A transport vehicle with specialized construction incorporating low-conductivity materials (polyurethane foam, expanded polystyrene) between interior and exterior walls, roof, and floor to minimize heat transfer and maintain controlled internal temperatures. Insulated vehicles for frozen food transport typically feature 75-100mm insulation thickness, vapor barriers preventing moisture infiltration, and construction techniques eliminating thermal bridges through metal framing. SANS 10156:2014 requires that frozen food transport vehicles be insulated and equipped with mechanical refrigeration capable of maintaining proper temperatures when fully loaded. Insulation quality directly impacts refrigeration system sizing requirements and operational efficiency – superior insulation reduces thermal load, enabling smaller refrigeration units with lower fuel consumption. However, South African bodybuilders typically install minimum insulation to reduce costs and maximize cargo space, forcing operators to accept higher fuel consumption throughout vehicle lifetime. Professional frozen food transport requires engineering-grade insulation design treating thermal performance as fundamental requirement rather than cost to be minimized.
Related Terms: Reefer Vehicle, Temperature-Controlled Transport, Transport Refrigeration Unit (TRU), Insulation (Thermal)