Refrigerated Trucks as Morgues: A Chilling Look at Emergency Solutions
The Rise of Refrigerated Trucks as Temporary Morgues
When crisis strikes and communities face overwhelming loss of life, refrigerated trucks used as morgues become a necessary but somber solution. These temporary facilities help hospitals and funeral homes manage the heartbreaking reality of fatality surges during emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic.
The sight of white trailers outside hospitals became an unforgettable image of the pandemic's darkest days. In spring 2020, New York City received 85 refrigerated trailers from FEMA as deaths overwhelmed the city's permanent morgue capacity. Hospital staff faced the unimaginable task of storing bodies in vacant rooms while waiting for these emergency solutions to arrive.
"Long term storage was created at the height of the pandemic to ensure that families could lay their loved ones to rest as they see fit," explained Mark Desire from NYC's Office of Chief Medical Examiner. "With sensitivity and compassion, we continue to work with individual families on a case-by-case basis during their period of mourning."
Similar scenes unfolded across America – from Detroit to Bexar County in Texas to Maricopa County in Arizona. While the pandemic created unprecedented demand, this wasn't the first time our nation turned to mobile refrigeration during mass casualties. Following 9/11, similar temporary solutions helped manage the aftermath of that tragedy.
The need for these emergency facilities stems from a perfect storm of challenges: overwhelmed hospital morgues, strained funeral home capacity, and a funeral service industry pushed beyond its limits. When standard processes break down, refrigerated trucks used as morgues provide dignified temporary care for the deceased while families steer their grief.
Here at American Mortuary Coolers, we've helped facilities prepare for surge capacity with proper equipment and protocols. Our experience includes configuring emergency refrigeration solutions during crisis situations when communities need support most.
When and Why Did It Begin?
The widespread deployment of refrigerated trucks used as morgues began in March 2020 as COVID-19 deaths accelerated rapidly. Hospitals found their standard morgue capacity – often designed for just a handful of deceased patients – completely inadequate as daily deaths multiplied.
Many facilities activated disaster plans that had been theoretical until that moment. The CDC reported mortality spikes that overwhelmed not just hospitals but the entire death care system. Funeral homes faced backlogs, crematoriums operated around the clock, and still, more space was needed.
These refrigerated trailers served as a critical buffer, providing proper temperature control at approximately 38°F to preserve remains with dignity until funeral arrangements could be completed. What began as a stopgap measure in many communities became a long-term solution as the pandemic's waves continued.
"refrigerated trucks used as morgues" Across the U.S.
The scale of this emergency response was staggering. New York City stored over 750 bodies in refrigerated trailers at the height of their crisis, with some remains kept in storage for over a year as families struggled with funeral arrangements or remained unreachable.
Texas deployed multiple trailers across hard-hit counties when funeral homes could no longer accept more deceased. In Arizona, refrigerated shipping containers were converted to serve the same purpose when traditional options ran out. Cook County, Illinois created a warehouse solution with refrigeration units to handle their overflow.
Even Tennessee, where our company is based, implemented staging areas with refrigerated capacity to manage the surge in deaths. The image of trucks lined up on Brooklyn's pier became a powerful symbol of COVID-19's devastating impact on American communities.
The practical knowledge gained during this crisis has forever changed how we approach mortuary planning. Terms like portable morgue refrigeration, morgue refrigeration equipment, and refrigerated mobile morgue trailer entered everyday conversation as communities sought solutions to this unprecedented challenge.
The Rise of Refrigerated Trucks as Temporary Morgues
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit American shores, an unexpected sight began appearing outside hospitals nationwide: long white trailers humming quietly in parking lots. While refrigerated trucks used as morgues weren't entirely new, the pandemic brought this emergency solution to a scale never before seen in modern America.
New York City, the early epicenter of the U.S. outbreak, saw FEMA deploy 85 refrigerated trucks as temporary morgues when deaths overwhelmed the city's permanent facilities. The human impact was impossible to ignore.
"We leave our windows open and we hear the hum of the refrigerator going all night long," said Marc Kozlow, who lived near Brooklyn's Wyckoff Heights Medical Center. "It's disturbing to know what's in there."
