Supply chains can face a lot of serious setbacks during the product distribution phase. Reefer trailers aim to eliminate common issues regarding cold chain transportation, making them one of the most vital trailers in the industry. Reefer units help keep products cool with refrigeration technology that maintains a temperature between 2 degrees and 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Distribution companies that deliver perishable fruits and vegetables rely on these trailers for quality assurance. Even certain pharmaceuticals and chemicals benefit from transportation in a reefer trailer.
The FDA has put strict regulations in place regarding the cold-chain transport of human and animal foods. Companies that distribute these products must abide by the following requirements in the Food Safety Modernization Act:
Food distribution companies can easily comply with these regulations by transporting perishable foods in a reefer trailer. Operators can control the temperature of the trailer to ensure the products inside remain safe. The overall demand for heavy equipment transportation continues to grow, but reefer trailers, in particular, are seeing a steady rise within the industry.
From the outside, refrigerated trailers don’t appear much different from other semi-trailers. They feature an aluminum or stainless steel frame and side skirt. The interior of the trailer, however, is fairly different.
Inside, you’ll find a duct floor that promotes ventilation for optimum product cooling and safety. The walls contain foam insulation so the trailer can retain its temperature on long trips, regardless of the temperature outside. The most important component is the Trailer Refrigeration Unit.
TRUs contain a small diesel engine that operates a condenser coil and refrigerant compressor. The coil and compressor work together to remove heat from inside the trailer and replace it with cold air. Drivers can manually adjust the TRU settings from their seat.
If you need a high-quality reefer trailer to safely transport temperature-controlled items, Royal Truck & Utility Trailer has your solution. We have more than 50 years of industry experience and have built a reputation as one of the most trusted semi-trailer dealerships in the Midwest. Through our company’s many milestones, we remain a family business at our core.
Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is what sets us apart. You can count on our friendly specialists to help you find the perfect reefer trailer for your transportation needs. We provide a full-service experience beyond trailer sales and have a dedicated service team that can repair and maintain your unit.
Given the benefits of reefer trailers, there’s no need to wait any longer to secure one for your company. But how do you find the right one? If you’re in the market for a refrigerated trailer, keep the following factors in mind:
Thanks to their impressive temperature control features, refrigerated trailers are becoming one of the most important products within the heavy-duty truck industry. Reefer trailers prove to be an asset for manufacturing and distribution companies across the country. The current market outlook continues to support their growth in the future.
Take advantage of this modern trailer and elevate your business. Reach out to our industry experts at Royal Truck & Utility Trailer to learn more about our inventory of reefer trailers for sale. Call (313) 524-2531 for more information about our reefer units available.
Chief Legal Officer
Anthony Sciara is our Chief Legal Officer, Corporate Secretary, and a Member of our Board of Directors. He has been a licensed attorney for nearly 15 years. Anthony earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Eastern Michigan University in 2002 and his Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois (Chicago) Law School in 2006. Anthony represented the company for eight years as outside counsel before formally joining the team in October of 2019. Anthony handles and/or supervises all legal and compliance matters for the company, including executive strategy, corporate transactions, and dispute resolution. In addition to his responsibilities with the company, Anthony serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the Northville Educational Foundation, participates in the Association of Corporate Counsel, and was previously an Adjunct Professor of Lawyering Skills at the University of Illinois (Chicago) Law School. Anthony is most proud that his position allows him the opportunity to solve problems for us in creative ways, which minimizes risk and maximizes success. The thing Anthony loves most about being part of Royal Truck & Utility Trailer is the sincere and uncommon passion that ownership, leadership, and other employees share for the success of the company.
