Refrigerated Freight

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What Is Refrigerated Freight?

Refrigerated freight refers to freight that requires specific, temperature-controlled environments during shipment. This is where refrigerated trucks, or reefer trucks, come into play. As the name implies, refrigerated trucks include a built-in refrigeration system inside their trailers to keep their cargo cool. Your freight will arrive at its destination intact and unspoiled.

Benefits of our refrigerated and temperature controlled freight services.

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LTL (Less-Than-Truckload)

LTL shipping is used for small freight or when the items don't require the use of an entire trailer. Your freight is combined with other shipments to fill an entire trailer. It is ideal for shipments under 15,000 pounds.

Full Truckload

Full truckload is used when shippers have enough items to fill an entire truck or they want their shipment in a trailer all by itself.

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What FreightCenter Can Do for Reefer Freight

When you are ready to get that next refrigerated freight load on the road, contact us at 800.716.7608 and let us show you what we can do. We create the shipping paperwork and schedule the trucks according to your timetable. Our online quote allows you to compare rates from many carriers online and estimate how much your freight will cost. Give our freight agents a call for the most accurate rate and expertise. Our services not only save you money, but they also save you time.

FreightCenter by the numbers

24 Years in Business

1m+ Shipments Booked

93%+ On-Time Performance

99.1% Damage Free Shipments

What Carriers Offer Refrigerated Freight Services?

Freight carriers play a crucial role in the transportation industry, moving goods from one place to another across the country and worldwide. One type of freight service offered by carriers is refrigerated freight services. These specialized services involve refrigerated trucks or containers to transport perishable food, pharmaceuticals, and medical supplies. Let’s discuss some of the freight carriers that offer refrigerated freight services.

Prime is one of the largest freight carriers in the United States, offering refrigerated freight services. Their refrigerated trucks are equipped with state-of-the-art technology that allows for precise temperature control and monitoring, ensuring the safety and quality of the cargo. With its extensive network of trucks, planes, and warehouses, Prime can transport temperature-sensitive products efficiently and reliably.

Another major player in the refrigerated freight services market is Knight-Swift. They offer various refrigerated transportation options, including refrigerated trucks and containers, air cargo, and intermodal rail services. They also provide a range of temperature-controlled storage solutions for their customers’ products, making them a one-stop shop for businesses transporting perishable goods.

FreightCenter, a third-party logistics provider, is also a significant player in the refrigerated freight services market. They offer a range of refrigerated transportation options, including refrigerated trucks, rail services, and intermodal solutions. FreightCenters’ expertise in logistics and supply chain management allows them to provide customized solutions for their customer’s unique needs, ensuring that their perishable goods are transported safely and efficiently.

KLLM, one of the largest truckload carriers in North America, offers refrigerated transportation services through its Refrigerated division. With over 3,000 refrigerated trucks, KLLM provides reliable, temperature-controlled transportation services for various industries, including food, beverage, and pharmaceuticals.

Lastly, Maersk, one of the largest shipping companies in the world, offers refrigerated container services for its customers worldwide. These containers are equipped with state-of-the-art technology that allows for precise temperature control and monitoring, ensuring the safety and quality of the cargo. Maersk’s global network of ports and terminals makes them a reliable option for businesses transporting perishable goods across borders.

In conclusion, refrigerated freight services are a crucial component of the transportation industry, ensuring the safe and efficient transportation of perishable goods. Prime, KLLM, FreightCenter, Swift Transportation, and Maersk are some freight carriers offering these specialized services. By utilizing the expertise and resources of these carriers, businesses can ensure that their perishable goods are transported safely and efficiently, reaching their destination in optimal condition.

What Are the Benefits of a Refrigerated Truck?

Refrigerated freight trucks, also known as reefer trucks, are specially designed vehicles equipped with refrigeration unit that helps maintain the temperature of the cargo being transported. These trucks are essential for transporting perishable goods such as food, pharmaceuticals, and medical supplies. Here are some benefits of using refrigerated freight trucks.

