Intro to Frozen Vending

Today, there are many options for operators looking for low cost frozen storage & transport solutions for their Startup frozen vending routes.  Utilizing surveys of operators successfully integrating various methods of frozen transport and storage, along with our own independent research and testing, Fastcorp has created a comprehensive transport and logistics guide for entry-level frozen operators. The following information is part of a complete guide which is available upon request in hard copy or CD-ROM. It is also available for download click here>>.

The ABC’s of Startup Frozen Logistic

Starting a frozen vending route has never been so easy. There are 3 components to consider:

A)    Frozen Storage: Large Chest Freezers (based on number of machines and volume of accounts)

B)    Routing: Dedicated vs. Existing Routes (based on existing route vehicles, type of routes & accounts currently in place)

C)     Frozen Transport: Coolers/Containers vs. Chest Freezers & Inverter: (based on existing route vehicles, type of routes & accounts currently in place)

In lieu of a walk-in freezer, frozen warehouse storage can easily be accomplished using one or more 25cuft chest freezers (Fastcorp vendors = 7cuft freezer » 400 unit capacity; 25cuft storage freezer » 1,400 unit capacity » services 3-5 Fastcorp vendors).  Chest freezers are very efficient, mobile and economical, plus they can be outfitted with a 404A refrigerant for hard freezing requirements (-40°F).

The second step is to determine routing feasibility: i) to use existing ambient routes to service frozen accounts or ii) have a dedicated frozen route to service all frozen machines.  Generally speaking, long distances between accounts are better served using existing routes if there is cargo room. Dedicated routes are preferable if an existing route vehicle is available, can be “modularized” with frozen storage, and the frozen accounts are geographically concentrated.

Finally, existing ambient route vehicles can be outfitted with low cost frozen storage using either large portable coolers, larger frozen cargo containers or chest freezer(s) with power inverter. Each method allows “modularization” since they can all be added or removed from the vehicle on demand. When using portable coolers, it is important to use low temperature rated eutectic packs and that product is “hard frozen” overnight. In addition, frozen accounts should be scheduled at the beginning of a route for optimal product quality.  For extremely hot climates or geographically dispersed routes, it is advisable to use the chest freezer and inverter option.  In the case of the large frozen cargo container and the chest freezer, product must be transferred to a portable cooler or insulated satchel to service each machine. 

Fastcorp outlines a number of other equipment options to suite your specific frozen logistics/transport needs, ranging from low-cost Startup options to fleet solutions.

click here>>To view our FROZEN VENDING LOGISTICS GUIDE (or right click link & select Save As to download)

For help with starting your own frozen vending route or if you have any questions regarding frozen logistics equipment packages & financing, please contact a Fastcorp Regional Sales Manager or fill out the inquiry form and someone will get back to you:      

Tom Gautsch - Eastern Regional Sales Mgr. :

(AL, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, KY, MA, MD, ME, MS, NC, NH, NJ, NY, PA, PR, RI, SC, TN, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV)

Main: 973-455-0400; Cell: 973-902-8678; e-mail: tom.gautsch@fastcorpvending.com

Dave Herre - Central & Western Regional Sales Mgr. :

(CA, IN, KS, MI, MS, AK, AR, AZ, CA, CO, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, LA, MI, MN, MO, MT, ND, NE, NM, NV, OH, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA, WI, WV, WY)

Main: 920-907-0123; Cell: 920-539-9006; e-mail: david.herre@fastcorpvending.com