This scene repeated across America. In Detroit, the Wayne County Medical Examiner's Office brought in four refrigerated trucks as their facilities neared capacity. Each truck provided space for 35-40 bodies, offering crucial overflow capacity when their regular morgue approached its limits.
Texas faced similar challenges. San Antonio and Bexar County each received five refrigerated trailers capable of storing up to 180 bodies as hospital morgues and funeral homes filled up. Dr. Ken Davis spoke candidly about the situation: "It is a hard thing to talk about – people's loved ones are dying. In a hospital, there are only so many places to put bodies...We need those beds."
While refrigerated trucks used as morgues had precedent in other disasters like the 9/11 attacks and Hurricane Katrina, the COVID-19 pandemic required these emergency measures on a national scale that shocked even veteran emergency planners.
When and Why Did It Begin?
The widespread deployment of refrigerated trucks used as morgues began in March 2020 as COVID-19 deaths surged across America. The normal processes for handling the deceased simply couldn't keep pace with the overwhelming numbers.
Hospital morgues, typically designed for normal death rates, quickly reached capacity as cases spiked. Meanwhile, funeral homes faced unprecedented backlogs, creating a bottleneck in the system. Many funeral directors worked around the clock but still couldn't keep up with demand.
Family complications added another layer of difficulty. As Dr. Betty Chu of Henry Ford Health System explained, "Like other health systems in our region, we have had to find a temporary solution to steer the sudden increase in mortality and ease the burden on funeral homes that are not equipped to handle this."
In many heartbreaking cases, family members of the deceased were themselves quarantined or sick with COVID-19, further delaying funeral arrangements and putting additional strain on the system.
By early April 2020, the need became acute. At the pandemic's peak in New York City, more than 800 coronavirus deaths were reported in a single day. During the week of April 5, 2020, the city averaged 566 daily deaths – numbers that overwhelmed even the most prepared facilities.
"Refrigerated Trucks Used as Morgues" Across the U.S.
The deployment of these temporary facilities varied dramatically by region, reflecting local death rates and existing morgue capacity.
New York City's situation was particularly devastating. Approximately 750 bodies were stored in long-term refrigerated trailers at Brooklyn's 39th Street Pier, with some remaining there for more than a year after the initial surge. Between 500 and 800 bodies were kept in cold storage throughout the city at any given time since April 2020.
Texas saw multiple counties deploying these emergency solutions. San Antonio and Bexar County each received five refrigerated trailers for up to 180 bodies. Nueces County requested a FEMA trailer when its 12-body capacity morgue filled up. Hidalgo County shared a FEMA trailer with neighboring Cameron County, while Travis County prepared trailers as a precautionary measure.
In Arizona, the Maricopa County Medical Examiner's Office brought in 14 cold storage containers, creating space for an additional 294 decedents. Fields Moseley, a county spokesman, explained their thinking: "We know some funeral homes are already at capacity in their morgues, so we want to be prepared in case we have to keep bodies for a longer period of time."
Michigan's Wayne County Medical Examiner's Office in Detroit brought in four refrigerated trucks, with each handling 35-40 bodies. Meanwhile, Cook County, Illinois secured two trucks and a massive 66,000-square-foot warehouse to expand morgue capacity as deaths reached 85% of their capacity.
Even here in Tennessee, emergency management officials staged refrigerated trailers as a precautionary measure. At American Mortuary Coolers, we worked alongside several counties across the Southeast to provide consultation on refrigeration requirements and proper body storage protocols during this difficult time.
The pandemic revealed how quickly our normal systems can be overwhelmed – and the importance of having dignified emergency solutions ready when they're needed most.
Inside the Trailer: How Temporary Morgues Operate
When a standard refrigerated trailer transforms into a temporary morgue, it's not just a matter of parking it outside a hospital. These trailers – nicknamed "reefers" in the trucking industry – normally haul groceries and produce, but during crisis periods, they serve a much more somber purpose.
The conversion process requires careful planning and specific equipment. First and foremost, the temperature must be maintained at around 38°F – cool enough to preserve remains with dignity but not so cold that they freeze. This delicate balance helps families have time to make arrangements while preserving their loved ones.
The inside of these trailers looks nothing like what you might imagine. Standard 53-foot trailers get fitted with specialized aluminum rack systems – typically 14 racks with four trays each – allowing for up to 56 individuals to be housed with care and respect. Power comes either from external sources or diesel generators that keep the refrigeration units running day and night.
