COOL ROUTEMAX

The new RouteMax system from International offers an electric alternative to refrigerated transportation developed by Johnson Refrigerated Truck Bodies. Available only on International DuraStar trucks, buyers get a self-powered, extended-route, cold-plate refrigeration system used exclusively in Johnson bodies. It charges devices called ‘cold plates’ – coated steel plates with tubing that contains a salt-brine solution – to maintain a
cool temperature.

A traditional cold-plate refrigeration system requires overnight plug-in to re-freeze the salt brine. With RouteMax, the plates are also recharged during the route by a condensing unit that quickly restores the body’s internal temperature and removes heat from the cold plates.

The power to charge the condensing unit comes from International’s Diamond Logic PowerPack 3 – said to be the industry’s first OEM factory-installed 3000-watt AC power
solution. It offers fully integrated, on-demand power, available on International DuraStar and WorkStar models.

International says the system offers savings of up to $6000 per truck annually compared to traditional mechanical refrigerated units, as well as lower operating costs – a claimed 80-90% saving in overall operating costs when using the electric solution versus diesel fuel. RouteMax is said to be “virtually maintenance free” with a 15-year lifespan. As well, the system is environmentally friendly because it cuts CO2 emissions significantly.

While traditional cold-plate systems hold the body’s temperature during daily delivery runs of 10-12 hours, the Johnson RouteMax solution is said to suit customers who deliver cold products for 16-20 hours per day. With RouteMax, the temperature is continually maintained because the cold plates are charged when needed by the PowerPack 3
system.

Fleet managers or customers can monitor the truck body temperature remotely from a password-protected Internet site thanks to ‘Aware Vehicle Intelligence’, an optional
GPS-based solution from Navistar Electronics that monitors the truck and body performance.


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