Tag: refrigeration systems

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.

Direct Drive Refrigeration Systems

For over 30 years, ATC has built a reputation for manufacturing direct drive truck and van refrigeration systems. We are proud to offer eco-friendly, efficient and cost-effective systems to refrigerate our vehicles. The Reefers are powered by the vehicle engine as opposed to systems that use additional diesel engines to power the units. It is our priority to continuously update and improve our line of direct drive truck refrigeration products to meet the requirements of today’s competitive markets.

Direct Drive Truck and Van Refrigeration Systems

Truck refrigeration units are divided into non-independent and independent refrigeration units, depending on the power source driving the refrigeration system. Independent refrigeration units use a separate small diesel engine to power the refrigeration system, Non-independent truck refrigeration units or direct driven truck refrigeration units, get their name and power from the vehicle’s engine to drive a refrigeration compressor. The compressor is mounted within the engine compartment to a dual mount kit supporting an additional compressor that enables refrigeration to the cargo area. The mounting of the compressor to the vehicle’s engine is critical to the operation of the system and so close work with the vehicle manufacturer’s to ensure compatibility with the vehicle’s engine, optimum performance and most importantly, reliability is done.

Nose or Front Mounted Truck Refrigeration Unit 

Installing the condenser in the front of truck containers or the box is called Nose or Front mounted refrigeration systems.

Martel refrigerated delivery trucks ensures freshness with ATC nosemount systems. Call ATC today to discuss your refrigerated solution.

 

 

Roof Top Mounted Van Refrigeration Units

Installing the condenser on the roof of the van or cargo area is called roof mounted or Roof Top Van refrigeration units.

Delaware Valley Floral Sprinter and Transit reefer delivery fleet, uses ATC16-RT to guarantee freshness in every delivery.

 

 

What Sets ATC Apart

The Mercedes-Benz Master Upfitter program ensures that Mercedes-Benz only works with top upfitters and bodybuilding specialists. As a certified Master Upfitter, ATC Truck Refrigeration is a member of this exclusive network of Master Upfitters. Our Refrigerated Sprinter and Metris solutions meet the high-quality standards expected from Mercedes-Benz and remain diligent in our commitment to self-certification practices including Body and Equipment Guidelines.

Our custom refrigeration solutions are direct drive which means our solutions are powered by the vehicle’s engine. With this feature, the refrigeration unit becomes an integrated and more reliable delivery vehicle. Furthermore, it can help avoid the added operational cost of a secondary diesel engine and delivers the dependability needed to efficiently transport the goods. To further simplify, the ongoing cost of operation our electrical systems have been designed without complex circuit boards and other costly components.  We use the standard “off the shelf” components so our customers can replace parts at an affordable price.

Through our extensive dealer network, we provide ongoing service support and installation with coverage throughout North America, Guam, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico, to ensure your company has the best and most efficient direct drive refrigeration system to ensure the consistent and safe delivery of your products.

At Advanced Temperature Control, we pride ourselves in the quality of our products. We’re confident our direct drive refrigeration systems will give you peace of mind, knowing your products are safe, kept at the perfect temperature by reliable ATC units. Call us today at 1-833-878-5282Designed To Perform and Built To Last.

10 things you need to know about our Truck Refrigeration

Finding van and truck refrigeration systems to start growing your business doesn’t have to be complicated. However, it can be tough when you aren’t sure where to look. Advanced Temperature Control (ATC) offers direct drive truck refrigeration units with high-performance systems that meet the challenges of daily refrigerated delivery.

The following are ten examples of why our customers have come to rely on our products for their mobile refrigeration needs.

  1. We Stay Up to Date

Our line of truck refrigeration products has been continuously updated and improved to meet the requirements of today’s competitive markets.

  1. We Have Dealers all Across North America

Our dealers are located in Canada, America, Guam, Hawaii and Puerto Rico, which offer both installation and ongoing service support. Perfect for businesses and companies that have to distribute their goods long distances. We take into account the external temperatures during delivery in order to accurately customize a system that will maintain optimal temperatures. Regardless of the weather, you can expect reliable refrigeration for any delivery distance.

  1. We Have Refrigeration Units & Heating Systems

We provide both refrigeration units and heating systems to meet your distribution needs. This allows us to cater to the needs of a variety of business ventures. Some examples include cold refrigerated systems for safely transporting frozen meats and seafood; refrigeration units that offer cooler temperatures used for floral and fresh produce transportation; and warmer/heating systems to meet the unique needs of food trucks, catering businesses, and hot food delivery.