"Like hospitals in New York and elsewhere, we have secured additional resources such as mobile refrigeration units to help temporarily manage the capacity issue caused by COVID-19," explained Brian Taylor, a DMC spokesman during Detroit's deployment of these emergency solutions.
The logistics can be challenging. OSHA-compliant ramps and hydraulic lifts rated for 650-1,100 pounds help staff safely transfer remains in and out of the trailers. Additional LED lighting gets installed to ensure workers can see properly while performing their solemn duties.
At American Mortuary Coolers, we've developed specialized Keep Calm and Refrigerate: Mobile Morgue Trailer Options that include complete retrofit kits. These kits transform standard refrigerated trailers with everything needed: aluminum access ramps, specialized flooring, cadaver lifts, body racks, and even PVC vinyl curtains to maintain proper airflow and privacy.
Maintaining Dignity and Safety
Behind every statistic is someone's loved one, which is why maintaining dignity remains the highest priority in these temporary facilities. Each person is placed face up in a waterproof body bag with reinforced straps. Hospital bracelets or government IDs stay with each individual, sometimes affixed to the outside of bags or marked with paint pens for clear identification.
Some facilities implemented barcode systems to track remains, with bodies arranged in specific orders to help with identification and retrieval when families were ready. Security measures restricted access to authorized personnel only, while regular temperature checks ensured proper preservation.
Dr. Betty Chu of Henry Ford Health System put it beautifully: "Our team provides the same level of care and honor when using these units as we do inside our own facilities and we will continue to steward this mission until all those that we have lost can be moved to their final resting place."
Safety protocols were equally important. Staff handling remains wore full personal protective equipment (PPE) and followed strict guidelines for entering and exiting the refrigerated units. The Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team (DMORT) guidelines became essential resources as medical examiners adapted to unprecedented circumstances.
We've compiled best practices in our guide Mobile Chill: Your Guide to Portable Morgue Refrigeration, which balances technical requirements with protocols for maintaining dignity in temporary morgue situations.
Cleaning & Disinfection Protocols for Reuse
"Can these trucks ever transport food again?" This question came up repeatedly during the pandemic. The answer is yes – but only after following rigorous FDA-approved cleaning protocols.
The FDA handbook provides clear guidance: refrigerated trucks used as morgues can return to food transport, but only after thorough disinfection. The process is comprehensive:
First, professionals assess the surfaces. If there's evidence that interior surfaces had direct contact with blood or bodily fluids that can't be properly cleaned, the vehicle shouldn't return to food service. Porous or damaged materials must be replaced before the truck hauls groceries again.
The cleaning process itself is intense. The trailer interior gets soaked with sanitizer soap solution, then pressure-washed with water heated to 185°F. Only EPA-registered disinfectants suitable for each specific material can be used, and they're often applied multiple times. Workers performing this cleaning must wear appropriate protective gear throughout the process.
There's even an "odor test" – if persistent smells remain despite thorough cleaning, the unit isn't allowed back into food service.
Mike Smith, co-owner of Smith Trucking, put things in perspective: "With fresh-cut products, there can be leakage. That's not uncommon." He added, "That's our livelihood, and we take that very seriously," highlighting the industry's commitment to proper sanitization.
The complete FDA disinfection handbook provides comprehensive guidance ensuring these vehicles can safely return to the food supply chain after serving their temporary but crucial role during crisis periods.
Numbers That Shocked the Nation
The use of refrigerated trucks as morgues during COVID-19 painted a heartbreaking picture of our nation's struggle with unprecedented death rates. Behind the clinical terminology and logistics lay real human tragedy – each number representing someone's parent, child, friend, or neighbor.
In New York City, the early epicenter, the statistics were particularly devastating. At the pandemic's height, more than 800 coronavirus deaths occurred in a single day. During that terrible week of April 5, 2020, New Yorkers were dying at an average rate of 566 people daily.
"These aren't just numbers on a page," said one exhausted NYC emergency worker. "Each one is a person with a family who can't even gather to mourn properly."
