How to use this calculator
- Enter or choose trip distance.
- Enter or choose truck fuel consumption.
- Enter or choose reefer unit running hours.
- Enter or choose reefer fuel use.
- Enter or choose road fuel price.
- The trip fuel cost updates as you type. Use Copy result or Share to keep it.
Method
Truck fuel = Distance × L/100 km ÷ 100; Reefer fuel = Hours × L/h; Cost = Truck fuel × Price + Reefer fuel × Reefer price
- L/100 km
- truck consumption when loaded
- L/h
- reefer unit consumption at the set-point and ambient temperature
Worked example
- Truck = 800 × 32 ÷ 100 = 256 L.
- Reefer = 14 × 2.5 = 35 L.
- Total = 291 L × 1.50 = 436.50; reefer share = 35 ÷ 291 = 12.03%.
The 800 km reefer trip uses about 291 litres, costing 436.50, with the refrigeration unit taking 12% of the fuel.
What the result means
Reefer fuel rises with ambient temperature, door openings and lower set-points. Pre-cooling at a depot on mains power and shorter door-open times both cut it.
Assumptions and limits
- Consumption figures are trip averages.
- Idling, AdBlue/DEF and electric standby are not included.
Questions
How do I find my reefer’s litres per hour?
Divide fuel added to the reefer tank by the hour-meter reading between fills, or check the unit’s telematics. Use figures from similar weather and set-points.
Why a separate reefer fuel price?
In some places reefer units can use differently taxed fuel. Enter that price if it applies to you.