Reefer Fuel Cost Calculator

Reefer units run on their own fuel, separate from your truck engine. Enter the estimated run hours, your unit's consumption rate, and current diesel price to see the full reefer fuel cost for a trip.

Results are estimates only.

Total estimated hours reefer will run on this trip
Typical range: 0.4–0.8 gal/hr. Check your unit specs.
Enter your reefer details and click Calculate.

A cost drivers often miss

Refrigerated trailer units have their own diesel engine and fuel tank — completely separate from the truck. On a 3-day run with the reefer running 10 hours per day at 0.6 gal/hr, you are burning 18 gallons just for the reefer — about $69 at $3.85/gallon. That number needs to be in your load profit math before you accept the rate.

To see the full trip cost including both truck fuel and reefer, enter truck fuel separately in the Fuel Cost Calculator and add reefer gallons in the reefer field there, or use that number here and add the results together.

Formula

Estimated Gallons = Reefer Hours × Gallons Per Hour

Estimated Cost = Estimated Gallons × Diesel Price

Cost Per Day = Gallons Per Hour × 24 × Diesel Price

Typical reefer consumption rates

  • Modern units (new or recent): ~0.4–0.6 gal/hr under normal operating conditions
  • Older units: ~0.6–0.8 gal/hr, especially in extreme heat or cold
  • Frozen loads: Typically consume more than fresh/chilled loads due to larger temperature differential
  • Frequent door openings: Increase consumption significantly

Check your reefer unit's spec sheet for the manufacturer's consumption rate. Actual consumption varies based on ambient temperature, set point, load type, and unit condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much fuel does a reefer unit burn per hour?
Most refrigerated trailer units burn between 0.4 and 0.8 gallons of diesel per hour, depending on the unit age, temperature set point, ambient conditions, and load type. Older units and extreme temperature differentials push consumption toward the higher end.
Is reefer fuel included in IFTA reporting?
Generally no. Reefer units have separate fuel tanks and are classified as auxiliary power units (APUs). In most IFTA jurisdictions, fuel used by the reefer engine does not count toward IFTA calculations since it is not propulsion fuel. Verify with your base jurisdiction.
Does running the reefer all night cost more than I think?
At 0.6 gallons per hour and $3.85/gallon diesel, running a reefer for 10 hours overnight costs approximately $23. A 3-day trip could add $70+ in reefer fuel alone, before accounting for the truck engine. Always include reefer fuel in your load cost estimates for temperature-controlled freight.

Disclaimer: Reefer fuel consumption varies significantly based on unit age, maintenance, temperature settings, ambient conditions, and cargo type. These estimates are for planning purposes only. Results are not financial advice.