Refrigerated trailers — known in the industry as fridge trailers, reefers, or temperature-controlled units — are among the most specialised assets in the UK commercial vehicle fleet. They’re more complex to value than a standard curtainsider, more expensive to maintain, and the buyer pool is slightly more specialist. But when the time comes to sell, there’s a consistent market of cold chain operators actively looking for quality used units.
This guide covers what your refrigerated trailer is worth in 2026, what makes fridge trailers different to value, what documentation buyers will ask for, and how to sell without unnecessary delay.
What Refrigerated Trailers Do We Buy?
At Truck Trading we buy refrigerated trailers of all configurations across the UK, including:
Single-temperature fridge trailers The most common configuration — a single insulated compartment maintained at a consistent temperature. Typically used for chilled distribution, fresh produce, dairy, and pharmaceutical logistics.
Multi-temperature (twin-temp or duplex) fridge trailers Two separate temperature zones within one trailer body — fresh and frozen in the same unit. Widely used in retail distribution and foodservice.
Frozen trailers (freezer units) Configured for sub-zero operation, typically -18°C to -25°C. Used in frozen food distribution and cold chain logistics.
Insulated trailers (non-powered) No refrigeration unit — relies on insulation only or pre-cooled load. Lower value than powered units but still actively traded.
Urban fridge trailers and rigids Shorter-body refrigerated trailers and rigid fridge trucks for urban delivery routes.
We buy all makes of refrigeration unit, including Thermo King (SLX, SLXe, SLXi, Spectrum, Vector series), Carrier Transicold (Vector 1550, Vector 1950, Vector HE19), Frigoblock (underslung), and GAH (urban/rigid).
The Major European Refrigerated Trailer Manufacturers — and Why It Matters
As with low loaders, brand matters more for refrigerated trailers than it does for a standard curtainsider. Cold chain operators are buying a combination of body insulation quality, build integrity, and refrigeration system compatibility — and the major European manufacturers each have a distinct reputation that directly affects resale value. Here’s how the main brands compare in the UK market.
Schmitz Cargobull (Germany)
Schmitz Cargobull is the largest trailer manufacturer in Europe and the clear market leader in refrigerated trailers, both new and used. Founded in 1892, the company has built its reputation on consistent build quality and a genuinely extensive parts and service network across the UK and Europe — which matters enormously for a refrigerated trailer, where downtime on the refrigeration system can mean a spoiled load.
Top 3 Schmitz Cargobull models in the UK market:
- Schmitz S.KO COOL — the standard single-temperature refrigerated trailer; the most widely owned and traded Schmitz fridge trailer in the UK fleet.
- Schmitz S.KO COOL Multitemp — the duplex (twin-temperature) variant, allowing fresh and frozen compartments in a single trailer; strong demand from retail distribution operators.
- Schmitz S.CS FERROPLAST — a reinforced floor variant aimed at heavier-duty cold chain operations, popular with operators running higher-frequency pallet truck loading.
Why Schmitz commands a premium: Resale liquidity above all else. Schmitz is the brand every cold chain buyer recognises, and that familiarity translates directly into faster sales and stronger prices — buyers know parts, panels, and refrigeration mountings are straightforward to source regardless of where in Europe the trailer started life.
Krone (Germany)
Krone is the second-largest trailer manufacturer in Europe, and together with Schmitz accounts for over half of all trailer production across the continent. Krone’s refrigerated range — branded Cool Liner — has a strong following in the UK, particularly among operators who want Schmitz-level quality at a slightly more competitive price point.
Top 3 Krone models in the UK market:
- Krone Cool Liner SD — the standard single-temperature refrigerated semi-trailer; widely available in the UK used market and well regarded for body insulation quality.
- Krone Cool Liner SDR — a reinforced variant of the SD range with strengthened structural elements, sought after for higher-frequency loading operations.
- Krone Cool Liner Multitemp — the dual-temperature configuration, competing directly with Schmitz’s multitemp offering for retail and foodservice distribution buyers.