Maintains product quality: One of the main benefits of refrigerated freight trucks is that they help maintain the quality of the transported cargo. By controlling the temperature, the truck ensures that the perishable goods stay fresh, reducing the risk of spoilage, contamination, or damage. This is particularly important for food items as they must be kept at specific temperatures to maintain their nutritional value and taste.

Extends product shelf life: Refrigerated freight trucks can also extend the shelf life of perishable goods by preserving their freshness and quality for longer. This means that products can be transported over longer distances, reaching a more comprehensive range of markets and increasing sales opportunities for manufacturers and distributors.

Ensures compliance with regulations: The transportation of perishable goods is subject to strict regulations and guidelines to ensure food safety and prevent the spread of disease. By using refrigerated freight trucks, businesses can ensure compliance with these regulations and avoid costly fines or legal action.

Cost-effective: Although refrigerated freight trucks are more expensive than regular trucks, they are cost-effective in the long run. By maintaining the quality and freshness of the cargo, businesses can reduce the risk of product spoilage, minimizing waste and loss of revenue.

Versatile: Refrigerated freight trucks are not limited to transporting perishable food items. They can also transport other temperature-sensitive goods, such as pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, and electronics. This makes them versatile for businesses transporting various products in a temperature-controlled environment.

In conclusion, refrigerated freight trucks are an essential component of the supply chain for transporting perishable goods. Maintaining the cargo’s quality and freshness helps businesses reduce waste, comply with regulations, and increase sales opportunities. With their versatility and cost-effectiveness, refrigerated freight trucks are an investment that can benefit businesses in the long run.

Refrigerated Freight

Types of Refrigerated Freight Services Available

There are several types of refrigerated freight services available to transport perishable goods at specific temperatures. Here are some of the most common types of refrigerated freight services:

LTL Freight Refrigerated Shipping

This type of refrigerated freight service is ideal for smaller shipments that do not require a full truckload. LTL refrigerated shipping combines shipments from multiple customers to fill a refrigerated trailer, making it a more cost-effective option for smaller quantities of goods.

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Full Truckload Refrigerated Shipping

This type of refrigerated freight service involves shipping an entire truckload of perishable goods, typically in a refrigerated trailer. This is a good option for larger quantities of goods or businesses with regular shipping needs.

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Intermodal Refrigerated Shipping

This type of refrigerated freight service involves transporting perishable goods using a combination of transportation modes, such as a refrigerated truck, a train, or a ship. Intermodal shipping is a good option for long-distance transportation or shipping across international borders.

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Air Freight Refrigerated Shipping

This type of refrigerated freight service involves transporting perishable goods by air, typically in a temperature-controlled cargo hold. Air freight refrigerated shipping is a good option for international shipping or transporting goods requiring a fast delivery time.

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Expedited Refrigerated Shipping

This type of refrigerated freight service is ideal for perishable goods that require a fast delivery time. Expedited refrigerated shipping typically involves using a dedicated truck or air freight service to transport the goods quickly.

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Temperature-Controlled Warehousing

This type of refrigerated freight service involves storing perishable goods in a temperature-controlled warehouse before transportation. This is a good option for goods requiring additional storage time before a ride or for businesses without refrigerated storage facilities.

Cross Border Refrigerated Shipping

This type of shipping is used when crossing the boarder to neighboring countries.

Parcel Refrigerated Shipping

This type of shipping is related more to the packaging than the vehicle. Parcel carriers transport most Refrigerated Parcels shipments.

How Does a Reefer Trailer Work?

A reefer trailer, also known as a refrigerated trailer, is a type of truck trailer that is designed to transport perishable goods at specific temperatures. Reefer trailers work by utilizing a refrigeration system that is integrated into the trailer. Depending on the model, the refrigeration system is powered by an independent diesel engine or an electric power source.

The refrigeration system in a reefer trailer draws heat out of the interior, thus reducing the air temperature. This is achieved by circulating refrigerant through a series of evaporator coils located inside the trailer. The refrigerant absorbs heat from the air in the trailer and then transfers that heat to a condenser coil outside the trailer.

