Reefer loads in Europe

What reefer trailers carry

• Fresh fruit and vegetables, often from Spain, Italy, the Netherlands and Turkey
• Chilled meat, fish and dairy
• Frozen food at deep-frozen temperatures
• Flowers and plants
• Pharmaceuticals that must stay within a set temperature range

ATP: the rule for perishable food across borders

International road transport of perishable foodstuffs between the countries that signed the UN ATP Agreement (Agreement on the International Carriage of Perishable Foodstuffs) must use equipment tested and certified under ATP. The certificate, or the ATP plate on the body, states the equipment class — for example FRC, a heavily insulated body with a refrigeration unit able to hold −20 °C.

Check that your trailer’s ATP class matches the temperature the load needs, and that the certificate is valid for the dates of the trip.

Reefer freight in your language

Refrigerated freight is “Kühltransport” or “Kühlfracht” in German, “chłodnia” in Polish, “frigo” in French, “frigorífico” in Spanish, “frigo” or “trasporto refrigerato” in Italian, “koeltransport” in Dutch, “frigorific” in Romanian and “hűtős” in Hungarian.

• Deutsch
• Polski
• Français
• Español
• Italiano
• Nederlands

Tips for reefer carriers

• Pre-cool the trailer to the set point before loading and record the temperature.
• Keep the temperature log (download from the unit) for every trip: it is your evidence if the receiver disputes the load.
• Agree in writing who is responsible for the set point, and note it on the CMR consignment note.
• Look for a return reefer load from the delivery area before you leave — fresh-produce lanes often run one way.

Frequently asked questions