Stoughton Trailers is expanding its push into the refrigerated trailer segment with the launch of its PureBlue platform. The trailer manufacturer said the new reefer pairs measurable efficiency gains with a major step forward in trailer safety.
During the press conference, company executives outlined how the new reefer trailer line is designed to improve thermal performance, reduce operating costs, and strengthen durability. They also highlighted the new rear impact guard that has been crash-tested beyond current industry benchmarks.
PureBlue Targets Efficiency, Operating Costs
The PureBlue refrigerated trailer was developed with a focus on thermal efficiency, airtightness, and weight. Stoughton said these three factors directly affect refrigeration unit runtime and fuel consumption.
According to Jack Hartnagel, fleet sales director, refrigeration, third-party testing found the trailer delivered an 18.2% improvement in thermal efficiency compared to competitive units, along with a 27.7% advantage in airtightness.
Those gains translate into real-world savings. The company said fleets could see nearly $1,000 per year in fuel savings per trailer due to reduced refrigeration unit workload.
Key to that performance is how the trailer is built. Stoughton emphasized:
- Wood-free construction to reduce thermal conductivity
- Bonded sidewall design to limit energy transfer
- A proprietary rear door gasket that maintains a tighter seal over time
The trailer also remains competitive on weight, coming in lighter than most comparable units tested, which can further improve payload capacity and revenue potential.
Beyond core performance, Hartnagel said Stoughton is positioning PureBlue as a flexible platform for evolving freight needs.
The company said it has expanded into multi-temperature configurations, including factory-installed remote evaporators, allowing it to better serve grocery and food distribution fleets.
At the same time, Stoughton has increased production capacity at its Evansville, Wisconsin, facility to support more complex builds and faster delivery timelines.
Rear Impact Guard Surpasses 40-Mph Crash Test
Stoughton’s new rear impact guard is not optional: It comes standard on the company’s dry vans, refrigerated trailers and intermodal chassis.
Alongside the reefer launch, Stoughton spotlighted a significant safety milestone: a rear impact guard that successfully passed a 40-mph crash test using a 30% offset standard.
The system is designed to:
- Prevent passenger compartment intrusion in rear-end collisions
- Absorb and redirect crash energy
- Improve survivability in underride scenarios
Company officials said the guard is not optional. It comes standard on Stoughton dry vans, refrigerated trailers, and 53-foot intermodal chassis.
In testing, the design prevented intrusion into the passenger compartment, a key factor in reducing fatalities in underride crashes.
Safety and Durability Remain Core Focus
Stoughton framed both the PureBlue platform and the upgraded rear impact guard as part of a broader strategy centered on longevity, safety, and total cost of ownership.
The company also highlighted its continued investment in galvanization, including in-house capabilities, to improve corrosion resistance and lifecycle durability across its trailer lineup.
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