The condenser coil is cooled by a fan or water, which causes the refrigerant to condense into a liquid state. The refrigerant is then pumped back into the evaporator coils inside the trailer, where the cycle repeats. This process maintains the desired temperature inside the trailer, which is crucial for transporting perishable goods requiring specific temperature control.

Reefer trailers also have various additional features to maintain the temperature inside the trailer, including insulation, air ducts, and temperature sensors. The insulation in the walls, roof, and floor of the trailer helps to prevent heat from entering or escaping the trailer, while the air ducts circulate the cool air throughout the trailer. Temperature sensors are located throughout the trailer, which monitor the temperature and ensure that it remains within the desired range.

There are typically two options to power the refrigeration system in a reefer trailer: a diesel engine or an electric power source. Diesel-powered reefer trailers have a separate engine mounted on the front of the trailer, which powers the refrigeration system. The engine is connected to the refrigeration unit via a drive shaft or hydraulic pump. On the other hand, electric reefer trailers have an electric generator installed on the trailer that provides power to the refrigeration unit.

In conclusion, a reefer trailer works by using a refrigeration system that draws heat out of the trailer’s interior, reducing the temperature inside to the desired level. The refrigeration system is powered by either a diesel engine or an electric power source. There are additional features such as insulation, air ducts, and temperature sensors to maintain the temperature. Reefer trailers are an essential tool for transporting perishable goods, such as food and medicine, that require specific temperature control during transport.

Preparing Your Reefer Trailer Shipment

When preparing to move perishables in a refrigerated trailer shipment, it is essential to take specific steps to ensure that the items remain fresh and undamaged during transportation. Here are some guidelines to help you prepare your perishables for a refrigerated trailer shipment:

Determine the proper temperature: Check the required temperature for the specific type of perishable item you are shipping. This information can be found on the packaging or from the supplier. Ensure the temperature is set to the correct level on the refrigerated trailer.
Package your items properly: Use appropriate packaging materials, such as insulated containers or boxes, and ensure they are sealed tightly to maintain the temperature. Use additional insulation materials to keep the items from shifting during transportation if necessary.
Label the packages clearly: Label each container with the contents and the required temperature. This will help the carrier and recipient handle the shipment properly and avoid confusion.
Cool the perishables before loading: Pre-cool them to the required temperature before loading them onto the refrigerated trailer. This will help to maintain the temperature inside the trailer during transportation.
Load the trailer properly: Arrange the packages in the refrigerated trailer to allow proper airflow and prevent any blocking of the refrigeration vents. Leave enough space around the containers to properly circulate cool air.
Monitor the temperature during transportation: Use a temperature monitoring system to track the temperature inside the trailer. This will help identify any temperature fluctuations that may affect the quality of the perishables.

By following these guidelines, you can help to ensure that your perishables are correctly prepared for a refrigerated trailer shipment and arrive at their destination fresh and undamaged. It is essential to work closely with the carrier to ensure that all necessary precautions are taken to maintain the proper temperature and handling of your perishables during transportation.

Reefers Help in Avoiding Medical Mishaps

There isn’t a lot, but there are medicines that are deemed to be hazardous. A reefer trailer is excellent for medical supplies that need to keep cool. Supplies that need to remain cool can include:

Blood products
Vaccines
Organs
Medicine

Temp control is crucially vital to these kinds of shipments. Reefer trailers help to ensure that these supplies remain at the correct temperature during transport. In addition, reefers can provide an oxygen-rich environment for them.

Reefer trailers are a much-needed part of the supply chain for medical supplies. While there are many of these shipments made regularly, they tend to stay at a small size. LTL shipments are perfect for medical supplies. Without reefers and LTL, many lifesaving treatments would not be possible.

Reefer Basics for Shippers

It would be best if you kept some things in mind for reefer trailer shipping. For the safe transport of food items, shippers should refer to the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). Communication is another thing to always keep in mind. You want to communicate the details and requirements of your freight. FreightCenter is happy to assist you with these communications. Lastly, it would be best if you always worked with a reefer provider with plenty of experience and who fully understands the complexity of reefer trailers.

