Reefer Fuel Consumption

Calculate refrigeration unit fuel consumption from temperature differential.

Ambient Temperature

°F

Setpoint Temperature

°F

Trailer Length

Trip Duration

hrs

Diesel Price

$/gal

Reefer Type

Load Density

Tab to move between fields

Fuel Rate

1.55 gal/hr

Trip Fuel Usage

37.2 gal

≈ 7 buckets

Trip Fuel Cost$148.80

Cost per Hour$6.20

Daily Fuel Cost$148.80

Weekly Fuel Cost$1,041.60

Temperature Differential50°F

How to Use This Calculator

Enter the Ambient Temperature (°F) outside the trailer.
Set the Setpoint Temperature (°F) for the cargo — 35°F for fresh produce, 0°F for frozen.
Enter Trailer Length in feet and Trip Duration in hours.
Set the current Diesel Price ($/gal) and select Single or Multi-Temperature reefer unit.
Choose Load Density (light LTL, medium, or full) to account for cooling demand.
Review Fuel Rate (gal/hr), Trip Fuel Usage (gal), Trip Fuel Cost, and Cost per Hour.

How the result changes with Trailer Length

Identify Input Parameters
4 parameters
Ambient Temperature = 85, Setpoint Temperature = 35, Trailer Length = 53, Trip Duration = 24 = 7 input(s) provided
Calculate Fuel Rate
1.55 = 1.55
Calculate Trip Fuel Usage
Trip Fuel Usage
37.2 = 37.2
Calculate Trip Fuel Cost
Trip Fuel Cost
148.8 = $148.8
Calculate Cost per Hour
Cost per Hour
6.2 = $6.2