount of perishable food items compared to what is seen in most grocery stores today. Businesses that deal with fresh or frozen food products would be affected including large chain grocery stores, locally owned markets, and individually owned delivery vehicles, food trucks and carts.

The advent of online ordering has helped increase the need for high performance refrigerated transport vehicles. Some prime examples of online orders that contribute to the need for reefers are home grocery delivery, catering services, and restaurant delivery. Other common uses for refrigerated vehicles include seafood, poultry, and bakery delivery as well as snack and vending services.  

Refrigerated compact delivery van - Edible Arrangements uses an ATC-14RT to ensure fresh product deliveries.

Delivery of the finest quality Meats, Seafood, Poultry and Pastas made possible with ATC's Refrigerated trucks.

ATC's Van Refrigeration guarantees fresh fruit and veggies for Field Goods, Athens, NY.

Imagining life without refrigerated trucks would be like trying to imagine life without grocery stores. Meat and dairy products that need to be transported great distances would spoil. Ice cream would melt, so the idea of ice cream trucks would be a distant dream. Catering businesses and grocery/meal drop-off companies would find it more challenging to deliver fresh goods or edible arrangements.

Floral Industry

The floral industry relies on temperature controlled environments when delivering potted plants and freshly cut flowers. Many floral and gardening shops use refrigerated vans and trucks to deliver fresh products to their customers. Without the advantages of a refrigerated transport vehicle, flowers and plants would wither and die faster. Virtually every flower shop would have to say goodbye to delicate deliveries of freshly cut bouquets.

 

Medical Supply

Many people forget that the medical supply industry utilizes refrigerated trucks and vans when transporting temperature sensitive substances and materials. Certain medicines often require chilled environments whether they are in the medical lab or not. This means the transportation of life-saving medicines would be non-existent without the advent of safe refrigerated transport. It would be harsh to imagine life without refrigerated trucks/vans, especially when taking into account hospitals full of suffering patients who cannot get access to the medicine they need.

Electronics/Technology

The electronics industry often requires cooler temperatures for their products. This is because items such as set-top boxes, modems, and servers operate best in air-conditioned/cooler environments. This helps prevent overheating and prolongs the life of that piece of technology. Companies that require onboard computers and servers would no longer be able to operate their equipment efficiently if they did not have access to a refrigerated truck, van, or trailer.

Ask The Experts

ATC has the expertise to provide you with all of your truck refrigeration needs whether the products need to stay fresh, cool, or frozen. We also offer dual temperature settings for folks that need a reefer to transport both frozen and fresh goods. These options allow smooth transportation for trucks delivering frozen meat and fresh dairy products.

Acquiring the right refrigerated truck or van depends on the services that you offer or the type of freight that will be delivered. We offer rooftop and nose mounted units for van and truck systems, designed to perform and built to last with top-of-line upgrades to keep up with the competitive nature of today’s delivery services. Life without refrigerated trucks and vans does not have to be a reality, just contact ATC to help with your product transportation needs.

How To Find A Refrigerated Truck You Can Trust?

Refrigerated Transport-What should you look for in a refrigerated truck to create the best conditions for effective transportation of fresh and frozen goods?
Westbrook Refrigerated Fleet uses ATC nose mount refrigerated systems
Refrigerated transportation of goods can be a complex process. When you are dealing with the transport of perishable goods such as food or temperature sensitive products such as pharmaceuticals, you need to ensure the products arrive on time and in the best condition. During transit, the product needs to remain in a stable condition to ensure its freshness. Choosing the most reliable and efficient refrigerated truck unit for effective delivery of goods at a controlled temperature is crucial to your business operation.

Besides finding the right refrigerated truck and a reliable driver, there are other factors to consider. When it comes to perishable goods and refrigerated shipping, there is no acceptable margin of error in terms of safe delivery:

●   Pay attention to the impact of insulation on the interior dimensions

A refrigerated truck might measure 23 feet depending on the doors, insulation package, and features specific to the truck. Therefore, for a vehicle that can accommodate a forklift pallet loading, or can handle two side-by-side pallets inside the box, a five-inch insulation wall might not work. It is important to ensure there is proper insulation at all times.

●   Choosing the right door system

The door system you choose makes the difference between a contract that loses money and making an effective delivery.  Some people will want roll-up doors because of their ease of use. However, that may translate to temperature control problems or higher operating costs especially if the unit is not properly fitted and/or well-insulated.

Reefer Van - Lined cargo area of Ford Transit with ATC F18 root top system

Reefer Van – Lined cargo area of Ford Transit with ATC F18 root top system

Depending on the product being transported, the refrigerated truck may require special equipment like hangers for meat or storage compartments for pharmaceuticals.  Dividers and curtains, particularly the fully adjustable curtains are recommended, as they save on fuel and help maintain an optimal temperature during transportation and also throughout the day.