Why Krone holds value well: A genuine reputation for panel and insulation quality that rivals Schmitz, combined with a price point that’s typically slightly below Schmitz when new — a gap that persists into the used market and makes Krone an attractive option for buyers who want near-equivalent quality without paying the absolute top price.
Chéreau (France)
Chéreau holds a particular distinction in this category: it was the first European company to specialise entirely in refrigerated bodies for heavy goods vehicles, and it’s been doing exactly that for more than 60 years. The brand has a strong and loyal following, particularly among French and Benelux operators, and a growing presence in the UK fleet.
Top 3 Chéreau models in the UK market:
- Chéreau Furgocar — the core single-temperature refrigerated trailer range; well-regarded for panel construction and longevity.
- Chéreau Multitherm — the multi-temperature variant, used widely across European retail distribution networks and increasingly common in UK fleets supplying cross-Channel routes.
- Chéreau Frigo Plus — a higher-insulation specification aimed at extreme temperature applications, including pharmaceutical and deep-frozen logistics.
Why Chéreau is respected by buyers: A specialist focus that few competitors can claim — Chéreau makes nothing but refrigerated bodies, and that singular focus shows in the engineering detail around door seals, panel jointing, and insulation continuity, all of which directly affect how well a trailer holds temperature as it ages.
Lamberet (France)
Lamberet, founded in 1935, is one of the most established names in European refrigerated trailer manufacturing, with a comprehensive range covering everything from small panel vans to full-size semi-trailers.
Top 3 Lamberet models in the UK market:
- Lamberet Frigoline — the standard single-temperature refrigerated semi-trailer range; well represented in the UK used market.
- Lamberet Multitemp — the dual-compartment configuration for mixed fresh and frozen loads.
- Lamberet ProLiner — a higher-specification range with reinforced flooring and enhanced insulation, often specified for pharmaceutical and premium food logistics applications.
Why Lamberet maintains steady UK demand: A long manufacturing pedigree and a genuinely broad size range, which makes the brand a sensible choice for operators with varied fleet requirements. Lamberet doesn’t quite match Schmitz or Krone for UK brand recognition, but quality and resale demand remain solid, particularly for buyers already familiar with the brand from European operations.
Kögel (Germany)
Kögel has built a strong reputation in the wider European trailer market and offers a competitive refrigerated range that’s gained UK traction in recent years, particularly among operators looking for Schmitz/Krone-comparable quality at a more accessible price point.
Top 3 Kögel models in the UK market:
- Kögel Cool — the standard single-temperature refrigerated trailer; Kögel’s core fridge offering, increasingly seen in the UK fleet.
- Kögel Cool Multitemp — the dual-temperature variant for mixed-load distribution work.
- Kögel Cool XL — a higher-capacity variant aimed at maximising payload volume for retail and grocery distribution.
Why Kögel is gaining ground in the UK: Strong build quality at a price point that undercuts the very top-tier brands, plus an expanding UK dealer and parts presence. Resale values haven’t yet caught up to Schmitz or Krone, but the gap has been narrowing as UK fleet penetration grows and buyer familiarity increases.
Gray & Adams (UK)
Gray & Adams is the leading UK-built refrigerated trailer manufacturer, based in Scotland, and one of the most trusted names in British cold chain logistics. For operators who prioritise UK-built quality, straightforward domestic parts supply, and a manufacturer that understands UK operating conditions specifically, Gray & Adams is the default choice.
Top 3 Gray & Adams models in the UK market:
- Gray & Adams single-temperature fridge trailer — the core configuration; one of the most widely owned refrigerated trailers in the UK domestic fleet.
- Gray & Adams Multi-Temp — the dual-compartment variant, heavily used by UK retail and foodservice distribution operators.
- Gray & Adams insulated box trailer — the non-powered insulated variant, popular for shorter-route distribution where a full refrigeration unit isn’t required.
Why Gray & Adams is the default UK choice: Decades of dedicated UK manufacturing experience, an established domestic parts and service network, and genuine familiarity among UK buyers — Gray & Adams trailers are the most recognised refrigerated brand among British hauliers, and that familiarity supports consistently strong domestic resale demand.
