Refrigerated vans are essential to businesses transporting temperature-sensitive goods, from fresh food and dairy products to frozen deliveries and pharmaceutical supplies. When you're replacing a vehicle or changing your delivery operation, selling a specialist van like this requires a little more consideration than a conventional commercial vehicle.
FleetMKT helps businesses sell used refrigerated vans through an online auction marketplace, connecting sellers with potential buyers across the UK. Your vehicle remains at your premises throughout the auction, allowing you to manage the sale without transporting it to a traditional auction centre.
Whether you're selling a single fridge van or replacing several vehicles within a temperature-controlled fleet, FleetMKT offers a straightforward route to market.
Have a refrigerated van to sell? List it on FleetMKT and reach buyers looking for specialist commercial vehicles.
Finding A Buyer For Your Refrigerated Van
Refrigerated vans serve a wide range of industries, each with its own transport requirements.
Food wholesalers, catering suppliers, butchers, florists and pharmaceutical distributors all rely on temperature-controlled vehicles, although the specifications they need can differ considerably.
A van previously used for chilled grocery deliveries might appeal to a local food producer expanding its distribution network. A freezer van capable of maintaining much lower temperatures could be more suitable for a frozen food supplier or specialist delivery business.
When selling, it's important to explain exactly what your vehicle is equipped to do. The refrigeration system, temperature capabilities and insulated load area are likely to be among the first things a potential buyer considers.
Refrigeration Equipment And Vehicle Specifications
A refrigerated van's value is influenced by both the underlying vehicle and its temperature-control equipment.
Popular commercial vehicle platforms such as the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Ford Transit, Renault Master and Volkswagen Crafter are frequently adapted for refrigerated transport. Smaller models, including the Peugeot Partner and Citroën Berlingo, can also be fitted with refrigerated bodies for local delivery work.
However, two vehicles based on the same model may have very different capabilities.
Some refrigerated vans are designed primarily for chilled goods, while others are equipped for frozen transport. Certain vehicles feature multi-temperature compartments, allowing operators to carry different types of products within separate sections of the load area.
Refrigeration units from manufacturers such as Thermo King, Carrier Transicold and GAH are also worth identifying in your listing, along with the unit's model and any available maintenance records.
If your van has an electric standby facility, explain how it operates. This can be particularly useful for businesses that need to maintain temperatures while the vehicle is parked.
Preparing Your Fridge Van For Sale
Buyers of refrigerated vehicles will often want more detailed information than they would for a standard panel van.
The refrigeration unit should be a central part of your listing. Where known, include its operating temperature range, service history and whether it is functioning correctly. If the system has any known faults, explain them clearly.
The condition of the insulated body is equally important. Damaged insulation, worn door seals or poorly fitting doors can affect temperature retention, so photograph these areas and describe any issues.
Other details worth including are:
Temperature capability: State whether the vehicle is designed for chilled, frozen or multi-temperature operation.
Refrigeration unit: Identify the manufacturer, model and any available servicing information.
Insulated load area: Provide internal dimensions and photographs showing the walls, ceiling, floor and doors.
Vehicle condition: Include mileage, MOT status, maintenance history and any known mechanical faults.
Additional equipment: Mention temperature monitoring systems, electric standby connections, shelving or internal partitions where fitted.
It's also worth removing any business-specific equipment or stock that won't be included in the sale and ensuring the load area is clean before taking photographs.
Clear, accurate information helps buyers understand whether your refrigerated van is suitable for their intended operation.
Selling A Specialist Commercial Vehicle Through FleetMKT
FleetMKT gives refrigerated van owners a way to reach commercial vehicle buyers without having to arrange transport to an auction centre.
Once you've created your account, you can upload photographs, describe the vehicle and provide its specifications. Registered buyers can then browse the listing and place bids through the online marketplace.
If the vehicle sells, payment is processed through FleetMKT and the buyer arranges collection directly from your premises. A secure collection code confirms the handover and triggers the release of your payment.
This can be particularly useful when you're replacing several refrigerated vehicles or managing a fleet transition, as the vans can remain at your depot until their respective collections.
What Does It Cost To Sell?
FleetMKT charges a fixed seller fee of £125 + VAT when a van sells successfully.
If your refrigerated van doesn't sell, there's no seller fee to pay.
You can find more information about creating listings, completing sales and arranging collection in our How Selling Works guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell a refrigerated van with a faulty fridge unit?
Yes, although any known faults should be clearly disclosed in your listing. Some buyers may be interested in repairing or replacing the refrigeration equipment, while others may be looking for a vehicle that's ready for immediate use.
What's the difference between a fridge van and a freezer van?
Fridge vans are generally designed to transport chilled goods, while freezer vans use refrigeration systems capable of maintaining lower temperatures suitable for frozen products. The actual temperature range depends on the vehicle's equipment and specification.
Should I include refrigeration service records?
If they're available, absolutely. Maintenance records can help buyers understand how the refrigeration equipment has been looked after and whether significant repairs or replacements have been carried out.
Can I sell a refrigerated van with multiple temperature compartments?
Yes. Multi-temperature vans can be particularly useful to businesses transporting different categories of goods on the same delivery route. Include details of the compartments, temperature controls and any internal partitions.
Ready To Sell Your Refrigerated Van?
Whether you're upgrading to newer temperature-controlled vehicles, changing your delivery requirements or disposing of surplus fleet assets, FleetMKT can help you reach buyers looking for specialist commercial transport.
Create your refrigerated van listing on FleetMKT and put your vehicle in front of buyers across the UK.
List Your Refrigerated Van