Shipping Frozen Food
Cold Chain Freight Solutions You Can Rely On
Chill out with our frozen food shipping service! From gourmet delights to everyday essentials, we deliver your frosty favorites with speed and reliability. Explore our icy-cool shipping solutions and keep your cravings satisfied, no matter the distance!
Shipping frozen food requires precise temperature control and secure packaging to ensure product integrity. FreightCenter specializes in 3PL solutions for frozen food suppliers, meal prep services, and retailers, providing cost-effective, temperature-controlled shipping with top-rated carriers. Proper packaging is essential—use insulated containers, dry ice or gel packs, airtight wrapping, and filler materials to prevent temperature fluctuations and shifting during transit.
Label shipments clearly as “Perishable” and “Keep Frozen,” and comply with dry ice shipping regulations. For bulk orders, FreightCenter offers LTL and FTL refrigerated freight services, maintaining a seamless cold chain for safe, timely delivery.
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 Food Brands & Distributors Trust FreightCenter for Frozen Food Shipping
Shipping frozen food isn’t just about finding a truck—it’s about finding a partner who understands the temperature, timing, and trust involved in cold chain logistics. That’s where FreightCenter stands out.
Cold Chain Know-How
From -10°F seafood to -20°F frozen entrées, we know how to keep your products cold and compliant. Our logistics experts are trained in food-grade transportation standards and specialize in pairing shippers with carriers who know how to move perishable freight right.
More Than a Freight Quote
Our job isn’t done when you click “Get Quote.” We help you plan the entire shipment—evaluating packaging, pickup windows, service levels, and delivery timelines. Need white-glove delivery to a grocery store or a timed drop at a cold storage facility? We’ll coordinate the details.
Smarter Carrier Matching
With over 50 top-tier carrier partners, we’re able to match your shipment with refrigerated LTL or FTL carriers that align with your exact temperature, location, and volume needs. The result? Better reliability, fewer delays, and peace of mind from dock to delivery.
Built-In Trust & Visibility
Real-time tracking, live support, and decades of industry experience give our customers full confidence in every shipment. When your products—and reputation—are on the line, FreightCenter delivers.
Necessary Documents and Preparations For Shipping Frozen Food Products
Shipping frozen food requires specific documentation to comply with regulations and ensure smooth transit. Essential documents may include a Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Health Certificates, Export/Import Licenses, Certificate of Origin, Insurance Documents, and Customs Documentation. Requirements vary by country and transportation mode, so consulting with freight carriers, customs authorities, and logistics providers is crucial to prevent delays and regulatory issues. FreightCenter simplifies this process by guiding shippers through documentation requirements for seamless frozen food transportation.
Proper preparation is essential to maintain food safety, quality, and compliance when shipping frozen goods. Use insulated containers like foam coolers or thermal boxes, ensuring products are fully frozen before packing. Add dry ice or gel packs to maintain the required temperature, seal the container tightly, and minimize empty space to prevent fluctuations. Proper labeling, such as “Frozen” and “Keep Frozen”, helps handlers manage shipments correctly. FreightCenter provides temperature-controlled shipping solutions to ensure frozen goods remain fresh and intact throughout transit.
The cost of shipping frozen food depends on factors like package weight, dimensions, distance, and shipping method. Expedited services, international shipping, and temperature-controlled transport may increase costs due to customs regulations and additional documentation requirements. Comparing multiple carriers through FreightCenter allows businesses to find the most cost-effective and efficient frozen food shipping solution while ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations. Get a free quote today for reliable frozen food transport.
At FreightCenter, we understand that shipping frozen food requires careful temperature control, secure packaging, and reliable delivery. Whether you’re a food supplier, restaurant distributor, grocery retailer, or meal prep service, our tailored freight solutions ensure that your frozen products arrive safely and in perfect condition. Here’s how FreightCenter helps you ship frozen food using the best refrigerated freight options:
Refrigerated trailers, commonly known as reefer trailers, are essential for shipping frozen food while maintaining strict temperature control. These specialized trailers use advanced refrigeration technology to keep products at consistent temperatures, ensuring food safety and freshness throughout transit. FreightCenter partners with a nationwide network of reefer carriers, offering both LTL and FTL temperature-controlled solutions. Whether you need consistent refrigerated transport for regular shipments or on-demand reefer shipping, we connect you with the right carriers to ensure reliable, cost-effective delivery.
If you’re shipping smaller batches of frozen food, LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) refrigerated shipping is the perfect solution. This method allows you to share refrigerated truck space with other shipments, making it a cost-effective way to transport moderate-sized perishable loads. Whether you're a meal prep service, small food distributor, or specialty grocery supplier, our network of trusted temperature-controlled LTL carriers ensures safe, efficient transport while keeping your costs low.