  1. All Products are Made by ATC

All our products are engineered and manufactured in North America by ATC: We provide reliable and efficient products to accommodate any company’s needs.

  1. We Accommodate Overnight Operation

Our products have an electric standby available on all units for overnight operation. Perfect for businesses that have strict delivery times. Especially if the products being delivered are perishable foods that expire quickly.

  1. We Provide Custom Modifications

We offer custom modifications for special needs and unique applications. Custom upgrades include organized shelving and cupboards to truck refrigeration units with dual temperature settings. Our units come with digital displays that can be installed in-cab and the rear. This allows the driver to keep track of temperatures while en route to their destination.

  1. Our Units Come in Multiple Sizes

We manufacture more sizes and capacities to accommodate all your cooling and heating needs. Our units are designed for any type of mobile delivery from a detachable trailer and sprinter/delivery vans to medium or large-sized trucks. Great for the unique needs of ice cream trucks, hot foods/lunch trucks, and grocery delivery vans just to name a few.

  1. Professional & Aesthetically Pleasing Units

Our units are designed to be both aerodynamic and aesthetically pleasing. A powerful system doesn’t have to be bulky or loud. We offer professional quality and powerful performance with a sleek look to match.

  1. Affordable Replacement Parts

Replacement parts are in many cases “off the shelf” and readily available. If at any time you need replacements, repairs, or upgrades contact our customer service representatives today.

  1. Lower Cost of Ownership

We provide an overall lower cost of ownership. Not only are our products affordable, but they are also reliable, easy to maintain, and easy to operate.

 If you are new to the field of truck refrigeration and delivery, attaining the most up to date systems will save you time and money in the long run. Whether you are new to reefers or not, having the right refrigeration solution for your deliveries is a must.

 Advanced Temperature Control manufactures a complete line of direct drive, nose mount, and rooftop truck refrigeration systems. Our 27 years of experience provides you with the perfect solutions for small van and truck refrigeration needs. Don’t hesitate to contact our specialists for more information about our services and elite product line.

Truck Refrigeration to Meet Any Distributors Needs

Finding reliable truck refrigeration or reefer systems to transport time and temperature sensitive goods does not have to be a hassle. If you are in the market for truck refrigeration units to meet your distribution needs, then consider the services and solutions offered by Advanced Temperature Control (ATC). Direct drive Van and truck refrigeration vehicles are one of the most innovative ways to transport perishable products safely. ATC utilizes the most effective reefer systems necessary to meet a variety of product needs, from floral and dairy products to frozen meats and raw foods.   

Food and Health Safety

Food safety regulations play an important role in the supply, delivery, and consumption of goods. For instance, businesses that specialize in and distribute delectable chocolate and fresh fruit bouquet arrangements need a cold environment during transport. It helps prevent less than desirable results, like melted chocolate bouquets and rotten fruit slices. Meat delivery, for example, requires cooler temperatures to prevent bacterial growth and/or rotting.

Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt need colder temperatures to prevent curdling, souring, or mold. Poultry such as chicken, turkey, pheasant, and eggs need cold, precise temperatures to prevent bacteria like salmonella. Truck refrigeration is especially important in the delivery and distribution of seafood for the same health and safety reasons.

Hazardous foodborne illnesses are not something to take lightly, which is why having the right truck refrigeration unit is paramount. Especially when it comes to transporting and delivering any type of food products that are meant for consumption.

For many products, refrigerated delivery is not an option, It Is A Must! Choose a solution by ATC Truck Refrigeration.

Product Quality

Specific temperature controls are necessary to maintain the fresh quality of floral products. Without the advent of the truck and van refrigeration units, flower delivery would not have reached the heights it has today. This is because cooler environments prolong the quality of many floral products. Roses, lilies, carnations, and tulips, for example, require different temperatures than tropical floral and fauna plants.

Flowers are temperature sensitive based on the region they originate from and the wrong temperatures can cause shock resulting in the plant withering and dying. Floral products are temperamental which is why it’s highly-recommended that van and truck refrigeration units be used for quality supply and delivery.

Our Truck Refrigeration Units

ATC offers several types of reefer systems to meet any of your distribution needs. Before considering your options, it’s important to take into account the products being delivered and the type of vehicle(s) used. The average exterior temperature and heat that the products give off are also reviewed. We offer customized solutions as well as convenient digital temperature controls that have cool to frozen temperature settings. These considerations help provide a reliable and cost-effective refrigeration solution. 

Roof Mounted Systems
When using small or medium-sized vans or trucks, roof-mounted systems are recommended. The unit is mounted on the roof of the chassis for optimal refrigeration efficiency.

