Freezer Van vs Refrigerated Truck: What’s the Difference?
Choosing the Right Cold Chain Vehicle in the UAE
In the scorching heat of the UAE, transporting perishable or temperature-sensitive goods is a high-stakes job. Whether you’re a food distributor, pharmaceutical logistics provider, or a catering company, the success of your delivery — and the safety of your cargo — depends on selecting the right cold chain vehicle.
Many business owners and transport managers often confuse freezer vans with refrigerated (chiller) trucks, assuming they perform the same function. But in reality, these two vehicles serve distinct purposes in the cold transport industry.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the key differences between freezer vans and refrigerated trucks, so you can make informed choices for your logistics operations in the UAE.
What Is a Freezer Van?
A freezer van is designed to transport goods at sub-zero temperatures, typically between -18°C to -25°C. These vans are heavily insulated and equipped with powerful cooling systems to maintain deep freeze conditions — even under extreme outdoor temperatures.
Key Features:
- Small to mid-sized (1-ton to 1.5-ton capacity)
- Maintains constant freezing temperatures
- Ideal for:
- Ice cream and frozen desserts
- Frozen meats and poultry
- Seafood
- Frozen snacks and vegetables
- Perfect for last-mile delivery, especially in urban areas
What Is a Refrigerated (Chiller) Truck?
A refrigerated truck, also known as a chiller truck, is engineered to keep goods cool but not frozen — usually within a temperature range of +2°C to +8°C. These trucks are commonly used for perishable but non-frozen products.
Key Features:
- Larger sizes available (3-ton, 5-ton, 10-ton, and trailers)
- Maintains chilled temperatures
- Best suited for:
- Dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese)
- Fresh produce and salads
- Cakes, desserts, and baked goods
- Flowers and bouquets
- Beverages
- Pharmaceuticals and lab samples
- Suitable for both intra-city and long-distance logistics
Quick Comparison: Freezer Van vs Refrigerated Truck
| Feature | Freezer Van | Refrigerated Truck |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature Range | -18°C to -25°C | +2°C to +8°C |
| Size | Small (1 – 1.5 ton) | Medium to large (3 – 10+ ton) |
| Main Use | Frozen goods, ice cream | Chilled goods, dairy, flowers |
| Ideal For | Last-mile & frozen delivery | Bulk food, medical & intercity supply |
| Insulation Level | High (deep freeze protection) | Moderate (cooling retention) |
| Energy Consumption | Higher | Lower |
| Best Locations | City deliveries, tight access | City-to-city, large logistics ops |
| Average Cost (UAE) | AED 350–450/day | AED 300–400/day (3-ton truck) |
When Should You Use a Freezer Van?
Choose a freezer van if:
- You deliver frozen items like ice cream, raw meat, seafood
- Your cargo must stay below -18°C at all times
- You’re delivering to retail shops, restaurants, or tight-access areas
- You operate short routes or provide same-day frozen delivery
💡 A short thaw in frozen goods can cause spoilage, customer dissatisfaction, or even regulatory non-compliance.
When Should You Use a Refrigerated Truck?
Choose a chiller truck if:
- You handle perishable but non-frozen items
- You’re delivering dairy, salads, fruits, desserts, flowers, or medical products
- Your operations involve bulk delivery or B2B supply
- You’re delivering across cities or doing wholesale logistics
Common users include supermarkets, catering companies, hospitals, and food distributors.
Vehicle Options: Size & Payload
At Dubai Chiller Trucks, we offer both freezer and chiller vehicles in multiple sizes:
Freezer Vans
- Payload: 1 – 1.5 tons
- Models: Toyota Hiace, Nissan Urvan, Hyundai H1
- Use Case: Ice cream shops, florists, bakeries, food startups
Refrigerated Trucks
- Payload: 3 tons to 10+ tons
- Options include: Box body with tail lift, partitioned zones
- Use Case: Catering, export firms, supermarket supply chains
Have Both Frozen & Chilled Goods?
Ask us about our dual-temperature trucks — vehicles with two separate compartments for transporting both frozen and chilled items. Great for mixed loads like frozen meat with desserts or cakes with ice cream.
Cold Chain Compliance: A Must-Have
Regardless of your vehicle type, hygiene and regulatory compliance are critical. At Dubai Chiller Trucks, all vehicles come with:
- ✅ RTA and HACCP certifications
- ✅ Municipality-approved cooling systems
- ✅ Food-grade, insulated interiors
- ✅ Daily sanitization and temperature logs
- ✅ Optional backup cooling units for long trips
🚨 Failure to comply with cold chain protocols can lead to product damage, legal penalties, or business loss.
Cost Comparison: Which Is More Affordable?
| Cost Factor | Freezer Van | Refrigerated Truck |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel & Energy Use | Higher (freezing requires more) | Lower (chilling uses less) |
| Daily Rental | AED 350–450 (avg 1-ton) | AED 300–400 (avg 3-ton) |
| Maintenance | Higher sensitivity to damage | Standard cold logistics care |
Final Thoughts: What’s Right for You?
To choose between a freezer van and a refrigerated truck, consider:
- What temperature does your product need?
- How much cargo are you moving?
- How far is the delivery route?
- Are you delivering in narrow city lanes or across emirates?
Still unsure? Our team at Dubai Chiller Trucks is here to guide you.
💬 Need Expert Advice?
Let’s make cold chain simple and reliable for your business.
At Dubai Chiller Trucks, we offer:
✅ Free consultation based on your cargo type
✅ Hourly, daily, weekly & monthly rental plans
✅ Certified freezer vans and chiller trucks
✅ Backup cooling, GPS tracking & real-time temp monitoring
✅ UAE-wide coverage with fast dispatch
📍 Depot Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
📞 Call/WhatsApp: +971589137591
📧 Email: info@dubaichillertrucks.com
🌐 Visit us at DubaiChillerTrucks.com
