What is Freeze Protection?

Top 7 Freeze Protection Carriers

Carriers offer freeze protection to prevent temperature-related damage to goods during transit, meet industry regulations, and minimize financial losses. This service is crucial for safeguarding the quality of products with freezing points at or below 32 degrees Fahrenheit and maintaining customer satisfaction. It plays a vital role in ensuring the reliable movement of goods across various climates and regions.

Here are the terms for each carrier:

R + L:

From October 1st through May 1st, R+L provides a limited protective service against freezing temperatures (32 degrees Fahrenheit). The availability of this service depends on the presence of suitable equipment and the day of the week when the shipment is scheduled. Prior to shipment, the Shipper must contact the local service center to confirm the service’s availability. R+L will utilize cargo heaters, blankets, and other equipment from local service centers as they become accessible. The charges for this service are as follows:

• $3.70 per hundredweight (cwt), with a minimum charge of $87.90 per shipment.

If a customer has a pre-negotiated rate lower than $3.70 per cwt, with a minimum charge of $87.90 per shipment, R+L’s maximum liability will be limited to $0.70 per pound.

It is imperative that the Shipper explicitly marks “PROTECT FROM FREEZING” on the bill of lading. In cases where this requirement is not clearly indicated on the bill of lading by the Shipper, R+L will not be held responsible for any losses or damages resulting from a failure to provide the necessary freezing protection.

Ward:

Choose from a variety of durable pallet covers designed to withstand sub-zero temperatures. Ward’s PFF shipments receive 24/7 pro-level monitoring, ensuring timely and uninterrupted delivery. We closely track weather conditions to prioritize PFF shipments for quick dispatch. Plus, Ward’s Network includes heated warm rooms.

One of Ward’s standout products is the Sure Temp® Reversible Pallet Cover, offering versatile temperature protection for LTL and FTL shipments. It features a dual-purpose design – using heat-absorbent black nylon for cold protection and reflective aluminum foil for heat protection. To enhance thermal efficiency, it includes a hollow-fiber insulating fill in various weights. Its durable construction ensures reusability, making it an excellent choice for safeguarding your shipments.

For freeze protection, make sure to indicate “Protect from Freeze” or “PFF” on the bill of lading. You can request this service through multiple channels, including contacting customer service, scheduling a pick-up online, or via API or EDI transmission. Shipments prone to freezing receive priority routing for swift delivery. Those labeled as PFF undergo continuous monitoring by a designated CSR throughout the day, with email alerts triggered during extreme weather conditions.

XPO:

Safeguard your freezable freight’s integrity during cold weather with XPO’s Freeze Protection Service. We implement strategic measures, including rerouting temperature-sensitive shipments and utilizing warming rooms whenever possible, to shield your cargo from freezing temperatures. Additionally, shipments containing freezable materials are given priority handling, ensuring their safe and timely delivery.

XPO’s service extends to pick-up options for freezable products, defined as items freezing at or below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. These pick-ups are available within XPO’s LTL operating area from Monday to Thursday, with delivery scheduled from Tuesday to Friday of the same week. The Freeze Protection Service is in effect from October 1 to April 30.

However, it’s important to note that certain exclusions apply to shipments of freezable materials due to the unpredictability of weather conditions. These shipments cannot move as Instant Guaranteed Service or Guaranteed by Noon shipments, as XPO prioritizes the safety of your cargo.

In cases of severe cold temperatures, with temperatures at or below 10 degrees Fahrenheit persisting for three or more consecutive days, shipments susceptible to temperature-related damage may experience some delays. XPO’s pricing is designed for your convenience, offering Freeze Protection Service for as low as $44.25 per shipment.

A. Duie Pyle:

Ensuring reliable protection from freezing temperatures in this region necessitates a comprehensive safeguard for products that navigate potentially harsh Northeastern conditions. Freeze Protection shipping is a tool that many carriers use to ensure the appropriate delivery of your freezable freight. A. Duie Pyle’s “Protect from Freeze” service assures customers that they can send and receive water-based goods without being constrained by the day of the week or prevailing temperatures. With no embargoes, you can have confidence in A. Duie Pyle’s exceptional winter protection, as evidenced by A. Duie Pyle’s exceptional track record of 99.99% exception-free performance across more than 60,500 water-based shipments.

Pitt Ohio– Heat Track:

PITT OHIO’s commitment to customer care extends to all weather conditions, including the cold winter days. We offer a specialized service, Heat Track, as part of Pitt Ohio’s Protect From Freezing Service, designed to safeguard products susceptible to freezing between October 1st and April 30th.

To ensure your freezable shipments, capable of freezing below 32 degrees, are protected from pick-up to final destination, Pitt Ohio provides a cost-effective solution. Pitt Ohio employs heated trailers, blankets, portable heaters, and warm storage spaces within Pitt Ohio’s terminal buildings. With a fleet of over 1,500 heated trailers, the largest in the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions, Pitt Ohio offers comprehensive coverage.

Pitt Ohio’s technological capabilities give your shipments priority within Pitt Ohio’s system. Pitt Ohio identifies freezable shipments right at the point of pick-up and closely monitor them throughout the entire journey. Weather conditions are continuously assessed through various online sources and technologies, allowing Pitt Ohio to manage forecasts and implement special handling procedures for shipments protected by Pitt Ohio’s Heat Track service.

Rest assured, your freight is guaranteed against any damage caused by freezing. Pitt Ohio’s cost-effective solutions are available seven days a week, with pickups and deliveries occurring from Monday to Friday. Pitt Ohio’s exceptional reliability is demonstrated by Pitt Ohio’s industry-leading claims ratio of just .00002%, ensuring the utmost integrity of your freezable shipments.

TForce Freight:

Established operational procedures prioritize the safeguarding of your shipments from the adverse effects of harsh weather conditions. This commitment is upheld across our extensive network of over 178 facilities nationwide, where TForce diligently implements continuous weather monitoring and designate climate-controlled areas to minimize exposure to the elements.

To assist you during cold periods, TForce provides a Freeze Protection Advisory webpage, offering valuable information to aid in planning your shipping activities effectively, ensuring that your shipments remain protected.

Additionally, TForce offers enhanced visibility for your shipments, which can be conveniently tracked through Quantum View® Manage or by visiting www.tforcefreight.com. TForce’s goal is to keep you well-informed at every stage of the shipping process.

For your reference, please take note of the following shipping details:

• TForce’s freeze protection service is available from October 1 to April 30 and is tailored specifically for commodities with a freezing point of 32 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.
• It’s important to be aware that TForce Freight reserves the right to suspend this service when temperatures are forecasted to reach 10 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.
• The service is designed to cater to shipments that can be picked up and delivered between Monday and Friday of the same week, aligning with our standard LTL service.
• TForce’s service covers direct points within the 48 contiguous U.S. states and extends to Canada.

However, it’s essential to acknowledge that TForce Freight cannot be held liable for temperature-related losses or damages stemming from circumstances beyond TForce’s control.

ABF Freight:

ArcBest offers a Protection Against Freezing service for freight with a freezing point of 32 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. To benefit from this service, please note that it is subject to the Conditions of Service and Exclusions outlined in Item 810 of ARC 112 Series. This service is exclusively available for shipments within the contiguous United States.

For service application, it is crucial to prominently list “Protection Against Freezing Required” on the bill of lading. However, please be aware that ArcBest retains the right to suspend freeze protection services under certain circumstances. This includes situations where the temperature at the origin or destination falls to 10 degrees Fahrenheit or lower or when extreme weather conditions persist for an extended period. Your understanding and cooperation in these matters are greatly appreciated.