Truck Trailer Cooling: Myths and Methods

Does the thought of working in a 130°F truck trailer sound like fun? If you’re a dock door worker at a distribution center, it probably sounds like the exact OPPOSITE of fun. Fortunately, Patterson has worked to mitigate this issue with their TC (Truck Cooler) 18-inch fan and HVTC (High Velocity Truck Cooler aka “the Whistleblower”). However, a fan is only effective if it’s used properly, so let’s focus on getting the most out of your Patterson truck cooling solutions.
 
The prevailing myth amongst dock area employees is that they must point fans directly at them to receive the maximum benefit.  Sometimes they will even use pedestal cage fans to accomplish this. But doing so will only provide temporary relief when at or near the dock door opening. As the employee moves away from the door, they will begin to feel less air movement – eventually reaching an area of hot, stagnant air that remains at the front of the trailer. Working in this condition for long periods can bring about the symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke if not dealt with appropriately.
 
So how can we optimize airflow? Very simply, in fact! A wall-mounted, truck cooler fan needs to be positioned in one of the upper corners at the dock door opening and aimed toward the same corner at the front of the trailer. This will allow air to reach the entire length of the trailer, with two positive effects:
 
– Evacuation of trapped hot air (in about two minutes).
– Creation of constant airflow.
 
Having this continuous movement of air will alleviate many heat stress issues and provide an overall safer work environment on even the hottest summer days.

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