Reefer Fuel Cost Calculator
Reefer units run on their own fuel, separate from your truck engine. Enter the estimated run hours, your unit's consumption rate, and current diesel price to see the full reefer fuel cost for a trip.
Results are estimates only.
Your Results
- Estimated Trip Cost
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- Estimated Gallons
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- Estimated Cost / Day
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Based on 24hr run rate
A cost drivers often miss
Refrigerated trailer units have their own diesel engine and fuel tank — completely separate from the truck. On a 3-day run with the reefer running 10 hours per day at 0.6 gal/hr, you are burning 18 gallons just for the reefer — about $69 at $3.85/gallon. That number needs to be in your load profit math before you accept the rate.
To see the full trip cost including both truck fuel and reefer, enter truck fuel separately in the Fuel Cost Calculator and add reefer gallons in the reefer field there, or use that number here and add the results together.
Formula
Estimated Gallons = Reefer Hours × Gallons Per Hour
Estimated Cost = Estimated Gallons × Diesel Price
Cost Per Day = Gallons Per Hour × 24 × Diesel Price
Typical reefer consumption rates
- Modern units (new or recent): ~0.4–0.6 gal/hr under normal operating conditions
- Older units: ~0.6–0.8 gal/hr, especially in extreme heat or cold
- Frozen loads: Typically consume more than fresh/chilled loads due to larger temperature differential
- Frequent door openings: Increase consumption significantly
Check your reefer unit's spec sheet for the manufacturer's consumption rate. Actual consumption varies based on ambient temperature, set point, load type, and unit condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much fuel does a reefer unit burn per hour?
- Most refrigerated trailer units burn between 0.4 and 0.8 gallons of diesel per hour, depending on the unit age, temperature set point, ambient conditions, and load type. Older units and extreme temperature differentials push consumption toward the higher end.
- Is reefer fuel included in IFTA reporting?
- Generally no. Reefer units have separate fuel tanks and are classified as auxiliary power units (APUs). In most IFTA jurisdictions, fuel used by the reefer engine does not count toward IFTA calculations since it is not propulsion fuel. Verify with your base jurisdiction.
- Does running the reefer all night cost more than I think?
- At 0.6 gallons per hour and $3.85/gallon diesel, running a reefer for 10 hours overnight costs approximately $23. A 3-day trip could add $70+ in reefer fuel alone, before accounting for the truck engine. Always include reefer fuel in your load cost estimates for temperature-controlled freight.
- Should I try to negotiate reefer fuel reimbursement into the load rate?
- Yes, where possible. Some brokers include a reefer fuel surcharge in their rate sheet; others roll it into the base rate without calling it out. Before accepting a temperature-controlled load, calculate your expected reefer fuel cost and factor it into your minimum acceptable rate. A run that looks fine at $1.80/mile may not be after $80–$100 in reefer fuel over a 3-day haul.
- Does a reefer burn more fuel in hot weather or cold weather?
- Both extremes increase consumption compared to mild ambient conditions, because the unit works harder to maintain the set point against a larger temperature differential. Frozen loads (held at -10°F to 0°F) tend to use more than fresh loads year-round because the differential from ambient is always large. Unit age and maintenance condition also matter — an older unit running the same set point will cycle the compressor more often to compensate for reduced efficiency.
Sources & Assumptions
- Consumption range (0.4–0.8 gal/hr) referenced against specifications for common refrigerated trailer units including Thermo King and Carrier Transicold product lines under normal operating conditions.
- Actual consumption varies with ambient temperature, set point, door opening frequency, unit age, and maintenance condition.
- Cost per day assumes continuous 24-hour operation at the entered rate — adjust run hours for your actual daily operating pattern.
Disclaimer: Reefer fuel consumption varies significantly based on unit age, maintenance, temperature settings, ambient conditions, and cargo type. These estimates are for planning purposes only. Results are not financial advice.