For larger frozen food shipments, such as bulk inventory for grocery stores, restaurant suppliers, or wholesale distributors, FTL (Full-Truckload) refrigerated shipping is the best option. With FTL, your entire shipment is transported in one dedicated refrigerated truck, reducing the risk of temperature fluctuations, excessive handling, or transit delays. This ensures frozen goods arrive in peak condition, making it ideal for businesses stocking inventory or fulfilling large-scale orders. FreightCenter arranges customized truckload solutions to keep your products secure, properly chilled, and delivered directly to their destination.
Cold Box containers use active temperature control to keep products at the right temperature, no matter how hot or cold the weather is. The Cold Boxes are pallet-sized containers that let businesses ship temperature-sensitive items along with regular freight on shared trucks or box trucks. These containers are perfect for LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) shipments, as they help keep products safe while cutting down on shipping costs and reducing the environmental impact compared to using a traditional refrigerated truck.
Guaranteed competitive pricing every time you ship.
FreightCenter is Here To Help so You can Chill!
FreightCenter knows how important it is to deliver your food and produce safely and punctually. With over 25 years in the business, we’re committed to giving our customers the best shipping experience without breaking your budget. We’re partnered with over 50 carriers nationwide, which we leverage to offer discounted rates you can’t find anywhere else. We also provide tailored solutions for your shipping needs, including reefer shipping, cold box services, and specialized freight shipping. And best of all, repeat customers can earn points for special rewards every time they ship with us!
Ready to ship something now? Our agents are prepared to help you get started on shipping right. Get a free freight quote using our free quote tool, or call us at (800) 716-7608.
Frequently Asked Questions about Frozen Food Shipping
Q. How do I keep frozen food from thawing during shipping?
Use insulated packaging, such as foam coolers or thermal-lined boxes, along with dry ice or gel packs to maintain the proper temperature throughout transit.
Q. How long will dry ice or gel packs keep frozen food cold?
Dry ice typically keeps food frozen for 24-48 hours, while gel packs work best for shorter transit times (12-24 hours) or refrigerated (not fully frozen) shipments. The exact duration depends on the amount used and the insulation quality.
Q. What is the best way to ship cold food?
Dry ice and gel packs will keep food cold or frozen during shipping. A step above would be to use a carrier with reefer trailers (refrigerated trailers) to ensure the items are kept frozen or at the required temperature.
Q. Can I ship frozen food with regular parcel carriers like FedEx, UPS, or USPS?
Yes, but you must choose express or overnight shipping to minimize transit time and ensure the food remains frozen. Some carriers offer specialized cold chain services for perishable shipments.
Q. What is the best way to package frozen food for shipping?
Use vacuum-sealed or leak-proof packaging to prevent freezer burn and contamination. Place the food inside an insulated container, add coolants (dry ice or gel packs), and fill any empty space with padding to prevent movement.
Q. Is dry ice required when shipping frozen food?
Not always, but it’s highly recommended for shipments that must stay completely frozen for over 24 hours. If using dry ice, follow hazardous material regulations and label the package accordingly.
Q. How should I label a package containing frozen food?
Clearly mark it as “Perishable – Keep Frozen” and, if using dry ice, include a hazard label indicating the presence of dry ice with its weight. This ensures proper handling.
Q. What shipping method should I use for bulk frozen food orders?
For large frozen shipments, reefer (refrigerated) LTL or FTL trucking is the best option. These temperature-controlled trucks maintain a stable environment to keep food frozen throughout transit.
Q. Can I ship frozen food internationally?
Yes, but you must comply with customs regulations, food safety laws, and import/export restrictions of the destination country. Specialized freight services may be required for long-distance international shipping.
Q. What should I do if my frozen shipment arrives thawed?
If you purchased shipping insurance, file a claim with the carrier immediately. Document the condition with photos and notify the recipient to check food safety guidelines before consumption.
Frozen Food Shipping Tips Revealed
Consolidate Shipments to Minimize Reefer Costs
Refrigerated shipping is priced at a premium, especially for LTL. If you're sending smaller loads regularly, consider consolidating orders into fewer, larger shipments. This reduces the per-pallet cost, minimizes exposure to temperature fluctuations, and often qualifies for better carrier rates.
Use Load Locks and Bulkheads for Multi-Temp Trailers
If you're shipping both frozen and chilled items together, ask about multi-temperature trailers with adjustable bulkheads. These allow for separate climate zones in one trailer—and using load locks or barriers ensures air stays where it's needed. This can save you from booking two separate shipments.
Avoid Weekend Departures Whenever Possible
Shipping frozen goods on a Friday can lead to warehouse delays or weekend layovers, especially if something goes wrong. That idle time increases the risk of temperature breaches or dry ice depletion. Aim to schedule Monday–Wednesday pickups to give carriers a full workweek to deliver.
