A vehicle for chilled or frozen goods is not planned on size alone. The goods, temperature, stops, packaging and loading are decisive. A small van may suit pharmacies or delicatessens. A Sprinter, Crafter, Daily or Ducato may be necessary for store deliveries. The right solution comes from the route profile and load space concept.
How do chilled and frozen transport differ?
Chilled transport operates above zero. Typical goods include meat, sausages, dairy products, baked goods, delicatessen products, salads and catering boxes. The challenge often lies in frequent stops and rapid door openings.
Frozen transport operates below zero. Door openings have a greater effect because warm air leads more quickly to ice formation and loss of temperature control. Insulation, seals, strip curtains and spare refrigeration capacity therefore become particularly important.
| Application | Typical temperature | Typical goods | Important equipment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chilled goods transport | usually +2 °C to +7 °C | meat, dairy products, delicatessen products | organisation, cleaning, quick access |
| Frozen goods transport | well below 0 °C | ice cream, frozen goods, frozen baked goods | strong insulation, door barrier, spare refrigeration capacity |
| Multi-compartment | multiple zones | chilled and frozen goods on one route | partition, airflow, documentation |
| Pharmaceuticals | often +2 °C to +8 °C | medicines, diagnostic products | documentation, data logger, validation |
The exact temperature depends on the product and the customer’s requirements. For cross-border food transport, the ATP agreement of the UNECE provides the technical basis.
Which vehicle size suits which route?
There is no fixed rule. A Caddy, Citan, Kangoo or Berlingo may be enough for small urban deliveries. A Vito, Expert, Jumpy or Transporter often suits catering and mid-size routes. Larger vehicles such as Sprinter, Crafter, TGE, Ducato, Boxer or Daily become attractive when volume, payload or pallet capacity matter.
The vehicle overview shows typical model groups. The page Available now helps when a vehicle is needed at short notice. For sector-specific requirements, see the industry overview.
Which five questions clarify the volume needed?
- Which goods are transported most often?
- How many stops are there on a typical route?
- What packaging is used: E2 box, GN container, roll container or pallet?
- Do the goods need to be documented?
- What vehicle height and payload are permitted in everyday use?
An undersized vehicle creates extra journeys. An oversized vehicle can negatively affect payload, consumption and manoeuvring. Good planning finds the balance.
What does this mean for you?
- You avoid a vehicle that only works on paper.
- You can assess volume, payload and temperature together.
- You find out early whether multiple compartments or frozen transport make sense.
- You gain a better basis for purchasing and driver decisions.
- You reduce complaints caused by incorrect loading or temperature losses.
FAQ
Can one vehicle combine chilled and frozen transport?
Yes, if it is designed as a multi-compartment solution. A partition separates different temperature zones. This is useful for mixed delivery routes.
Is a large van always better?
No. A large vehicle offers more volume but can negatively affect payload, costs and manoeuvring. The route is what matters.
Which models are suitable for larger delivery rounds?
Typical examples are Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, VW Crafter, MAN TGE, Iveco Daily, Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer, Citroën Jumper and Ford Transit. Suitability depends on the conversion, payload and temperature range.
When is a frozen-goods solution worthwhile?
It is worthwhile when sub-zero temperatures must be maintained regularly. For occasional needs, assess whether separate routes would be more economical.
Final call to action
Send us the stops, goods, temperature range and packaging units. The direct contact with our sales team will help identify the right vehicle size.