Thermo King’s BlueSeal air curtain has completed a three-month trial with KUNA Foodservice in Missouri, where it was used to protect cargo temperatures during open-door deliveries. KUNA plans wider adoption across its late-model fleet after reporting faster temperature recovery, fewer defrost issues and fewer humidity-related problems.
KUNA’s urban delivery routes can involve unloading periods of up to 45 minutes, followed by only 15 to 20 minutes of driving before the next stop. The company previously used clear PVC strip curtains, but drivers reported poor visibility and tripping hazards, while extended door openings allowed warm, humid air to enter refrigerated compartments.
Compared with trailers without air curtains, KUNA reported smaller temperature spikes in freezer and cooler compartments and significantly faster recovery to setpoint temperatures. Independent testing in Europe found that BlueSeal air curtains reduced energy use by up to 30% in a small box truck and cut energy use for cargo temperature recovery by up to 45% in an 18-ton refrigerated truck.
“The air curtain maintains the cold chain while overcoming humidity challenges,” said Jim Patterson, plant engineer and fleet manager for KUNA Foodservice. “Drivers like the air curtains; they help reach the right temperature, and they maintain it.”