   Curtains, Dividers, and Hangers

For those transporting split cargos, the divider boards for freezer and chiller mats come in handy. They are useful since each of the boards have different purposes. One side of the door system would be ideal for loading or unloading each temperature unit separately.

Why ATC Offers the Best Truck Refrigeration Services

ATC has been in business for over 25 years. Our specialty lies in the manufacture and engineering of direct drive mobile refrigeration and heating solutions that ensure safe and efficient delivery of your frozen and fresh products.

Our state-of-the-art truck refrigeration products are continuously updated to meet the needs of our extensive market in the USA and Canada. Through our dealer network, we also offer installation and on-going service support. At ATC, we give our clients peace of mind and confidence that supports all your mobile refrigeration and heating needs. 

Master Upfitter for refrigerated sprinter van

Finding the right Master Upfitter to convert your Mercedes-Benz Sprinter into a refrigerated Sprinter Van can be a difficult task if you are not sure where to begin. The certification programs for Master Upfitters is an intense process that requires real dedication from those involved. That is because a Master Upfitter is an expert in their specific trade, having committed themselves to keep up with Mercedes Benz’s most current Upfitting regulatory standards.

What is involved in obtaining a Master Upfitter Certification?

A Master Upfitter is an expert in their specific trade or specialty, which means time, effort, and dedication are needed to achieve that certification status. Becoming an expert in your trade involves gaining a critical understanding of the field which is gained through hands-on experience in that specific trade. In order for an Upfitter to build safely on a refrigerated van, like a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, they must have the most up to date knowledge on reefers to deliver the best solutions.
 As a certified Master Upfitter, ATC Truck Refrigeration is a member of this exclusive network of Master Upfitters.As a certified Mercedes-Benz Master Upfitter, ATC Truck Refrigeration is a member of this exclusive network of Master Upfitters.
For example, being familiar with the 360-degree interior of a soon to be refrigerated sprinter van is very important. This is because an Upfitter needs to know if you require shelving units or partitions to keep your reefer as organized as possible. From there, they must recognize the most efficient way to Upfit your sprinter van to deliver a top-notch integrated refrigeration system. These are just some of the solutions that a Master Upfitter can do to help your business grow. Keeping your refrigerated sprinter van organized with the most energy-efficient integrated refrigeration system will save your business time and money.

The Mercedes-Benz Refrigerated Sprinter Van

Mercedes-Benz offers some of the best worker lineup cargo vans available, their Sprinter vans feature dual-stage diesel engines and excellent cargo volume. This is the perfect combination needed to begin investing in your custom-made refrigerated sprinter van. Mercedes-Benz is best known for its reliability and its cargo vans are designed with spacious interior standing height and a best in its’ class payload.
Their sprinter vans are built to last and considered one of the most advanced commercial vans for high-performance and excellent fuel savings. They are built to withstand the toughest operating conditions and are made with an optional 4 wheel drive. All these features offered by the Mercedes-Benz cargo vans are excellent reasons to custom make yours into a high-performing, long-lasting refrigerated sprinter van.
In order to have the best quality, Upfit for your sprinter van makes sure that a certified Master Upfitter has been consulted. They are experts in their trade, having committed time to get certified through the proper Mercedes-Benz Master Upfitters Program.

Advanced Temperature Control (ATC) Refrigeration Solutions

If you are looking for the best place to custom make your refrigerated sprinter van, then consider ATC Transport Refrigeration Solutions. They have a wealth of experience in truck and van refrigeration units, custom jobs, and fleet management. They also deliver excellence in van and rooftop systems and can transform your Mercedes-Benz Sprinter or Metris into a powerful refrigerated sprinter van. ATC has decades of exceptional service in designing and custom fitting powerful mobile refrigeration units. If all you need for your Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van is a simple, yet reliable refrigeration solution, then ATC can meet all your needs.

ATC and Master Upfitters

ATC is a certified Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Master Upfitter which means an ongoing commitment to current practices for body and equipment guidelines. In order to deliver the highest quality in refrigeration solutions, Upfitter’s are committed to self-certification in the Mercedes-Benz Master Upfitter Program.

Benefits of Master Upfitters

ATC has been providing high-performance in truck and van refrigeration units for decades. Since they are a certified Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Master Upfitter, they offer combined knowledge of their industry and the Master Upfitter program. Essentially, you can gain an amazing amount of refrigeration solutions because of the combined expertise of ATC and their members of the certified Master Upfitters program.
Whether you need a refrigeration solution for your floral business or want to upgrade your current unit, finding the right experts to help will make all the difference. If you are looking to expand your business while saving time and money, consider bringing your Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van to ATC for a custom refrigeration Upfit. There you will have access to refrigeration solutions from the experts at ATC as well as the expansive network of Master Upfitters.