Other Manufacturers Worth Mentioning
Alongside the brands above, Montracon, Lawrence David, Paneltex, and Cartwright all produce UK-market refrigerated bodies and trailers that trade actively, particularly among operators who want UK-built equipment without the premium attached to Gray & Adams specifically. SOR (Czech Republic) and Frappa (France) are less common in the UK but appear occasionally, particularly on trailers that have previously operated on continental European routes.
What Is My Refrigerated Trailer Worth in 2026?
Fridge trailer values are driven by age, refrigeration unit hours and condition, ATP/FRC certification status, body integrity, and trailer make. Here are indicative current market ranges:
| Make / Configuration | Year | Fridge Hours | Approx. Value (ex VAT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Schmitz S.KO single temp, Thermo King SLXe | 2020–2022 | Under 8,000 | £24,000–£38,000 |
| Schmitz S.KO single temp, Thermo King SLXe | 2017–2019 | 6,000–12,000 | £14,000–£22,000 |
| Schmitz S.KO twin temp (duplex) | 2019–2022 | Under 10,000 | £22,000–£36,000 |
| Krone Cool Liner SD, Carrier Vector | 2019–2022 | Under 10,000 | £20,000–£32,000 |
| Krone Cool Liner Multitemp | 2018–2021 | Under 12,000 | £20,000–£34,000 |
| Gray & Adams single temp, Thermo King | 2019–2022 | Under 10,000 | £20,000–£34,000 |
| Gray & Adams twin temp | 2018–2021 | Under 12,000 | £18,000–£30,000 |
| Chéreau Furgocar single temp | 2018–2021 | Under 10,000 | £16,000–£28,000 |
| Lamberet Frigoline single temp | 2018–2021 | Under 10,000 | £15,000–£26,000 |
| Kögel Cool single temp | 2019–2022 | Under 10,000 | £16,000–£28,000 |
| Montracon / Lawrence David single temp | 2018–2021 | Under 12,000 | £14,000–£24,000 |
| Older fridge trailer (2014–2016, high hours) | — | 15,000–22,000+ | £5,000–£12,000 |
Values are indicative only. ATP/FRC certificate status, fridge unit condition, and body insulation integrity significantly affect actual price. Get a free quote at trucktrading.co.uk
What Makes Refrigerated Trailers Different to Value?
Refrigeration Unit Hours — Not Just Trailer Age
Unlike a standard trailer where age is the primary factor, refrigerated trailers are valued on two separate clocks: the trailer body age and the refrigeration unit engine hours. A 2016 trailer body with a low-hours replacement fridge unit can be worth meaningfully more than a 2018 body with an original unit that’s clocked 18,000 hours.
Buyers assess fridge unit hours carefully because the refrigeration engine is effectively a separate diesel generator running independently of the truck — and like any engine, high hours mean increased service cost and eventual replacement risk. Fridge unit engine replacement (full unit swap) can cost £8,000–£20,000 depending on make and model.
Indicative fridge unit hour benchmarks:
- Under 6,000 hours — low use, commands a premium
- 6,000–12,000 hours — mid-market; acceptable but buyers factor in servicing costs
- 12,000–18,000 hours — lower value bracket; buyers assess remaining life carefully
- 18,000+ hours — approaching end of life; specialist buyers only
ATP/FRC Certification
The ATP Agreement (Agreement on the International Carriage of Perishable Foodstuffs) and its UK equivalent FRC (Food Refrigerated Container) certification is a legal requirement for trailers carrying perishable goods across international borders. In the UK domestic market, while ATP/FRC isn’t always strictly required by law, it is widely demanded by food logistics operators as proof that the insulation and refrigeration systems meet the required thermal performance standards.
ATP/FRC certificates are issued after testing and are valid for defined periods — typically three years for new trailers, with renewal testing required thereafter. A current, in-date ATP/FRC certificate is a significant asset when selling. An expired one, or a trailer that fails re-testing, substantially reduces value — buyers must either cover the cost of re-certification or apply a discount for the uncertainty.
