A partition separates cargo; the system must control each zone
A multi-temperature refrigerated truck is useful when cargoes need different conditions on the same route. Start by naming the cargo and its approved temperature range in each compartment. “Chilled” and “frozen” are useful descriptions, but they leave the supplier without the setpoints needed to select the system.
Each compartment has its own heat load and needs suitable supply and return airflow. Partitions and door openings also transfer heat between zones. Adding a divider to a single-zone body therefore does not, by itself, provide independent temperature control.
The small compartment deserves as much attention as the large one. Its door-opening pattern can determine how well it recovers during deliveries. Ask the supplier to explain how each zone will maintain its required condition while the others are operating.
Draw the compartments at departure and during deliveries
Equal-sized compartments are only useful if they fit the cargo and delivery sequence. As goods leave the truck, the load changes; movable partitions can also change zone volume and return-air paths. A drawing of the departure load cannot describe the whole route.
Prepare the route brief below alongside the body drawing. Include the starting temperatures of both cargo and body, and review payload with the proposed partitions and equipment. USDA transport guidance provides background on preconditioning, airflow and loading; it does not size a KEEYAK refrigeration system. USDA, Protecting Perishable Foods During Transport by Truck
Scroll horizontally to view all columns.
| Route detail | What to record | What the supplier needs to explain |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo in each zone | Approved temperature range, starting temperature and changing load | The simultaneous duty and heat load for each compartment |
| Compartment layout | Zone volumes, partition positions and cargo arrangement through the route | Supply and return airflow, with the proposed evaporators, defrost and drainage |
| Delivery stops | Stop sequence, door sizes and opening duration | Interactions between zones and recovery under the stated conditions |
| Temperature records | Sensor locations, alarms and response to an excursion | Monitoring for every zone, rather than only the coldest compartment |
Why adding two heat loads is only a starting point
Consider the illustrative design loads of 3.2 kW for a frozen zone and 1.8 kW for a chilled zone. Their base simultaneous load is 3.2 + 1.8 = 5.0 kW, before any allowance for interaction between compartments. These are example values, not ratings for a KEEYAK model.
The supplier still needs to account for partition leakage, door sequence, defrost and the changing cargo layout. It must show that each zone’s evaporator or air system can meet its own project condition and that the system has enough available simultaneous capacity for the combined approved design loads.
Use the sum to understand the selection discussion. The cargo requirements and refrigeration supplier’s calculation determine the final design; the 5.0 kW figure alone cannot select a unit.
Agree how each compartment will be checked
Keep the zone-by-zone route brief, partition and airflow drawing, supplier capacity calculation, and commissioning and temperature-mapping plan in the configuration review. They should describe the same arrangement and operating conditions. The KEEYAK buying process and public worksheets help organize this review; the signed project documents remain controlling. KEEYAK buying process KEEYAK public project documents
The refrigerated-truck product page provides the family context for an inquiry. Obtain the selected equipment documents for the actual compartment arrangement and ratings. KEEYAK Refrigerated Truck family
Identify the sensor locations, records, alarms and response procedure for every zone. One air sensor does not describe every product temperature. Before combining cargoes, agree segregation, temperature control, monitoring and excursion procedures against the cargo owner’s and destination’s food-safety requirements.
Sources and applicability
Controls the project-input, quotation, approval and inspection workflow described in this guide.
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Provides public checklists and worksheets; the signed project documents remain controlling.
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Defines the relevant product family and published configuration boundaries. Project-specific ratings require the selected OEM documents.
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Primary public guidance supporting preconditioning, airflow, door-seal and loading checks. Cargo-owner and destination requirements remain controlling.
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