Driving a refrigerated truck is a big responsibility, and a breakdown is never an ideal situation. It interferes with your route and can risk your cargo. If this situation occurs, it's imperative to protect the goods inside as well as yourself and other drivers. Moving off the road is the first step to creating a safer scenario, but there are several other steps to take to handle a breakdown. Roadside assistance is just a call away, but follow these tips to protect the cargo while you wait for help.

How to Handle a Refrigerated Truck Breakdown

1. Move to Safety

If the truck can drive to the side of a road, move over to the shoulder or a parking lot to avoid crashes or further damage. If the vehicle is stuck where it broke down, make sure to activate your emergency lights and remain inside the cab while contacting roadside assistance. It can be dangerous to exit the vehicle on a busy road, so stay safe and wait for a professional to arrive. 

2. Protect the Refrigerated Cargo

Once you've moved the vehicle off of the road to a safer location on the side or out of the main flow of traffic, keeping the cargo chilled is important. Perishable items have to remain cold, so leave the doors protecting them shut to avoid any warm air getting in. Since this type of truck or trailer is normally insulated, it will retain its cold temperatures inside for a while. 

You might have several hours to wait for roadside assistance or a backup refrigerated truck to transfer the items to, even with a breakdown. Keep your reefer unit up and running to aid with keeping the delivery cold.

3. Check the Warranty

Getting your truck to safety and moving perishable items are the two most important steps when dealing with a breakdown. Once those factors have been handled, locate the truck's warranty and contact the provider of the refrigeration appliance. If it's still under warranty, they can help get repairs rolling or compensate for any replacements that are needed. Always hold on to the warranty and know its terms, so you can feel assured when driving the truck.

If your refrigeration truck breaks down in or around Lincoln, Pell City, or Oxford, AL, turn to Twin Creeks Towing. For more than 25 years, they have provided roadside assistance to those in need, offering everything from fuel delivery to towing services. Their heavy-duty trucks can haul sedans, SUVs, and even tractor-trailers, so your day doesn't have to grind to a halt due to a breakdown. For more information, call (855) 562-0663 or visit their website.