Georgia-based Tribe Transportation is expanding its fleet with 111 new 53-foot trailers equipped with Carrier Transicold X4 7500 refrigeration units to help it meet demand in the fast-growing life sciences sector, which includes the transport of pharmaceutical products.

The acquisition includes Carrier Transicold TRU-Mount solar panels, which help maintain the charge of the refrigeration unit batteries. Tribe also bought 100 Carrier Transicold ComfortPro diesel auxiliary power units to help maintain cab climate control for its drivers.

Native American woman-owned Tribe Transportation is one of the fastest-growing minority carriers in North America, according to the announcement. Now in its 16th year of operation, the fleet has more than 400 tractors and nearly 900 trailers, serving the refrigerated and deep-frozen freight needs of its expanding customer base.

For temperature monitoring and asset tracking, Tribe’s trailers are equipped with telematics devices powered by the refrigeration units’ batteries. Carrier Transicold’s TRU-Mount solar charging system supplements battery charging, helping to keep all trailers visible through Tribe’s telematics system. In a drop-type environment where a trailer may be parked without the refrigeration unit running, the battery could lose its charge without the support of the solar panel. Tribe considers the panel’s secure mounting to the top of the refrigeration unit an advantage because it stays with the unit if it is relocated to another trailer.

The ComfortPro diesel APUs provide air conditioning, heating, cab power, engine warming, and truck battery monitoring and charging. In addition to reducing engine wear and fuel consumption, the APUs improve comfort, which helps with driver retention.