Difference between refrigerated semi-trailers and curved semi-trailers

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The semi-trailer is a vehicle that is towed by a road tractor, together these two elements form a complex means of transport called a
tractor-trailer.

The term is derived from the fact that the semi-trailer unloads one part of its weight on its axles and the other part on the fifth wheel of the towing vehicle, therefore, only one part is actually towed.

Among the various trailers, curved semi-trailers and refrigerated semi-trailers are available, let’s see what the characteristics of these two types of semi-trailers are, the major differences and in what areas they are most commonly used.

Curved semi-trailers

A curtain-sided vehicle is equipped with a semi-trailer structured to be covered by a tarpaulin that allows for simplified and, at the same time, privacy-conscious transportation.

The tarp protects the goods during transport from weather, dust and other stresses. It can carry goods of any size, including heavy loads.

Examples of heavy loads: construction material, raw materials such as lumber and concrete blocks, items intended for urban planning purposes and utilities such as sewer pipes.

The curved semi-trailer consists of an inner cage that can be easily disassembled to fit the load to be transported. Not surprisingly, ribbing stands for elements arranged to form an arc and, in the specific case of the semi-trailer, the inner frame.

Refrigerated semi-trailers

Refrigerated semi-trailers are refrigerated vehicles designed to transport perishable products that must be stored and handled under temperature-controlled conditions.

For example, for food and beverages, suitable means must be used according to precise terms and conditions set by international standards.

In fact, transport with temperature-controlled refrigerated semi-trailers is regulated by the Accord Transport Perissable (ATP )standard, which sets criteria for the international transport of perishable products, as well as the characteristics that the vehicle must have.

In the ATP agreement, there are specific directions concern the technical aspects of vehicles used to transport perishable foodstuffs, including the temperatures to be observed at various stages of transport.

Refrigerated semi-trailers are isothermal vehicles that mount within them a refrigeration unit capable of maintaining, with a constant outside temperature of + 30°C, a predetermined internal temperature.

In addition, the regulations stipulate that vehicles must have stickers on the outside of the vehicle, and possibly on the top and front of both sides, recognizing the ATP classification per vehicle, complete with the month and year of expiration.

Extendable semi-trailers and tipping semi-trailers

Then there are semi-trailers that meet more targeted needs, such as extendable semi-trailers and tilting semi-trailers.

The first type is suitable for loading more goods or needing extension in length, just think of transporting several cars or vehicles at the same time.

The second type of semi-trailer has a tipper body that allows the unloading of bulk materials such as gravel, asphalt mix, sand or rock. It is, in fact, mainly used by companies that work in the construction industry and can withstand particularly heavy loads.

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