Perhaps most striking was the longevity of this emergency solution. By May 2021, New York City was still storing approximately 750 bodies in those long-term refrigerated trailers at a Brooklyn pier – more than a year after the trucks were first deployed. Between 500 and 800 bodies remained in cold storage at any given time since April 2020.
Other regions faced their own grim milestones. Arizona's Maricopa County Medical Examiner's Office found itself operating at a staggering 96% capacity before bringing in 14 cold storage containers. Michigan reported 1,602 COVID-19 deaths by mid-April 2020, with 760 fatalities in Detroit and Wayne County alone. Texas hit a heartbreaking single-day record of 129 deaths in July 2020, with total fatalities reaching 3,561 at that time.
The financial burden of these emergency measures was substantial. A new refrigerated trailer costs approximately $70,000 to purchase outright. Emergency rental costs ran roughly $7,000 per week – including maintenance, fuel, and the eventual decontamination process. FEMA provided 85 refrigerated trucks to New York and additional trailers to other hard-hit regions, representing a significant federal investment in managing this aspect of the crisis.
| Location | Peak Daily Deaths | Total Deaths (by mid-2020) | Refrigerated Units Deployed |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York City | 800+ | 20,000+ | 85 FEMA trailers |
| Arizona (Maricopa County) | 58 | 2,492 | 14 cold storage containers |
| Texas | 129 | 3,561 | 20+ trailers across counties |
| Michigan (Wayne County) | - | 760 | 4 refrigerated trucks |
| Illinois (Cook County) | - | 351 | 2 trucks + 66,000 sq ft warehouse |
"We anticipate the need is going to increase as we start to hit our peak," warned Bill Nowling, a Wayne County spokesman, as Detroit braced for rising deaths in April 2020. His words echoed the grim preparations happening nationwide.
"Refrigerated Trucks Used as Morgues" Data Snapshot
The capacity gap that necessitated refrigerated trucks as morgues becomes clearer when we look at the numbers side by side. Between 500 and 800 bodies were stored in refrigerated trucks in New York City during the height of the pandemic. A standard 53-foot trailer, properly equipped with specialized racking systems, can hold up to 56 remains – that's 14 racks with 4 trays each.
This emergency capacity dwarfed what normal facilities could handle. A typical county morgue might have space for only 12 bodies under normal circumstances. Wayne County's morgue in Detroit had a capacity of 300 bodies but was already holding 200 when they called for refrigerated trucks. Bexar County's morgue in Texas, with its 12-body capacity, needed refrigerated trucks that could accommodate up to 40 more bodies.
At American Mortuary Coolers, we witnessed how quickly traditional systems were overwhelmed. One county medical examiner told us, "We plan for disasters, but nothing of this magnitude. The refrigerated trailers were our lifeline when we ran out of dignified options."
The human toll behind these numbers affected even seasoned professionals. As Natalia Derevyanny, a Cook County spokeswoman, poignantly observed: "Though our forensic pathologists and everybody at the medical examiner's office deals with death everyday, it's obviously difficult for us to see this many deaths from a single event."
These weren't just statistics – they represented a nationwide emergency that forced improvisation on a massive scale. The pandemic exposed the limited surge capacity of our death care systems and highlighted the critical importance of emergency preparedness in every aspect of public health infrastructure.
Beyond Trucks: Alternative and Future Preparedness Plans
When morgue capacity reached its breaking point during COVID-19, refrigerated trucks used as morgues became the most visible solution - but creative minds across the country developed alternative approaches too.
In some communities, ice rinks were considered for temporary morgue space - a practical solution since these facilities already have built-in refrigeration systems. Cook County took a different approach by securing a massive 66,000-square-foot warehouse to create a large-scale cold storage facility, providing a more discrete alternative to trucks parked outside hospitals.
"Our hope is that we don't have to use the additional space. But we want to be prepared for any eventuality," explained Natalia Derevyanny from Cook County, capturing the sentiment behind these preparations.
Technology offered other solutions too. The patented Mortuary Improved Remains Cooling (MERC) System uses liquid cooling technology that directly cools human remains - a more efficient alternative to cooling an entire trailer. For facilities with available indoor space, rapid-deploy coolers provide self-contained refrigeration units that transform existing rooms into temporary morgue space within hours.
