Great Dane recently highlighted its innovations in the refrigerated trailer and truck body segment, including a Johnson C-Series all-electric refrigerated truck body.
The trailer manufacturer also demonstrated its ThermoGuard reefer lining with Microband broad-spectrum antimicrobial technology, which can help fight hidden threats that damage refrigerated trailers, at the International Foodservice Distributors Association Distribution Solutions Conference in San Antonio TX.
“As the company that pioneered the refrigerated trailer in the 1940s, Great Dane understands how invisible issues like water weight gain and bacteria growth can go largely unseen in your reefer until it’s too late,” said Chris Hammond, Great Dane’s executive vice president of sales. “Luckily, we also know how to protect against these invisible threats.
“Great Dane’s exclusive ThermoGuard reefer lining featuring Microban antimicrobial technology can help improve insulation performance and provide a cleaner environment for temperature-sensitive goods.”
The company said ThermoGuard and Microban protection help meet the changing needs of the foodservice industry, spurred by the effects of foodborne illness in the supply chain and the Food Safety Modernization Act, with trailers designed to prevent temperature-sensitive goods from reaching unsafe temperatures and provide a cleaner environment.
In addition to the Johnson C-Series all-electric refrigerated truck body, Great Dane also spotlighted an Everest Multi-Temp refrigerated trailer and a Johnson R-Series composite refrigerated truck body.
The Everest Multi-Temp at the conference was designed and built exclusively for Ben E. Keith Co, a broadline foodservice and beverage distributor. The customized 28-foot reefer features several options to meet foodservice needs, including PunctureGuard lining with Microban antimicrobial protection, three temperature-controlled compartments with moveable bulkheads and remote evaporators, and two curbside doors featuring Great Dane’s unique blade lock design, which features dual-compression seals to prevent air loss around the total perimeter of the door.
The Johnson R-Series composite refrigerated truck body features six automotive-style doors, three on each side, and a low ground-to-floor height, which helps reduce injuries and lets drivers quickly identify products at ground level. The R-Series also features a back-up alarm, back-up camera system and LED strip lighting above each door that is activated with keyless entry for improved visibility and safety.
The Johnson C-Series is Great Dane’s prototype all-electric refrigerated truck body featuring the latest electric evaporator and solar panel technology. It uses Great Dane’s AE Series all-electric refrigeration system, which requires no diesel fuel, reduces operating costs and virtually eliminates particulate matter, reducing overall fuel consumption and carbon footprint.
The roof-mounted solar panels combined with a 48-volt DC condensing unit and the composite construction of the truck body provide a complete, thermally efficient solution for distributors, Great Dane said.