Nose Mounted Systems
Bigger vehicles like large boxed trucks and trailers use nose mounted systems. The unit is mounted on the front-end or nose of the cargo box and requires additional reinforcements for security and added stability.

The ATC14-RT rooftop mounted condenser.
Whether it’s a fleet or a single delivery van, you can trust ATC direct drive refrigeration systems to perform continuously day after day, year after year. You’ll sleep better at night knowing your fresh and frozen goods are safe, kept at the perfect temperature by reliable ATC units.

Companies That Love Our Refrigeration 

The following are examples of companies that value the truck refrigeration systems ATC provided.

Big Country Raw sells raw pet food that contains a variety of meats like beef, chicken, duck, pork, turkey, and more. They rely on refrigeration units for delivery in order to ensure the quality of their dog food. The company stated “ATC has proven to be reliable, easy to operate and after a busy day of 50 deliveries, still able to maintain the temps. I would strongly recommend ATC to anyone seeking reliable and cost-effective refrigeration equipment for their delivery fleet.”

Westbrook Floral is a flower business located in Grimsby, Ontario. They appreciated our services by saying “ATC gives me one less thing to worry about. Excellent product, easy to maintain, easy to operate and a company that stands behind the product. Without doubt, I would strongly recommend ATC to anyone requiring engine driven refrigeration systems”

Rosa Flora is located in Dunnville, Ontario and has had great success with ATC’s truck refrigeration units to safely transport their flower bouquets to their customers. They stated “we’ve been able to maintain steady temperatures on our trucks in both warm and cold temperatures. This is very important in maintaining the temperature across the cold chain, from our facilities to our customer locations across Ontario, Quebec and the North Eastern United States. ATC’s products have been very reliable. It’s a trusted product that mates nicely with our trucks and we have found that it keeps our product at the right temperature, all year long.”

Contact Advanced Temperature Control

Advanced Temperature Control has knowledgeable experts and decades of experience working with van and truck refrigeration installation. Don’t hesitate to contact us today for more information about our products and services.

Do I Need a Refrigerated Truck For My Business

The need for a refrigerated truck, van, or trailer continues to grow as the world of online ordering and home-delivery gains popularity. Reefer trucks are often used on a commercial level, supplying large chain grocery stores with perishable goods. Refrigerated vans, trucks, and trailers are also customized to fit the needs of any business, small or large. If it isn’t clear whether you need a refrigerated van or truck, then consider the following details.  

What Is Your Merchandise?

Finding a refrigerated truck, van, or fleet of reefers depends heavily on the products and services you provide. Here are some typical mobile refrigeration examples

Refrigerated truck fleet using ATC nose mount systems.

Westbrook Refrigerated Fleet uses ATC nose mount refrigerated systems

Restaurant delivery vehicles are an important part of the business as their menus become available online. To fulfill the online orders, they require a safe and quick way to deliver freshly cooked meals.

Catering Businesses commonly rely on refrigerated vans to safely store fresh ingredients and prepared food. They often need customized units to accommodate all the food, cooking, and serving tools necessary for each event.

Refrigerated delivery van fleet using ATC rooftop systems.

Delaware Valley Floral Sprinter and Transit reefer delivery fleet, uses ATC16-RT to guarantee freshness.

Frozen Meat such as steak, pork, chicken, and seafood require refrigerated trucks to make deliveries. Large and small game meats like elk, venison, pheasant, and rabbit still need coolers, ice boxes, or refrigerated trucks to store them. Businesses that specialize in game and ground meats need refrigerated truck methods for safe distribution.
Floral Distribution from big chain suppliers and local shops rely on refrigerated means to keep their flora and fauna as fresh as possible.
Refrigerated compact delivery van running ATC14RT on Nissan NV200

Edible Arrangements uses an ATC-14RT to ensure fresh product deliveries.

Snack and Vending companies typically use a refrigerated truck or van to refill their machines. Without them, the soft drinks would be warm and the candy bars would melt.

Food service and home delivery companies need refrigerated vehicles to supply their customers. Examples of such companies would include home grocery delivery, meal services, and deli delivery.

 

What Are Your Equipment Needs?  

The major factors to take into account when considering your own fleet of refrigerated vehicles is the type of cargo being transported and the driving distance. The kind of cargo helps determine the temperatures needed to maintain the quality of the products. The driving distance and number of stops helps determine what kind of refrigerated unit is needed to control the desired temperatures until the final destination and products are delivered.

These details are needed to properly customize a vehicle and equip it with the right refrigeration system. Doing so will help save you time and money by avoiding costly mistakes. For example, buying high operating cost diesel units or buying a van and realizing the cargo volume doesn’t come close to the space needed for all the merchandise.