At American Mortuary Coolers, we've developed specialized retrofit kits that quickly convert standard refrigerated trailers into dignified temporary morgues, complete with proper body racking systems, access ramps, and other essential features. These kits allow communities to rapidly scale their capacity when needed.
The pandemic has also sparked increased training across the funeral industry. Professionals who never imagined facing mass fatality events are now developing comprehensive emergency plans that include multiple options for surge capacity. Many of our clients have reached out for guidance on building these contingency plans.
For facilities developing their own preparedness strategies, we've created A Comprehensive Guide to Portable Morgue Options that walks through the full range of solutions available for emergency response.
Lessons Learned & Long-Term Policy Shifts
The sobering experience of deploying refrigerated trucks as morgues has forever changed how we approach mass fatality planning.
Some medical examiners' offices aren't waiting for the next crisis - they're proactively maintaining contracts for emergency refrigerated trailers or stockpiling portable morgue equipment. New York City's coroner's office had already purchased coolers after 9/11, foresight that proved invaluable during the pandemic.
At American Mortuary Coolers, we've strengthened our supply chains and manufacturing processes to respond more quickly when surge demand hits. We never want to be in a position where we can't provide essential equipment during a crisis.
Funding models are changing too. Federal, state, and local governments are reevaluating how they budget for emergency morgue capacity, finally recognizing this as a critical component of disaster response rather than an afterthought.
There's also growing awareness of how visible emergency morgues affect nearby communities. Marc Kozlow, who lived near a Brooklyn hospital, captured this impact when he described "hearing the refrigerator hum all night" - a constant reminder of the tragedy unfolding nearby. Future planning now considers psychological impact alongside practical needs.
The FDA's clear guidance on returning refrigerated trucks to food service provides an important framework that didn't exist before. This clarity helps overcome one of the biggest hesitations in deploying food-grade trailers for morgue use.
Climate change considerations are entering the planning process too. With extreme weather events potentially causing more mass casualties, emergency planners are building more robust morgue surge capacity into their disaster plans.
Dr. Donnie Linder, who serves as both a medical examiner and ER physician, shared this perspective: "We are prepared for mass fatalities, hoping that that doesn't happen. We have a good system with our funeral homes, our hospital leadership, our county leadership, that if needed, we could deploy mobile refrigerated morgue with attendants and security."
Perhaps the most important lesson has been about coordination. Many regions have established clearer protocols for when and how temporary morgue facilities should be deployed, with better communication between hospitals, medical examiners, funeral homes, and emergency management agencies. These relationships, built during crisis, will serve communities well in future emergencies.
Frequently Asked Questions about Emergency Morgue Refrigeration
Why choose trucks over permanent expansions?
When communities face a sudden surge in fatalities, refrigerated trucks used as morgues provide practical solutions that permanent facilities simply can't match.
First and foremost, these mobile units can be up and running within hours, not the months or years required for building permanent morgue expansions. During the early days of COVID-19, this rapid deployment capability saved countless communities from truly unthinkable situations.
The flexibility of these solutions also makes a tremendous difference. Need more capacity? Add another trailer. Crisis subsiding? Return units to reduce costs. This scalability is something permanent structures just can't offer.
From a financial perspective, the math makes sense too. At roughly $7,000 per week rental cost, these temporary solutions are far more economical than constructing permanent facilities that might sit empty most of the time. As Travis Simmons from Lowe Rental puts it: "If they need the extra morgue space, it's there."
Perhaps most importantly, these mobile units can be positioned precisely where they're needed most – outside overwhelmed hospitals, near funeral homes at capacity, or at centralized locations to serve multiple facilities. All they need is level ground and a power source, rather than the complex HVAC, plumbing, and electrical infrastructure required for permanent morgue facilities.
Can a truck go back to hauling food after storing bodies?
This question comes up frequently, and yes – with proper decontamination, refrigerated trucks can safely return to food transport. The FDA has provided clear guidance on this process.
The key requirements are straightforward but strict. First, interior surfaces must not have had direct contact with blood or bodily fluids that cannot be properly cleaned. Any porous or damaged materials must be completely replaced. After thorough cleaning, no offensive odors can remain.
