what is reefer fuel vs tractor fuel

When people think about fuel for trucks, the most common types that come to mind are diesel and gasoline. However, there are other fuel types that are also commonly used for commercial trucks. Two of these are reefer fuel and tractor fuel. In this article, we'll explore the difference between these two fuel types.

What is Reefer Fuel?

Reefer fuel is a type of fuel that is used specifically for refrigerated trailers or \"reefers\" that transport temperature-sensitive cargo, such as perishable food or pharmaceuticals. This fuel is also known as \"reefer diesel\" or \"reefer gas\" and it's usually a blend of diesel and kerosene. The kerosene helps regulate the temperature inside the trailer, which is important since temperature fluctuations can damage the cargo.

What is Tractor Fuel?

Tractor fuel is a type of diesel fuel that is used for the engine of a commercial truck or \"tractor\". This fuel is also sometimes referred to as \"highway diesel\" or \"road diesel\". It's the same diesel fuel that is used in cars but with a higher cetane rating, which means it ignites faster and burns more completely, resulting in improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions.

The Key Differences between Reefer Fuel and Tractor Fuel

The main difference between reefer fuel and tractor fuel is that they are designed for different purposes. Reefer fuel is intended for use in the refrigeration units of trucks to maintain a consistent temperature, while tractor fuel is intended for use in the engine of the truck. Reefer fuel is also a blend of diesel and kerosene, while tractor fuel is pure diesel with a higher cetane rating.Another difference is the color of the fuel. Reefer fuel is usually dyed red to distinguish it from other fuel types and prevent it from being used in engines, while tractor fuel is typically dyed green or clear. Additionally, reefer fuel is subject to different regulations than tractor fuel, since it's used for transporting perishable goods.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Reefer Fuel and Tractor Fuel

One of the main benefits of using reefer fuel is that it helps to maintain a consistent temperature inside the trailer, which is crucial for transporting perishable goods. It also contains less sulfur than regular diesel fuel, which helps reduce emissions.However, one of the drawbacks of reefer fuel is that it's more expensive than regular diesel fuel. It also contains kerosene, which can cause clogging in the engine if the fuel is mistakenly used in the engine.As for tractor fuel, one of the main benefits is that it has a higher cetane rating, which means improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions. It's also more widely available and less expensive than reefer fuel.However, one of the drawbacks of tractor fuel is that it's not suitable for use in refrigeration units. If used in a reefer, it can cause damage to the cooling system and lead to spoilage of the cargo.

Conclusion

In summary, reefer fuel and tractor fuel are two distinct types of fuel that are used in commercial trucks for different purposes. Reefer fuel is used specifically for refrigeration units to maintain a consistent temperature, while tractor fuel is used to power the truck's engine. While both fuel types have benefits and drawbacks, it's important to use the correct fuel for the intended purpose to ensure the safe and efficient transportation of goods.