Tip: If your ATP/FRC is within six months of expiry and you’re planning to sell, it may be worth getting it renewed before approaching buyers. The cost (typically £400–£800) is often recovered in a better selling price.
Body Insulation Integrity
The insulation in a refrigerated trailer degrades over time — particularly in areas subject to forklift damage, water ingress, or repeated thermal cycling. Buyers who understand cold chain will check for:
- Cold spots on the interior walls (indicating insulation gaps)
- Roof and floor integrity — any delamination or soft spots
- Door seals and hinges — the most common weak point for insulation loss
- Evidence of repairs, particularly foam injection repairs to damaged panels
A trailer with compromised insulation will fail ATP/FRC testing and may not be able to maintain temperature under load — which dramatically narrows the buyer pool.
Refrigeration Unit Make and Model
Thermo King and Carrier Transicold are the two dominant refrigeration unit brands in the UK, and both have well-established service and parts networks. These brands command a modest premium over less common makes.
Specific models that are well-regarded in the UK market:
- Thermo King SLXe 300 / SLXe Spectrum — the most common and most supported unit in the UK fleet
- Thermo King Vector 1950 / Vector 1550 — multi-temp capable; widely used in retail distribution
- Carrier Vector 1550 / 1950 MT — multi-temp, well-regarded for fuel efficiency
- Frigoblock FK35 / FK40 (underslung) — powered by the truck engine rather than a separate diesel; no separate fridge engine hours to worry about; popular for shorter routes
Electric Standby
Trailers fitted with electric standby (three-phase hook-up) allow the refrigeration unit to run from mains power when the trailer is stationary at a depot or distribution centre — saving diesel and reducing fridge unit hours accumulation. This is a genuine value-add that many buyers specifically seek, and it’s worth highlighting in any sale.
Common Reasons Operators Sell Refrigerated Trailers
Contract end or volume reduction. Cold chain capacity is often matched to specific contracts. When a food retail or distribution contract ends, surplus trailers become a liability rather than an asset.
Fleet refresh. Refrigerated trailers are typically replaced on shorter cycles than curtainsiders — seven to ten years is common — because the refrigeration unit depreciation and maintenance cost escalates significantly after 12,000–15,000 hours.
ATP/FRC expiry. Some operators choose to sell rather than re-certify when ATP approaches expiry, particularly if the trailer is older or the fridge unit hours are high. Selling before the certificate expires typically achieves a better price than selling an uncertified trailer.
Business change. Moving away from temperature-controlled logistics — either due to contract change, M&A activity, or business exit — is a consistent driver of single or fleet fridge trailer disposals.
How to Sell Your Refrigerated Trailer
Option 1: Sell Directly to Truck Trading
The fastest route. We buy refrigerated trailers of all makes, configurations, and conditions — including trailers with expired ATP, high fridge hours, or body damage.
- Free quote within 24 hours — based on current cold chain trailer market data
- Same-day payment — bank transfer on collection day
- Free UK-wide collection — we come to wherever the trailer is
- No fees or commission — the quoted price is exactly what you receive
- All conditions considered — working, high hours, expired ATP/FRC, body damage
Get your free refrigerated trailer quote →
Option 2: Auction
Refrigerated trailers do sell at specialist commercial vehicle and cold chain auctions. For a trailer with a current ATP certificate and reasonable fridge hours, auction attendance can be good. The unpredictability of auction pricing and seller fees make direct sale a more certain route for most sellers.
Option 3: Private Sale
Platforms including Commercial Motor, Auto Trader Trucks, and Truckpages list fridge trailers. The buyer pool for refrigerated trailers is more specialist than for curtainsiders, which can mean longer listing times and more technical enquiries to manage.
What Paperwork Do You Need?
- V5C trailer registration document
- Current annual test certificate — equivalent of an MOT for trailers
- ATP/FRC certificate — current status and any renewal history
- Refrigeration unit service records — fridge unit hours, service intervals, any major work
- Finance settlement letter — if subject to HP or conditional sale
At Truck Trading we handle all transfer documentation — bring your V5C, annual test, and finance clearance and we take care of the rest.
