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.

Refrigerated Freight
Save money shipping refrigerated goods. Compare multiple carriers servicing refrigerated services with current instant pricing results.
What Is Refrigerated Freight?
Benefits of our refrigerated and temperature controlled freight services.
- Same day pickups
- A large network of temperature controlled equipment
- Direct shipping without stops
- Faster delivery options
- Dedicated account management
- Temperature controlled freight shipping from 100+ carriers
- Realtime 24/7 tracking and tracing access
- Surge capacity for seasonal businesses
- Services to anywhere in the U.S. & Canada
- 30+ years of transportation experience working for you!
Awards and Endorsements
- 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

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.
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.
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:
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.
Learn More: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.
Learn More: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.
Learn MoreThis 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.
Learn MoreThis 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.
Learn More: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.
This type of shipping is used when crossing the boarder to neighboring countries.
This type of shipping is related more to the packaging than the vehicle. Parcel carriers transport most Refrigerated Parcels shipments.

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.