Refrigerated Freight Services
Temperature-Controlled Shipping Made Easy
Refrigerated freight is essential for transporting perishable goods such as food, pharmaceuticals, and other temperature-sensitive products. At FreightCenter, we specialize in temperature-controlled shipping solutions that ensure your freight remains fresh, safe, and compliant throughout its journey.
Related Freight Services for Your Shipping Needs
LTL Freight Shipping Services Partial Truckload (PTL) Shipping Truckload Freight ServicesWhat Is Refrigerated Freight?
Refrigerated freight, also known as reefer shipping, involves climate-controlled trucks, trailers, and containers designed to maintain precise temperature conditions. This is crucial for businesses in food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and floral industries that rely on a cold chain for product integrity.
Common Refrigerated Freight Cargo:
- Fresh produce & dairy
- Meat, poultry, and seafood
- Frozen foods
- Pharmaceuticals & vaccines
- Floral products
Need help? Call (800) 716-7608 to speak with a reefer freight expert.
Thousands of businesses trust FreightCenter to move their freight faster, smarter, and cheaper! From unbeatable rates to top-notch service, our customers are raving about their shipping success.
See why they keep coming back!
Award-Winning Service, Trusted by Shippers Everywhere!
- 2021, 2017 & 2016 Food Logistics’ Top Green Providers
- 2021 & 2018 Supply & Demand Chain Executives’ Pros to Know: Matthew Brosious
- 2020 & 2019 Top Food Logistics’ 3PL & Cold Storage Provider Award
- 2020 & 2019 Business Observer’s Top 500 Companies on the Gulf Coast
- 2020 & 2017 SmartWay® Transport Partner
- 2020 & 2017 Food Logistics’ Champions: Rock Stars of the Supply Chain
- 2020 Best of Palm Harbor Awards for Local Businesses
- 2017 Green Supply Chain Award from Supply & Demand Chain Executive
- 2017 Tampa Bay Business Journal Heroes at Work
- 2016, 2015, & 2012 Food Logistics Top 100 Software and Technology Providers
- 2013 Tampa Bay Business 100 by Tampa Bay Business Journal
- 2013 Top 100 Great Supply Chain Partners by SupplyChainBrain
- 2012 TIA Samaritan Award Honorable Mention
- 2012, 2011 & 2010 TBBJ Fast 50 Recipient
- 2013, 2011, & 2010 Diversity Business Top Businesses
Why Choose FreightCenter for Refrigerated Freight?
At FreightCenter, we take the hassle out of refrigerated freight shipping. Our nationwide network of top reefer carriers ensures competitive rates, real-time tracking, and expert support every step of the way. Whether you’re shipping fresh produce, frozen foods, or pharmaceuticals, we provide temperature-controlled solutions that keep your freight safe, compliant, and on time. All refrigerated freight shipments must comply with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and FDA & USDA regulations to ensure food and pharmaceutical safety.
- Nationwide Carrier Network – Compare multiple refrigerated freight providers.
- Real-Time Tracking & Support – 24/7 shipment monitoring.
- Cost-Effective Solutions – Find the best rates for your refrigerated shipments.
- Compliance & Safety – All carriers adhere to strict FDA, USDA, and FSMA regulations
How Refrigerated Freight Works – Simple, Fast & Reliable
Shipping temperature-sensitive goods has never been easier! With FreightCenter, you get a seamless, hassle-free experience from quote to delivery. Here’s how you can book, track, and ensure your refrigerated freight arrives fresh and on time:
Step 1: Get a Free Quote – Instantly compare rates from top reefer carriers to find the best deal.
Step 2: Book Your Shipment – Choose the perfect refrigerated freight provider that fits your schedule and budget.
Step 3: Prepare Your Cargo – Properly package your goods, set the ideal temperature, and ensure everything is FSMA-compliant.
Step 4: Track & Deliver – Enjoy real-time updates as your freight moves, ensuring it reaches its destination fresh, safe, and on time.
Ready to Ship? Get a quote today and keep your freight cool with FreightCenter
Not all refrigerated freight shipments are the same—that’s why FreightCenter offers a range of temperature-controlled shipping options to meet your specific needs. Whether you’re moving a few pallets of frozen goods or an entire truckload of fresh produce, we connect you with top reefer carriers to ensure your shipment arrives on time and at the perfect temperature.
From LTL refrigerated shipping for small loads to full truckload reefer transport for large-scale deliveries, we have a solution that fits your business. Explore your options below and get an instant quote today!
Ship temperature-sensitive freight without paying for a full truck! LTL Refrigerated Freight lets you share space in a climate-controlled trailer, keeping your perishables fresh, safe, and cost-effective. Perfect for food, pharmaceuticals, and small shipments, this option ensures reliable cold chain delivery—right on time!
When your shipment needs the entire truck, FTL Refrigerated Freight delivers dedicated, temperature-controlled transport for large-volume and time-sensitive cargo. Whether you're moving fresh produce, frozen foods, or pharmaceuticals, you get full control, faster transit times, and uncompromised cold chain integrity—ensuring your freight arrives fresh, safe, and on schedule!
Move your temperature-sensitive freight smarter with Intermodal Refrigerated Shipping—a cost-effective, eco-friendly solution that combines rail and truck transport for long-haul shipments. Enjoy consistent temperature control, reduced costs, and enhanced reliability while keeping your perishables fresh and secure every mile of the journey!
When every second counts, Expedited Refrigerated Shipping delivers! Get priority, temperature-controlled transport for your urgent, time-sensitive freight—ensuring perishables like fresh food, pharmaceuticals, and medical supplies arrive fast, fresh, and fully compliant. No delays, just speed and reliability when it matters most!