The cleaning process itself is rigorous. It requires EPA-registered disinfectants, protective equipment for cleaning personnel, and specific protocols including pressure-washing with water at 185°F. The FDA handbook specifically states: "Refrigerated food transport vehicles and refrigerated food storage units used for the temporary preservation of human remains during the COVID-19 pandemic subsequently can be safely used for food transport and food storage under certain circumstances."
Mike Smith, who co-owns a trucking company, emphasizes the seriousness with which the industry approaches this issue: "That's our livelihood, and we take that very seriously." At American Mortuary Coolers, we've helped several facilities develop proper decontamination protocols that meet or exceed FDA guidelines.
How do authorities keep remains identified and secure?
Maintaining dignity, proper identification, and security is absolutely paramount when using refrigerated trucks used as morgues. Despite the emergency nature of these facilities, there can be no compromises on these elements.
For identification, most facilities use waterproof body bags with hospital bracelets or government IDs securely attached. Some operations use paint pens to mark identifying information directly on the bags as a backup system. The most sophisticated setups implement digital tracking systems, including barcodes, to ensure accurate identification throughout the process.
Bodies are typically arranged in specific patterns – not just stacked randomly – to facilitate retrieval when families make arrangements. This organized approach helps maintain dignity while making the process more efficient.
Security measures are equally important. Access is strictly limited to authorized personnel, with many facilities stationing security personnel at trailer locations around the clock. Locks and seals on trailer doors provide additional protection, while regular inventory checks ensure all remains are properly accounted for.
Thorough documentation ties the whole system together. Detailed logs track every body entering and leaving the facility, maintaining chain of custody documentation throughout. Regular reporting to authorities and communication with families completes the process.
As Mark Desire from NYC's Office of Chief Medical Examiner beautifully expressed: "With sensitivity and compassion, we continue to work with individual families on a case-by-case basis during their period of mourning."
At American Mortuary Coolers, we understand that proper identification and security systems aren't just technical requirements – they're essential to helping families through their darkest hours with dignity and respect.
Conclusion
The use of refrigerated trucks as morgues during the COVID-19 pandemic stands as one of the most visible and sobering chapters of our nation's emergency response. From the crowded streets of New York City to the desert landscapes of Arizona, these temporary facilities became a necessary solution when death tolls overwhelmed our standard systems.
These refrigerated trailers outside hospitals weren't just practical solutions – they were powerful symbols of the pandemic's toll. Yet amid this grim reality, they also showcased our remarkable ability to adapt to unprecedented challenges. When traditional systems failed, communities found ways to maintain dignity for the deceased and give grieving families the time they needed during extraordinarily difficult circumstances.
The experience has permanently changed how we approach emergency planning. Medical examiners, hospitals, and funeral homes across the country now routinely include morgue surge capacity in their preparedness protocols. New coordination systems have emerged, and suppliers like us at American Mortuary Coolers have expanded our capabilities to better serve communities in crisis.
"We never want to see these emergency measures deployed again," says our lead engineer, "but if they're needed, we want to ensure they're implemented with respect, dignity, and technical excellence."
Based in Tennessee but serving the entire contiguous 48 states, we've dedicated ourselves to crafting durable, custom solutions for both everyday mortuary needs and emergency situations. Our deep understanding of refrigeration technology, combined with our experience during the pandemic, allows us to provide thoughtful guidance on everything from permanent installations to emergency deployments.
The pandemic taught us difficult lessons about mortality and preparedness. Facilities that once thought "it couldn't happen here" now understand the importance of having plans and equipment ready before they're needed. We've seen a significant shift toward proactive planning, with many institutions establishing relationships with suppliers and developing detailed protocols before emergencies strike.
I've personally worked with dozens of facilities to develop custom solutions that fit their specific needs and constraints. Whether it's a small funeral home looking to expand capacity or a county medical examiner preparing for worst-case scenarios, we approach each project with the same care and attention to detail.
The pandemic's darkest days may be behind us, but the wisdom gained will help ensure more dignified handling of mass fatality events in the future. While we sincerely hope such measures will rarely be needed, being prepared with proper equipment and protocols ensures we can respond effectively when necessary.
For More info about our mortuary refrigeration solutions, please reach out to us at American Mortuary Coolers. We're ready to help your facility prepare for both everyday needs and emergency situations with customized refrigeration solutions delivered directly to your location.