Properly reviewing these details with van and truck refrigeration experts will help you understand all your possible equipment needs. Equipment options to consider are pre-kitting, adjustable shelving, dual cargo temperature controls, and wireless tracking.

Pre-kitting helps consolidate routes and lower truck inventory in order to transition to smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles. Adjustable shelving helps keep everything organized, which helps maximize storage space. Dual cargo temperature controls give the driver the ability to maintain two temperatures for sensitive cargo, like frozen goods and dairy. Wireless tracking helps you keep track of vehicle speeds, idle time, and fuel economy. These equipment options help save on operating costs by increasing payload efficiency and maximizing fuel economy. Additionally, it can help increase your business’ revenue stream by maintaining quality control of the products.

What kind of refrigerated truck do you need?

Do you know the difference between a nose-mounted refrigeration unit and a roof mounted one? Knowing this will help you better understand what mobile refrigeration entails and the best possible unit to use on your vehicles.
Roof mounted units are designed for compact to large high top, extended wheelbase vans.
Nose mounted units are designed for medium to large boxed trucks and trailers to support a variety of urban delivery applications. 

Who Can Help

Finding the right experts who know about van and truck refrigeration is tough without knowing where to look. Fortunately, Advanced Temperature Control (ATC) has 30 years of experience in customizing, engineering, and manufacturing tough, reliable direct drive mobile refrigeration units and heating systems. We have an extensive dealer network and offer a variety of options to meet mobile refrigeration needs. Don’t hesitate to contact ATC if you have any questions or would like to learn more about their services.

Truck Refrigeration to meet any distributors needs
ATC Refrigeration – 10 things to know about our Truck Refrigeration 
Considerations for Refrigerated delivery
Refrigeration Delivery Trucks

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.

Which Truck Refrigeration Solution is Right for you?

Finding the right truck refrigeration solution can be difficult if you are not sure which reefer will provide you with the most benefits. Direct drive refrigeration units are not only easier to use, but they are also environmentally friendly and more cost-effective than the alternatives. ATC reefers are excellent for delivering products that may include fresh produce, flowers, dairy products, frozen food, pharmaceuticals and other temperature sensitive freight.

Choosing the most practical refrigeration solution depends on the size of the vehicle and what it will be transporting. The right truck refrigeration solution can be installed on your van, truck, or trailer using either of the two most common methods, nose mounted or roof mounted condensers. Both systems have the customary in-box evaporators for easy maintenance access. All ATC systems feature digital temperature controls inside the cab area for monitoring and controlling temperatures during transport.

There are several factors that come into play when considering which unit will meet your needs. Once the following factors are taken into account, choosing the most practical refrigeration solution can be determined.

  • The size of the van, truck or trailer,
  • The amount of insulation your vehicle has,
  • The required temperature of products during transport,
  • The average temperature outside, and
  • The number of door openings in a delivery day. 

Truck Refrigeration solutions

Nose Mounted Units
Nose mounted means the refrigeration unit is installed on the outside of the box, on the front wall.
Typically used for medium-to-large sized delivery boxed trucks and trailers to support a variety of applications.

Nose mounted means the refrigeration unit is installed on the outside of the box, on the front wall. Typically used for medium-large sized delivery boxed trucks and trailers to support a variety of applications

Roof-Mounted Units
Roof-mounted refrigeration units are ideally used for small, medium or large vans.
Low profile aerodynamic condensers with optional roof-mounted electric standby.
Compact Refrigerated Sprinter Van with ATC 16RT Series

Many businesses are looking to add smaller more fuel-efficient vehicles to their delivery fleet. ATC’s compact, low profile rooftop refrigeration system is perfect.

Choosing a refrigeration system that fits your needs for reliability does not mean the process has to be extremely complicated. You want a refrigeration system that will save you on your upfront purchase cost as well as ongoing operating costs. ATC features units that are cost-effective with low-cost replacement parts and easy to service.

Advanced Temperature Control (ATC) 

If you are not sure where to look or have questions about what kind of unit you need, contact Advanced Temperature Control (ATC) Truck Refrigeration. ATC has over two and half decades of experience in providing updated truck refrigeration products that will meet your needs in today’s competitive delivery markets. If you want low maintenance, cost-effective, reliable refrigeration systems check out the products that ATC has to offer.
Whether you are transporting floral products or frozen meats, ATC can customize your refrigeration system to suit your needs. On top of providing customized installation, we offer top notch customer service support for questions or further assistance with your fleet of refrigerated trucks.

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