How Much Does a Refrigerated Truck Cost? (2025 Complete Guide)

Are you looking to buy a refrigerated truck? This guide will show you all the costs. Let’s look at what you pay for a reefer truck.

Quick Answer: How Much Does a Refrigerated Truck Cost?

Refrigerated truck prices vary based on size and type:

• Light-Duty Refrigerated Trucks: $25,000 to $70,000
• Medium-Duty Refrigerated Trucks: $118,285 to $164,492
• Heavy-Duty Refrigerated Trucks: $163,770 to $179,980

Global Market Size for Refrigerated Trucks

Types of Refrigerated Trucks and Their Costs

By Truck Class

Light-Duty Refrigerated Trucks ($25,000–$70,000)

• Best for local deliveries
• Small insulated truck bodies
• Good for food transport

Medium-Duty Refrigerated Trucks ($118,285–$164,492)

• 2025 ISUZU NPR HD: $118,285
• 2025 KENWORTH T280: $164,492
• Good for regional deliveries
• Has refrigerated van body

Heavy-Duty Refrigerated Trucks ($163,770–$179,980)

• 2025 HINO L6: $179,980 with Cummins B6.7L engine and 26ft van body
• For long-haul transport
• Has liftgate refrigerated trucks
• Great for cold chain logistics

Looking for great refrigerated truck options? Check our Efficient Refrigerated Transport Solutions guide for more details.

Specialty Configurations

• Refrigerated truck liftgate adds $5,000–$15,000
• Insulated truck bodies with thermal efficiency
• Refrigerated van body with temperature control

New vs. Used Refrigerated Truck Costs

New Refrigerated Truck Benefits

• Latest refrigeration units
• Better fuel efficiency
• Full warranty options
• Lower maintenance costs

Used Refrigerated Truck Savings

• 2018-2020 Freightliner Business Class M2: $56,500–$60,750
• Has 165,000-204,000 miles
• Thermal performance may be less
• Higher breakdown costs

Need more options? See our Refrigerated Trucks for Sale page for both new and used options.

Hidden Costs for Refrigerated Trucks

Operational Expenses

• Fuel: $0.61–$0.73 per mile
• Tires: $0.46 per mile
• Annual costs: $104,445 per truck
• Driver costs: $77,512 per year

Industry-Specific Challenges

• Driver detention costs: Up to $1,300 per year
• Traffic congestion: Big problem for refrigerated truck delivery
• Temperature monitoring systems cost
• Refrigerated truck maintenance runs high

For cold chain needs in medical transport, our Cold Chain Logistics Truck solutions provide reliable temperature control.

Refrigerated Truck Market Trends (2025)

• Global market growing at 4.72% CAGR
• US/Canada market will reach $12 billion by 2025
• Refrigerated transport market rising to $130.95 billion (7.8% CAGR)
• Cost per mile forecast: +7% rise in 2025

Financing Options for Refrigerated Trucks

• Commercial loans
• Lease-to-own
• Rental options for short-term
• Truck financing with monthly payments

Where to Buy Refrigerated Trucks

Dealerships

• Rush Truck Centers
• Penske Used Trucks
• Bellamy Strickland Commercial Truck Sales

Online Marketplaces

• CommercialTruckTrader.com
• TruckPaper.com
• MyLittleSalesman.com

Smart Buying Tips

1. Check fuel efficiency ratings
2. Test the refrigeration unit
3. Look at thermal insulation
4. Ask about warranty options
5. Think about refrigerated truck sizing
6. Consider cargo capacity
7. Look at temperature control systems

Final Thoughts

When buying a refrigerated truck, look at both the upfront cost and long-term expenses. Light-duty trucks start at $25,000, while heavy-duty models can cost nearly $180,000. Used trucks offer savings but may have higher maintenance costs.

The refrigerated truck market is growing fast, with global values expected to exceed $20 billion by 2025. Make sure to check thermal efficiency, cargo capacity, and temperature monitoring systems before buying.