Refrigerated Shipping
Keep your temperature-sensitive freight safe with our reefer trucking services. From frozen goods to fresh produce, we maintain the cold chain.
Get Reefer Quote →What is Refrigerated Shipping?
Refrigerated shipping (also called reefer shipping) uses temperature-controlled trailers to transport perishable and temperature-sensitive freight. These specialized trailers maintain precise temperature ranges from frozen (-20°F) to cool (65°F), ensuring your products remain fresh and safe throughout the entire journey.
Maintaining the cold chain is critical for food safety, product quality, and regulatory compliance. Our reefer carriers use modern equipment with real-time temperature monitoring, backup refrigeration systems, and trained drivers who understand the importance of temperature-sensitive freight.
Whether you're shipping frozen seafood, fresh produce, pharmaceuticals, or other temperature-sensitive goods, we connect you with reliable reefer carriers who have the equipment and expertise to protect your valuable cargo.
Temperature Control Options
Frozen (-20°F to 0°F)
Ice cream, frozen foods, seafood, and other frozen products requiring deep freeze temperatures.
Cold (32°F to 40°F)
Fresh produce, dairy, meat, beverages, and refrigerated goods requiring standard cold storage.
Cool (40°F to 65°F)
Pharmaceuticals, chocolate, wine, flowers, and sensitive products requiring climate control.
Benefits of Refrigerated Shipping
Precise Temperature Control
Maintain exact temperatures from -20°F to 65°F with modern refrigeration units and real-time monitoring.
Cold Chain Integrity
Unbroken temperature control from pickup to delivery ensures product quality and food safety.
Temperature Monitoring
Real-time temperature tracking with data logging for compliance and quality assurance documentation.
Regulatory Compliance
Carriers meet FDA, FSMA, and other regulatory requirements for transporting temperature-sensitive goods.
Modern Equipment
State-of-the-art reefer trailers with backup systems, insulation, and reliable refrigeration units.
Trained Drivers
Experienced drivers who understand temperature-sensitive freight and proper handling procedures.
Why Choose Our Refrigerated Services?
Food-Grade Certified Carriers
Access to carriers with food safety certifications and sanitary trailer maintenance programs.
Temperature Assurance
Pre-cooling protocols, continuous monitoring, and backup refrigeration systems to protect your freight.
Multi-Temperature Capability
Handle frozen, refrigerated, and ambient freight with carriers equipped for various temperature zones.
Quick Reefer Capacity
Fast sourcing of temperature-controlled trucks even during peak produce seasons.
Compliance Documentation
Temperature logs, BOLs, and other documentation for regulatory compliance and audits.
Cold Chain Expertise
Our team understands the unique challenges of temperature-sensitive freight logistics.
Industries We Serve
Fresh Produce
Meat & Poultry
Pharmaceuticals
Floral
Refrigerated Shipping FAQ
What is refrigerated (reefer) shipping?
Refrigerated shipping uses temperature-controlled trailers to transport perishable and temperature-sensitive freight. Reefer trailers can maintain temperatures from -20°F (frozen) to 65°F (cool), ensuring products stay fresh and safe during transport.
When should I use refrigerated shipping?
Use reefer shipping for any temperature-sensitive freight including fresh produce, frozen foods, meat, dairy, seafood, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, wine, chocolate, and flowers. If your product requires climate control to maintain quality or safety, reefer is essential.
How much does refrigerated shipping cost?
Reefer rates are typically 20-30% higher than dry van due to specialized equipment, fuel for refrigeration units, and additional maintenance. Pricing varies by lane, distance, temperature requirements, and market conditions. Get a quote for accurate pricing. Learn more in our freight costs guide.
Can reefer trailers maintain multiple temperatures?
Multi-temp reefer trailers can maintain different temperature zones (e.g., frozen and refrigerated) simultaneously. However, most standard reefers maintain one temperature throughout the trailer. Specify your requirements when requesting a quote.
How is temperature monitored during transport?
Modern reefer trailers have digital temperature recorders that continuously log temperatures throughout transit. Drivers monitor temperatures and alert dispatchers to any issues. Temperature logs are provided with delivery for your compliance records.
What happens if the refrigeration unit fails?
Reputable carriers have backup refrigeration systems and breakdown protocols. If a unit fails, the carrier will arrange a transfer to another reefer trailer or emergency service to prevent product loss. Proper cargo insurance is recommended for high-value loads.
Do I need special packaging for reefer freight?
Proper packaging helps maintain product quality. Frozen goods should be pre-frozen before loading. Use insulated packaging for temperature-sensitive items. Ensure airflow around pallets for effective refrigeration. Follow our shipment preparation guide for best practices.
Are reefer trailers cleaned between loads?
Yes, food-grade carriers clean and sanitize trailers between loads, especially when switching between different product types. Inspection reports and sanitation certificates are available upon request for food safety compliance.
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