Temperatures are going down, and winter is officially here. Many shipments contain items that have the potential to freeze in lower temperatures, which could result in damage or loss. Don’t let the cold hurt your freight and bottom line. Check out how to protect shipments from freezing temperatures below.
How to Protect Shipments from Freezing Temperatures
Freeze protection services, or protect from freeze services, protect cold-sensitive shipments from exposure to freezing temperatures during transit. As a rule of thumb, remember the freight shipping industry recognizes November 1st through April 30th as “freeze protection season” or the time period freeze protection services will be most in demand. The winter months can be brutal in terms of weather and that impacts the transportation business greatly. If you ship regularly during the freeze protection season, it’s worth asking the question of whether or not freeze protection services would be beneficial for your cargo. Here at FreightCenter, we can help assist you with any and all freeze protection services you may need.
What Types of Products Need Freeze Protection Services?
Some of the most common temperature-sensitive products include:
– Chemicals
– Paints
– Glues
– Liquids
– Perishable Food
– Batteries
How do Freeze Protection Services Protect Shipments from Freezing?
Freeze protection services include a variety of features, such as the following:
- Protective pallet blankets
- Heated trailers
- Portable heaters
- Warm storage places
In addition, special handling procedures are offered by various carriers and may include:
– Designating sheltered areas to hold freezable freight during severe weather
– Labeling shipments and Bill of Ladings to easily identify freezable products
– Monitoring weather forecasts using AccuWeather
– Adhering to carrier guidelines for protecting goods while in transit and over weekends
– Expediting time-sensitive shipments
– Using warm rooms when needed
Many carriers offer freeze protection services. A FreightCenter shipping agent can easily help you determine which freeze protection services are best for your freight shipment. And remember to be sure that your freight’s specific freeze protection requirements are printed clearly on your Bill of Lading.
Do You Need Freeze Protection Services?
If your freight has the potential to freeze, then yes, you should consider adding freeze protection services. Take into consideration all of the locations your freight cargo will travel through during transit, not just the pickup and delivery destinations. The driver’s route may take them through colder temperatures. For example, if you shipped your freight from Miami to Los Angeles, it may pass through a blizzard in Denver while in transit. Without freeze protection services on your cold-sensitive products, your shipment could become compromised or ruined. Adding freeze protection services helps ensure your shipment arrives as planned and retains its original quality.
Don’t Give Freeze Protection Services the Cold Shoulder
Keep in mind that each carrier has its own unique limitations for handling freight under freeze protection services. In cases of extreme cold, it’s possible that some carriers may not be able to offer a freeze protection guarantee. In those cases, the carrier will place an embargo on this service until temperatures rise. If you’re not sure if your shipment needs freeze protection services, contact FreightCenter, we help assist our customers with freeze protection services every day.
FreightCenter representatives can help match you with a carrier that can meet your freight and freeze protection needs. Ready to book your shipment but not sure if you need freeze protection services? Let FreightCenter help. Get your free freight quote or call 800.716.7608 today!