Chief Financial Officer
Julie Igielski is the Chief Financial Officer at Royal Truck & Utility Trailer. Julie attended Michigan State University and earned her Bachelor’s in Merchandise Management in 2004 before attending Eastern Michigan University to get a Master’s degree in Accounting. After graduating with her MSA, she received her Certified Public Accountant license. Prior to joining the Royal team in 2013, Julie held various accounting positions at both publicly and privately owned companies. Since deciding to continue on in the family business nearly 8 years ago, she has helped us accomplish so much. Julie is in charge of all of our finances, creates all of our financial statements, works closely with our CEO and COO when making executive decisions, and works with the bank when acquiring new properties and companies. She is most proud of her CPA license and all of the growth and success she has helped Royal achieve. The thing she loves most about her job is being able to work with her family and her co-workers who have become her family over the years. We are so happy that Julie decided to join the team, we are so appreciative of all she does for us every day.
Chief Operating Officer
Adam Pigeon is the Chief Operating Officer here at Royal Truck & Utility Trailer. Adam joined the team in 2009 after graduating from Eastern Michigan University with a Bachelors of Science in 2008. He first joined us as a Parts Counter Representative and advanced to Parts Purchasing Manager. Adam was promoted to Chief Operating Officer in January of 2015 and under his leadership we have seen such tremendous growth. Adam is tasked with overseeing all of our day to day operations between all four facilities and works closely with Corporate Officers, Department VPs, and Directors to implement the company’s strategic plan. When asked about his favorite part about being a part of Royal Truck & Trailer, he shared that he loves the people he works with every day. Something Adam takes pride in is all of the company growth that he has helped achieve over his time at Royal. With over 10 years experience, he has become knowledgeable about the industry and strengthened his skills in operations management, leadership, team building, and contract negotiation. Adam has served on multiple industry advisory and councils and boards. Adam is such an asset to our company and we are so proud of everything he has accomplished during his time with us at Royal Truck & Trailer.
Chief Executive Officer
Ken Bumgardner is the CEO of Royal Truck & Utility Trailer. Ken is an extremely hardworking individual with interpersonal and problem-solving skills. He graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a degree in Business Management in 2001. Ken has been with the company since he was 12 years old, he was always helping out at the shop to spend time with his dad before joining the team full time in 2001. Before becoming our current CEO, he has held various positions working his way up in the company, such as: cleaner, parts runner, parts counter, parts manager, trailer salesman, office manager, vice president, and president. Ken wanted to join the family business because of his very close relationship with his family, and he loved working with and spending time with his dad. On a daily basis, he is in charge of merger and acquisitions and overseeing our C-level executives. In addition to these responsibilities, Ken also makes sure everyone at Royal is happy in their roles; he thoroughly enjoys working with all of the members of our team. Something he is very proud of is the acquisition of East Michigan Trailer Sales in 2017 because of how it has impacted the dynamic of Royal. He is on the Board of The National Trailer Association and formerly was on the Board of The Michigan Trucking Association. Under Ken’s leadership, we have accomplished great new highs and cannot wait to see what else we can accomplish in the future.
Chief Executive Officer
Ken Bumgardner is the CEO of Royal Truck & Utility Trailer. Ken is an extremely hardworking individual with interpersonal and problem-solving skills. He graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a degree in Business Management in 2001. Ken has been with the company since he was 12 years old, he was always helping out at the shop to spend time with his dad before joining the team full time in 2001. Before becoming our current CEO, he has held various positions working his way up in the company, such as: cleaner, parts runner, parts counter, parts manager, trailer salesman, office manager, vice president, and president. Ken wanted to join the family business because of his very close relationship with his family, and he loved working with and spending time with his dad. On a daily basis, he is in charge of merger and acquisitions and overseeing our C-level executives. In addition to these responsibilities, Ken also makes sure everyone at Royal is happy in their roles; he thoroughly enjoys working with all of the members of our team. Something he is very proud of is the acquisition of East Michigan Trailer Sales in 2017 because of how it has impacted the dynamic of Royal. He is on the Board of The National Trailer Association and formerly was on the Board of The Michigan Trucking Association. Under Ken’s leadership, we have accomplished great new highs and cannot wait to see what else we can accomplish in the future.