LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Wabash National Corp. said a fourth fleet has agreed to join its launch program for its Cold Chain Series refrigerated van trailers.

Leonard’s Express will help bring Wabash’s innovative refrigerated trailer, which is made with molded structural composites, to the North American market.

“The launch program for our Cold Chain Series composite reefer continues to move forward as planned,” said Brent Yeagy, president and COO of Wabash. “Refrigerated carriers see the superior performance benefits in our new molded structural composite technology. Many carriers have been very interested in participating in the launch program so they can better understand the value of the performance benefits on their operations.”

Leonard’s joins Werner Enterprises, K&B Transportation and Combined Transport in Wabash’s launch program.

“We’re excited to show the progress we’ve made since we introduced our prototype trailer in February,” said Robert Lane, director of business development for Wabash’s commercial trailer products. “We’ve spent the past eight months in R&D undergoing further testing and qualifications and finalizing repair procedures. This reefer is unlike anything on the market today.”

The company’s Cold Chain Series refrigerated van is made with thermal technology, the Wabash said improves thermal performance by up to 25% and is up to 20% lighter, while being more resistant to puncture and damage. The molded structural composite floor system has a floor rating up to 24,000 lbs.

“What this means for our customers is improved thermal efficiency, reduced fuel costs, increased payload and cargo capacity, optimized utilization and enhanced durability,” Yeagy said.