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
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What Is Refrigerated Freight?
Benefits of our refrigerated and temperature controlled freight services.
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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.
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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.
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.
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Cross Border Refrigerated Shipping
This type of shipping is used when crossing the boarder to neighboring countries.
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Parcel Refrigerated Shipping
This type of shipping is related more to the packaging than the vehicle. Parcel carriers transport most Refrigerated Parcels shipments.
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Refrigerated Freight FAQs
Q. What is refrigerated freight?
A.
Refrigerated freight, or reefer freight, refers to transporting goods requiring temperature-controlled conditions to preserve their freshness, quality, or integrity. It involves using specialized refrigerated containers or trailers with temperature control systems to maintain specific temperature ranges during transit.
Q. What types of goods require refrigerated freight?
A.
Various types of goods require refrigerated freight to ensure quality and safety. This includes perishable food such as fruits, vegetables, meat, seafood, dairy products, and frozen foods. Other goods requiring temperature-controlled transportation include pharmaceuticals, chemicals, flowers, certain beverages, and sensitive electronic or medical equipment.
Q. How are temperatures maintained in refrigerated freight?
A.
Refrigerated freight utilizes specialized containers or trailers equipped with refrigeration units. These units use temperature control systems, often powered by electric or diesel systems, to regulate the temperature inside the container or trailer. The temperature settings can be adjusted based on the specific requirements of the goods being transported, ensuring that the desired temperature range is maintained throughout the journey.
Q. What are the temperature ranges available for refrigerated freight?
A.
Refrigerated freight offers a range of temperature options to accommodate different types of goods. Standard temperature ranges include:
Frozen: (-18°C to -25°C / 0°F to -13°F): Suitable for transporting frozen foods and other goods that require deep freezing.
Chilled: (0°C to 5°C / 32°F to 41°F): Ideal for perishable foods that need to be kept at a slightly above-freezing temperature.
Cool: (8°C to 15°C / 46°F to 59°F): Used for goods that require a slightly cooler temperature range, such as certain fruits, vegetables, or pharmaceuticals.
Ambient: (15°C to 25°C / 59°F to 77°F): For goods that can be transported at room temperature without the need for cooling or heating.
Q. How do I determine the temperature requirements for my refrigerated freight?
A.
The temperature requirements for refrigerated freight depend on the goods transported. It’s essential to consult the manufacturer’s guidelines or labeling instructions for the goods, as they often provide recommended temperature ranges for storage and transportation. If you need more clarification, consult with experts in the industry, such as logistics providers, freight forwarders, or the suppliers of the goods, to determine the appropriate temperature requirements for your specific freight.
Q. Can I ship refrigerated freight internationally?
A.
Yes, refrigerated freight can be shipped internationally. However, it requires careful planning and compliance with international regulations and customs procedures. It’s crucial to consider factors such as temperature conversions, customs documentation, and compliance with the import/export regulations of the destination country. Working with experienced logistics providers or freight forwarders experienced in international refrigerated freight can help navigate these complexities and ensure the proper handling and transportation of your goods.
Q. How do I book refrigerated freight services?
A.
To book refrigerated freight services, contact logistics providers, freight forwarders, or shipping companies specializing in temperature-controlled transportation. Provide them with the necessary details, such as the type of goods, temperature requirements, origin and destination, and the desired transit time. They will assess your needs, provide you with available options, and guide you through the booking process.
Q. Are there any specific packaging requirements for refrigerated freight?
A.
Yes, there may be specific packaging requirements for refrigerated freight to ensure the proper preservation and protection of the goods. This can include using insulated packaging materials, such as thermal blankets or foam insulation, to maintain the desired temperature range. Proper labeling and marking of packages may also be required to indicate the temperature sensitivity of the contents. It’s essential to consult with your shipping provider or freight forwarder to understand any specific packaging guidelines or requirements for your refrigerated freight.
Q. Can I track my refrigerated freight shipment?
A.
Most logistics providers or shipping companies offering refrigerated freight services provide tracking capabilities. They will provide you with a tracking number or waybill number that allows you to monitor the progress of your shipment. You can use this tracking number to access online tracking portals or contact the shipping provider for updates on the location and status of your refrigerated freight shipment.
Q. What should I do if there are temperature deviations or issues with my refrigerated freight shipment?
A.
If you encounter temperature deviations or issues with your refrigerated freight shipment, it’s essential to address them promptly. Contact your shipping provider or logistics partner to report the issue and provide them with all relevant details. They will work to investigate the problem, determine the cause of the temperature deviation, and take appropriate actions to resolve the issue. It’s advisable to document any temperature deviations or damage to the goods with photographs or written records for potential insurance claims or reimbursement purposes.
