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You Need to Keep Food Cold. Let’s Help You Choose.
Hello! In business, moving cold food, medicine, or milk is very important. You need to use a refrigerated van. These vans are called reefer vans. You want the best. But should you buy a new refrigerated van or should you change a used van into a cold van? Let’s find out!
What Do You Need?
Every business is different. You must ask:
- What do you put in your van? (Meat, dairy, seafood, medicine, or fresh fruit)
- How cold must your cargo stay? (Frozen or just chilled)
- How much will your van carry? (This is called payload)
- How far do you drive? (Just in town or long trips)
- How many years will you use it?
- How much money can you spend?
- What rules must you follow? (Like DOT or FDA)
If you move lots of cold or frozen food, a strong and safe cargo van is key!
Your Two Main Choices
Option 1: Buy a New Reefer Van
A new reefer van from the factory has insulation, a refrigeration unit, and strong door seals already built in. You can order safety and temperature features just for your business.
Initial Costs
- Van cost: $50,000 – $90,000+
- Insurance: Higher first year
- Taxes and license: Based on new cost
Ongoing Costs
- Lower repair costs at first (new van warranty)
- Better on gas/mileage
- Less likely to stop working
Benefits
- Best for reliability; less down time
- Warranty for van and fridge unit
- Uses new technology; saves fuel
- Fits all DOT, FDA, and GDP rules
- Good public image for your business
Drawbacks
- Higher first payment
- Might take longer to order and get your van
- Depreciates (loses value) quicker
Option 2: Convert a Used Van
Some people start with an old van. Then, they convert it using insulation kits and new or used refrigeration units.
Initial Costs
- Used van cost: $10,000 – $30,000+
- New cooling system: $8,000 – $20,000+
- Liner/insulation: $5,000 – $15,000+
- Labor: $5,000 – $10,000 professional or much less if you do it yourself
- May need repairs for the old van
Ongoing Costs
- May pay less for insurance
- Old vans might burn more fuel
- More fixing, more downtime risk
Benefits
- Lower first cost
- Get running faster
- Pick your own van, fridge unit, and setup
- Can turn old fleet vans into refrigerated vans
Drawbacks
- Old vans may break more
- Less warranty, sometimes none
- Rules for food safety and compliance can be harder to meet
- May not look as nice as a new van
Let’s See a Comparison Table
| Feature | New Reefer Van | Converted Used Van | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Cost | $50,000–$90,000+ | $25,000–$60,000 | New van can cost more than $100K |
| Insurance | Higher | Lower | Based on van value |
| Fuel Costs | Lower | Can be higher | Old engines use more fuel |
| Maintenance | Lower (new, warranty) | Can be high | Old van breaks, repair costs |
| Repair Costs | Low at first | Can be high | Parts wear out on old van |
| Depreciation | High 1st-3 years | Lower | New van loses value fast |
| Warranty | Yes (van & reefer) | Limited | None on used, sometimes on fridge unit |
| Reliability | Best (few breakdowns) | Variable | Depends on old van condition |
| Compliance | Easy (built to rules) | Harder to check | Need to verify meets all rules |
| Lead Time | Slower (order from factory) | Faster (convert any van) | Delivery wait for new vans |
| Resale Value | Higher | Lower | New reefer is in demand |
What Matters to You?
Do you need a van right now? Used vans convert fast.
Do you care about less downtime? New vans are better.
Looking to pay less now instead of more later? Go with a conversion.
Want the latest cold tech and strong business image? Pick new.
What Can Go Wrong
- Old vans can break more.
- DIY conversions done wrong = spoilt food.
- Fridge units on old vans may not stay cold enough.
- If DOT or FDA rules aren’t met, fines come fast.
CLW GROUP: Your Partner for Reefer Vans and More
At CLW GROUP, we help you find what fits best. We make new reefer vans with great insulation, famous fridge systems like Thermo King and Carrier Transicold, and setups for cold or frozen goods. Need a used van conversion? We also convert base vans – Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter, or Ram ProMaster. You choose the temperature range, we do the rest!
- Vehicle upfitting for refrigeration
- DOT, FDA, and HACCP rules met
- After-sales and technical support
- Fast delivery, all over the world
- Flexible payment and financing
No matter if you need to move food, medicine, meat, or dairy, our custom production and delivery service gets you rolling and your cold chain running!
Why Businesses Trust CLW GROUP
- Expert in all types of commercial vehicles.
- Many choices, even aluminum truck flatbeds for big hauls.
- Need a cement mix truck for jobs? We build that, too!
- Expand your fleet: From auto transport trucks to rear loader garbage trucks – we do it all.
Want to see our work? Visit our special trucks factory.
Make the Smart Choice for Your Fleet
You want reliability, low costs, and to keep goods safe.
The right reefer van helps your drivers, grows your business, and keeps your customers happy.
Let’s Talk. CLW GROUP will build the best refrigerated van for you.
Contact us for a free quote today.
References
- CLW GROUP product specs (2024).
- DOT and FDA transport rules for reefer vehicles.
- Market pricing sources (industry averages Q2 2024).
Ready to upgrade? See the full line of material handling cranes or equip your business with a tipper truck for every hauling need.
CLW GROUP – building the future of cold chain transport, one van at a time.
Summary Table: What’s Best For You?
| Your Need | Best Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Max reliability | New Reefer Van | Fewer breakdowns, warranty you trust |
| Low first payment | Conversion | Use your own van, pay less to start |
| Fancy features/looks | New Reefer Van | Professional, modern |
| Get started quick | Conversion | Fast to set up |
| Keep costs low overtime | New Reefer Van | Better fuel use, less repairs, more tech |
| Move big loads | Both work | Depends on van and fridge unit |
See? Easy. Pick what’s best for your business with CLW GROUP.
Let’s work together for cooler success!
