1. The Golden Rule: Start Temperature Management Before Loading
A common misconception is that ISUZU refrigerated truck systems can quickly cool or heat goods to the desired set point after loading. In fact, if the produce or frozen goods you're loading are already outside their required temperature range, the system will struggle to compensate and may even cause surface drying, weight loss, or spoilage. Cold air blown directly onto the load will remove moisture and change the product's core temperature, but it's too slow to be effective. This is why professional operators always source goods from refrigerated facilities rather than directly from the site; goods must be at the proper transport temperature before entering the truck. The system is designed to maintain this state, not create it from scratch.
2. The Refrigeration Unit is an Insulator, Not a Rapid Cooler
Think of a refrigeration system as a high-tech insulating blanket, not a refrigerator. Its job is to counteract heat entering the compartment through conduction, radiation, and convection, constantly eliminating any external heat. It has no ability to reduce the temperature of a heat load in a short time. Like an old insulating blanket used to sell ice cream, the system preserves the existing thermal state of the goods. If cargo is loaded at ambient temperature, the unit will never cool it down to a safe level quickly enough, and quality will suffer. Therefore, always ensure the product is at the specified temperature before it enters the container.
3. Always Pre-Treat the Cargo Compartment
Since refrigerated trucks are typically parked outdoors, the internal temperature usually matches the surrounding environment. Loading cargo directly into a hot (or frozen) compartment immediately exposes it to adverse conditions, leading to condensation, wilting, or even frostbite. To avoid this, the compartment must be pre-cooled or preheated for approximately 1.5 hours before loading to bring the internal air to the exact temperature required for shipment. This step is non-negotiable: it ensures that the environment is stable and protective, not hostile, from the moment the cargo enters.
4. Turn Off the Unit When Opening the Door
Many drivers believe that keeping the refrigeration running during loading or unloading helps keep the compartment cool. In fact, the opposite is true. When the unit is active and the door is open, the evaporator fan continues to blow cold air from the top, creating a powerful airflow that quickly draws in hot, humid outside air from the bottom. This will significantly increase the internal temperature within seconds. If the unit is turned off, the fan stops, the airflow stops, and the pressure equalizes—so the infiltration of hot outside air is much slower. Therefore, the correct practice is to turn off the refrigeration system during any door opening and only restart it after the door is completely closed.
5. Arrange Stacking to Protect Cold Air Passage
Proper cargo placement is just as important as temperature settings. To allow cold air to circulate freely around each item, cargo should be stacked on double-sided pallets and never covered with plastic film that obstructs airflow. Maintain a minimum gap of approximately 23 cm between the top of the load and the ceiling, and ensure that floor recesses (if present) are not blocked. If the floor lacks ventilation passages, use pallets to lift the cargo, creating a gap for cold air to pass underneath. Failure to take these measures will create hot spots, leading to uneven cooling and accelerated spoilage. Following these simple loading rules will maximize the efficiency of the refrigeration unit and extend the shelf life of each shipment.
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