San Pedro Bay handles an enormous volume of refrigerated freight, and it’s some of the least forgiving freight there is.
When a reefer unit fails, the clock starts on the load — and around the harbor, loads sit. A reefer can spend hours staged in a yard, waiting on an appointment, or parked in a gate queue, running the whole time with nobody watching the box temperature. By the time someone notices the drift, the recorder has already logged it, and a rejected load costs far more than the repair.
Trailer refrigeration units have their own diesel engines, electrical systems, and refrigeration circuits. All three work hard here: very long run hours, salt-air corrosion on coils and electrical connections, and road grime packing the condenser. We come to the trailer to diagnose and repair the unit so the load stays in range.
What our Reefer Unit Repair covers
- 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 system problems
- Coolant and oil leaks on the reefer engine
- Trailer door seal and air leak problems that make the unit work harder
What can't be done on the roadside
- Reefer compressor replacement and major refrigeration system overhauls
- Reefer engine overhauls
- Controller replacements that need dealer programming
- Warranty repairs that must go through an authorized dealer
If a load is at risk, consider having the product transferred to another reefer while the unit is repaired. Check with your shipper or broker about their temperature requirements before making that call.
Fix it on site or tow it?
With a reefer, “tow” usually means “swap the trailer.” Many reefer failures — batteries, starters, fuel, belts, fans, sensors, and alarms — can be fixed on site quickly enough to protect the load.
If the unit needs major refrigeration or engine work, the priority is the product. The mechanic can tell you what’s wrong and how long the repair will take so you can decide whether to wait, transfer the load, or move the trailer.
What to tell dispatch when you call
The more dispatch knows up front, the better the odds the mechanic shows up with the right parts and tools on the first 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 cool, 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
Truck makes & engines we work on
- 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 around the harbor & the South Bay
Reefer calls come from cold storage and cross-dock facilities in Wilmington, Carson, and Vernon, from staging yards near the terminals, from warehouse lots where drivers are waiting on a door, and from the 710 and the 405 when a unit quits mid-run.
Freeways
Service areas
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 cooling?
Common causes include low refrigerant, dirty condenser or evaporator coils, fan problems, a defrost issue, or a failed sensor. In extreme heat, a unit with dirty coils can struggle to hold temperature.
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 still on?
Yes. Most reefer repairs happen with the load on board, and the priority is getting the unit back to temperature quickly.
How can I prevent reefer breakdowns in the summer?
Keep the reefer fuel tank full, clean the condenser coils regularly, check belts and batteries, pre-cool the trailer before loading, and pre-trip the unit before every load.
Do you work on Thermo King and Carrier units?
Yes. Tell dispatch the unit make, model, and any alarm codes.