For more information call ATC at 1-833-878-5282 to hear how we can help your refrigerated delivery needs.

A Brief History of Van Refrigeration

It is hard to imagine life as we know it today without delivery vehicles, and in particular, the compact refrigerated vans. Before the emergence of mobile refrigeration, ancient cultures used to cut ice from frozen lakes, ponds, and glaciers to meet their refrigeration needs. Today’s growing demand for intra-city delivery of refrigerated products has solidified the importance of the compact van and ATC’s products for van refrigeration.

The Early Days

During the early days of mobile refrigeration, perishable freight was transported using the railroad. In the mid-1800s, the Massachusetts Western Railroad company was attempting different ways of keeping cattle meat from spoiling by transforming rail cars and trailers into ice boxes. Several methods were attempted, one of which was filling trailers with ice which however ended up causing discoloration to the meats. It was not until 1851 that the Northern Railroad Company developed the first insulated boxcar, however, it was only able to function in colder weather and climates. These limitations motivated other railroad companies and farmers to develop a more functional ice boxcar that could be used through all terrains for transport.

Refrigerated rail cars were first patented in 1873 to support the growing beef industry.

1873 refrigerated rail car – Image is the property of Refrigerated Specialists Inc

In 1877, an inventor Gustavus Swift brought forth the idea of cooling an entire car by having the air circulate through the boxcar and through the ice itself. In 1878, Andrew Chase developed a well insulated, ice-based trailer with a ventilation system. He placed the ice in the roof compartment and this method allowed the chilled air to flow down, keeping the whole boxcar cool. Both methods of ice-based mobile refrigeration were adopted and brought success to companies like the Union Stock Yard and Chicago Slaughterhouse. In addition to transporting to local areas, they were able to transport meats across the country without worrying about spoilage.

The Growth of Mobile Refrigeration

The ice being used in the early days was cut out of bodies of water and had to be quickly transported, but other discoveries were being introduced in order to lessen the burden of collecting ice. Different cooling methods, like dry ice, were being implemented, which expanded companies that specialized in transporting perishable freight because they were able to send their products across the state. These methods especially took off when the combustible engine in automobiles took center stage.

Eventually, by the 1940s, ice-based transport methods began getting replaced by mechanical refrigeration systems. This brought rise to the first manufacturer to develop mechanical mobile refrigeration, U.S. Thermo Control Company. By WWII the methods for refrigerated transport were adopted by ships and airplanes. This made it possible to transport frozen goods as well as medical supplies, like blood for transfusions. Later on, van refrigeration and truck refrigeration, also referred to as reefers, helped spread the growth of the frozen foods industry.

Van refrigeration spread as its popularity grew among transport, farming, and food companies who sought more efficient and faster ways to sell their goods. They no longer had to rely solely on railways and trailer/boxcar refrigeration, especially with the advent of the interstate highway system. Van refrigeration and other reefers at this time continued to experiment with different cooling methods, some utilizing evaporated liquid gas while others used coolant systems.

Maintaining Temperatures

The cooling mechanisms used since the early days have continued to improve because the maintenance of temperature is vital. Without proper cooling and temperature control, meat would spoil, ice cream would melt, fruits and vegetables would rot, flowers would wilt, even medical supplies would be compromised. Regardless of what kind of freight is being transported, you want to ensure that proper insulation and ventilation methods are used for van refrigeration. This means having ready access to temperature control systems before, during, and after transport. Maintaining proper temperature control is especially important when considering the distances that the freight will have to go, whether it be for local or international transport.

Contact Advanced Temperature Control (ATC) Refrigeration

 ATC Truck Refrigeration specializes in proper temperature solutions, customized reefers, and van refrigeration units. Our systems are designed to perform and built to last and feature an InCab control to set and monitor the cargo area temperature. The refrigerated solutions offered will meet all your needs whether you are transporting frozen entrees, tropical plants, or beer, wine, and other beverages. Contact us for more information on our systems.

Corporate video and testimonials

ATC launches its Youtube channel with corporate video. Click here to view.
For more insight to ATC, read MACS member profile interview with President David Thurgood. Check out what our customers have to say about us in our testimonials. 

ATC manufactures Transport Refrigeration systems for Rooftop and Nose mount applications. Call 833-878-5287
ATC is a certified Mercedes Benz Sprinter Master Upfitter
Listen to Mercedes Benz Vans Greg Innes on ATC

Testimonials

ATC Ontario Dealer Aircon Services & Reefer Sales
Aircon Sales and Reefer Sales
President Dave Chilvers
ATC Refrigeration Customer Big Country Raw
Big Country Raw
Owners Rob & Geraldine Brouwer
ATC Refrigeration Customer Rosa Flora
Rosa Flora Ltd
Operations Mgr Ralph DeBeor