Top Refrigerated Freight Provider

When shipping perishable items, choosing the right logistics provider is crucial. FreightCenter is a top-tier logistics provider that specializes in refrigerated shipping services. We have a wide range of refrigerated trucks and an extensive carrier network, making them the best solution for shipping perishable items on a refrigerated truck.

One of the most significant advantages of FreightCenter is its extensive carrier network. We have relationships with multiple carriers, giving customers various shipping options. This means we can find the best carrier for your specific needs, whether you need a full truckload or a less-than-truckload shipment. We also have access to carriers with refrigerated trucks, such as vans and trailers, so that you can find the perfect solution for your perishable items.

Another critical advantage of FreightCenter is its real-time tracking. This feature lets you track your shipment from pickup to delivery, providing peace of mind that your perishable items are transported safely and efficiently. You can also receive notifications when your shipment is on its way or has been delivered, ensuring you are always up-to-date with your shipment’s status.

FreightCenter.com also offers competitive rates for refrigerated trucking. We work with carriers to negotiate the best rates for their customers, ensuring you get the most cost-effective solution for your perishable items. With FreightCenter.com, you can save money on shipping costs without compromising the quality of your shipment.
Moreover, FreightCenter.com has years of experience in refrigerated shipping. We understand the unique challenges of transporting perishable items, such as maintaining a consistent temperature and protecting items from damage. We have the expertise to provide the right solutions to ensure your shipment arrives at its destination in the best possible condition.
Another significant benefit of FreightCenter.com is its exceptional customer service. We have a dedicated team of professionals available 24/7 to assist customers with questions or concerns. Whether you need help tracking your shipment or have questions about refrigerated shipping, their customer service team is always ready to help.

Finally, FreightCenter.com is committed to sustainability. We use environmentally friendly refrigerants and practices, ensuring their trucks have a minimal environmental impact. This is particularly important when shipping perishable items, as we are often high-value products that must be transported quickly and efficiently.

In conclusion, FreightCenter.com is the best solution for shipping perishable items on a refrigerated truck. We have an extensive carrier network, real-time tracking, competitive rates, years of experience, exceptional customer service, and a commitment to sustainability. Choosing FreightCenter.com ensures that your perishable items are transported safely and efficiently, giving you peace of mind and saving you money.

Questions on Your Shipment?

Are you having trouble sending your package or have shipping questions? Let FreightCenter help! We are experts when it comes to shipping products both nationally and internationally. Our freight agents can ease you into the process. To ensure it’s a smooth ride for both you and your shipment. Use FreightCenter’s free online quote tool to begin. For other locations, call our international shipping experts at 800.716.7608.

Guaranteed competitive pricing every time you ship.

Refrigerated Freight FAQs

What is a Reefer Trailer?

“Reefer” is a slang term for a refrigerated trailer pulled by your standard semi-tractor (truck). These trailers differ from dry vans, which are just insulated and vented. The reefer is just the trailer, making a “reefer truck,” a semi-truck pulling a refrigerated trailer, usually hauling food, medicine, or other perishable goods.

Reefer trailers are an essential part of the food supply chain and are the primary method used in transporting fruits, vegetables, frozen foods, meats, flowers, medical supplies, and more. Reefers are made from either aluminum or stainless steel, have insulated walls to help maintain temperature control, and allow perishable goods to transport over long distances without spoiling.

Refrigerated Freight Temperatures Ranges?

Reefers maintain climates from -85° to 50° degrees Fahrenheit. And while sub-zero temps work well for meats, temperatures should remain between 32-55 degrees Fahrenheit for produce. Reefers have many safety features, such as extra insulation and improved airflow.

How a Reefer Trailer Differs from a Dry Van?

Reefers and dry van trailers may seem similar, but they differ significantly. Reefers are specifically for refrigerated freight, while dry vans primarily carry dry goods. The primary difference between reefers and dry vans is insulation. Reefers are heavily insulated to protect their contents from warm outside temperatures. At the same time, a dry van doesn’t have a refrigeration system.

Another difference is in the flooring. Dry vans typically have flat wood or metal flooring, while reefers have metal floors which sometimes can include grooved bases. These grooved floors allow for the ventilation of perishable goods, helping to maintain consistent temperatures thanks to added airflow.