Guaranteed competitive pricing every time you ship.
Temperature Control & Cold Chain Integrity
In refrigerated freight shipping, temperature control isn’t just important—it’s critical. Even the slightest fluctuation can mean spoiled food, compromised pharmaceuticals, or lost revenue. That’s why maintaining cold chain integrity from pickup to delivery is non-negotiable.
At FreightCenter, we connect you with trusted reefer carriers equipped with advanced climate-control technology to ensure your freight stays at the exact temperature it needs—whether it’s frozen, chilled, or ambient-controlled. With real-time temperature monitoring, FSMA-compliant equipment, and 24/7 shipment tracking, we help you eliminate risks and keep your goods fresh, safe, and fully compliant every mile of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions About Refrigerated Freight
Q. What is refrigerated freight shipping?
Refrigerated freight shipping, also called reefer freight, is the transportation of temperature-sensitive goods using climate-controlled trucks, trailers, and containers. It ensures perishables like food, pharmaceuticals, and medical supplies stay fresh and safe during transit.
Q. How does refrigerated freight work?
Refrigerated freight uses insulated trailers with temperature-control systems to maintain a specific climate inside. Shippers set the required temperature, and real-time monitoring ensures goods remain within the correct range from pickup to delivery.
Q. What types of cargo require refrigerated freight?
Common temperature-sensitive shipments include:
✅ Perishable foods (produce, dairy, meat, frozen goods)
✅ Pharmaceuticals & vaccines
✅ Floral products & plants
✅ Cosmetics & chemicals
✅ Temperature-sensitive electronics
USDA Food Safety Guidelines: USDA Refrigeration & Food Safety
Q. What temperature ranges can refrigerated freight handle?
Refrigerated trailers maintain temperatures between -20°F to 70°F, depending on cargo needs. Shippers can specify frozen (-10°F to -20°F), chilled (32°F to 38°F), or ambient (60°F to 70°F) settings.
Q. What’s the difference between LTL and FTL refrigerated freight?
- LTL Refrigerated Freight – Cost-effective, shared reefer truck space for smaller shipments.
- FTL Refrigerated Freight – A dedicated reefer truck for large, high-volume, or time-sensitive shipments.
Q. How do I prepare my shipment for refrigerated freight?
- Use insulated packaging for added temperature stability
- Set the correct temperature based on product needs
- Ensure proper airflow inside the trailer for even cooling
- Label shipments correctly with temperature and handling instructions
Q. How much does refrigerated freight shipping cost?
Costs depend on:
- Distance traveled
- Temperature requirements
- Shipment size (LTL vs. FTL)
- Urgency (standard vs. expedited shipping)
Get a price estimate: Refrigerated Freight Quote Tool
Q. What regulations apply to refrigerated freight?
- FDA’s FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act) – Ensures food safety during transport.
- USDA Refrigeration Guidelines – Regulates proper food storage conditions.
- Cold Chain Logistics Standards – Maintains temperature consistency from origin to destination.
Read the full regulations:
FSMA Sanitary Transport Rule (FDA)
USDA Refrigeration Guidelines
Q. How long can refrigerated freight shipments be in transit?
Transit time varies based on distance, carrier availability, and urgency. Standard reefer shipments take a few days to a week, while expedited refrigerated freight ensures faster delivery for time-sensitive goods.
Q. What happens if the temperature changes during transit?
If temperature fluctuations occur, real-time monitoring alerts carriers to take corrective action. Reefer trailers have backup cooling systems, and shippers can use temperature data loggers to ensure compliance.
Q. Can I ship frozen and refrigerated goods in the same truck?
Yes! Some reefer trailers have multi-zone temperature controls, allowing different sections of the trailer to maintain separate temperature settings for frozen and refrigerated items.
Q. How do I get the best rate for refrigerated freight shipping?
To save on refrigerated freight:
- Compare rates from multiple carriers using FreightCenter’s quote tool
- Consider LTL refrigerated shipping for smaller loads
- Plan to ahead avoid last-minute shipping fees
- Optimize packaging to reduce excess weight
Get started: Instant Refrigerated Freight Quote
Q. What industries rely on refrigerated freight the most?
Refrigerated freight is crucial for industries that depend on precise temperature control to maintain product integrity. The food and beverage industry relies on reefer shipping to transport perishable goods for restaurants, grocery stores, and frozen food suppliers. In pharmaceutical and medical logistics, hospitals, vaccine distributors, and biotech firms require temperature-sensitive transport to ensure product efficacy. Agriculture and floral businesses, including farmers, nurseries, and flower shops, use refrigerated freight to keep plants and flowers fresh. The cosmetics and chemical industries also depend on climate-controlled shipping for temperature-sensitive beauty products and specialty chemicals.
Q. How do I book a refrigerated freight shipment?
Step 1: Get an instant reefer freight quote from multiple carriers
Step 2: Choose the best carrier and shipping option (LTL, FTL, Intermodal, Expedited)
Step 3: Prepare and label your shipment for temperature control
Step 4: Track your freight in real time until delivery
Ready to Ship? Get a Free Refrigerated Freight Quote Today!
Advantages of Refrigerated Freight
Maintains Product Quality & Safety
Refrigerated freight ensures perishable goods like food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics stay fresh, safe, and compliant by maintaining precise temperature control throughout transit.
Expands Market Reach
With nationwide refrigerated shipping, businesses can transport temperature-sensitive products over longer distances, reducing waste and increasing sales opportunities.
Ensures Compliance with FDA & USDA Regulations
Reefer freight meets strict FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act) and USDA refrigeration guidelines, helping businesses stay compliant with food safety and pharmaceutical transport laws.
