Abstract: A bulkhead for a cargo carrying vehicle and method of constructing same is the subject of the present invention. First and second uniform extruded sections are provided, each of which presents alternating web portions and open areas sandwiched between generally planar surfaces. Plate connecting means is interposed between the two extruded sections and presents first and second connecting surfaces which are aligned with the first and second planar surfaces. First and second channel means disposed across the ends of the extruded sections place each of the open areas in closed communication with an adjacent area. The open areas may be utilized to house a refrigerant conduit and a freezable media so as to convert the bulkhead into a self-contained cold plate. Alternatively, a heating element may be placed in the open areas so as to convert the bulkhead to a hot plate. The aforedescribed assembly is disposed on one side of an A-frame which divides the cargo area into left and right sections.