A lot of refrigerated freight moves through Little Rock on I-40 and I-30 — produce, poultry, and grocery loads — and it’s some of the least forgiving freight on the road.
When a reefer unit fails, the clock starts on the load. In an Arkansas summer, a trailer parked in the sun at a truck stop or a dock warms up fast, and a unit with dirty coils may not keep up even when it’s running. A rejected load can cost far more than the repair.
Trailer refrigeration units have their own diesel engines, electrical systems, and refrigeration circuits, and all three work hard in this heat. We come to the trailer to diagnose and repair the unit so the load stays in range.
Our Reefer Unit Repair: what the mechanic handles
- No-start diagnosis on the reefer engine — batteries, starters, glow plugs, and fuel
- Reefer battery replacement and charging problems
- Alarm code reads and troubleshooting
- Fuel filter changes and fuel supply problems
- Belt replacement and belt-driven component problems
- Condenser and evaporator coil cleaning
- Condenser and evaporator fan problems
- Refrigerant leak detection and recharge
- Temperature sensor and controller problems
- Defrost and heat mode problems
- Coolant and oil leaks on the reefer engine
- Door seal and air leak problems that make the unit work harder
Jobs that belong in a shop
- Reefer compressor replacement and major refrigeration overhauls
- Reefer engine overhauls
- Controller replacements that need dealer programming
- Warranty repairs that must go through an authorized dealer
If the load is at risk, consider transferring the product to another reefer while the unit is repaired. Check your shipper’s or broker’s temperature requirements first.
Fix it on site or tow it?
With a reefer, “tow” usually means “swap trailers.” Many reefer failures — batteries, starters, fuel, belts, fans, sensors, and alarms — can be fixed on site fast enough to protect the load.
If the unit needs major refrigeration or engine work, the product comes first. The mechanic can tell you what’s wrong and how long the fix will take, so you can decide whether to wait, transfer the load, or move the trailer.
What to tell dispatch
Give us these details on the first call so the mechanic shows up with the right parts and finishes in one trip.
- Unit make and model (Thermo King or Carrier Transicold) and any alarm codes
- Setpoint and current box temperature
- Whether the unit won’t start, runs but won’t hold temp, or keeps shutting down
- What’s in the trailer and how much time the load can tolerate
- Trailer location, and whether it’s in a secured yard or on the road
Trucks & engines we service
- Freightliner
- Peterbilt
- Kenworth
- Volvo
- Mack
- International
- Western Star
Trailer refrigeration units from Thermo King and Carrier Transicold, on reefer trailers from Utility, Great Dane, Wabash, Hyundai Translead, and others.
Reefer Unit Repair across Little Rock & Central Arkansas
Reefer calls come from food distribution and cold storage docks around Little Rock and North Little Rock, grocery and restaurant supply routes across Central Arkansas, and truck stops on I-40 and I-30 where drivers are waiting on an appointment — especially the Galloway lots in July and August.
Interstates we cover
Cities we cover
Reefer Unit Repair FAQ
My reefer won’t start. What should I check?
Check the reefer fuel level, the battery connections, and whether the display shows an alarm code. Then call with the code and the setpoint so the technician comes prepared.
Why is my reefer running but not holding temp?
Common causes include low refrigerant, dirty coils, fan problems, a defrost issue, or a failed sensor. Units with dirty coils struggle most on hot, humid days.
What does a reefer alarm code mean?
Alarm codes point to specific faults — engine, electrical, refrigeration, or sensor problems. The meaning varies by unit, so give dispatch the exact code and the unit make.
Can you repair a reefer with the load on?
Yes. Most reefer repairs happen with the load on board, and the priority is getting the unit back in range quickly.
How do I keep my reefer from failing in summer?
Keep the condenser coils clean, check door seals, keep the reefer fuel tank full, and have batteries tested before the heat sets in. A pre-season check catches most problems.
Do you work on Thermo King and Carrier units?
Yes. Give dispatch the unit make, model, and any alarm codes.