Refrigerated Shipping 101: How Temperature-Controlled Freight Works
Whether you’re transporting food, pharmaceuticals, or temperature-sensitive materials, refrigerated shipping—also known as reefer freight—is essential for maintaining product integrity. This guide covers the essentials of cold chain logistics in the U.S.
❄️ What Is Refrigerated Shipping?
Refrigerated shipping involves using temperature-controlled trucks (reefers) to move goods that must stay within specific temperature ranges. The goal is to protect perishable or heat-sensitive products from spoilage or degradation during transport.
🚚 Types of Reefer Equipment
- Reefer Trailers (53 ft): Standard for long-haul refrigerated freight
- Sprinter Vans & Box Trucks: Used for local and regional chilled deliveries
- Multi-Zone Reefers: Maintain different temps in separate compartments
🥶 Products That Require Refrigerated Transport
- Food & Beverage: Meat, dairy, seafood, produce, frozen meals
- Pharmaceuticals: Vaccines, medicines, diagnostic samples
- Floral & Agricultural: Flowers, plants, seeds
- Industrial Goods: Temperature-sensitive adhesives, resins, and chemicals
🌡️ Temperature Ranges
| Product Type | Recommended Temp (°F) |
|---|---|
Frozen Goods | 0°F or below |
Chilled Products | 34–39°F |
Fresh Produce | 36–55°F (varies) |
Pharmaceuticals | 35–46°F |
✅ Compliance and Safety Standards
Reefer transport in the U.S. must comply with:
- FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)
- DOT/FMCSA guidelines
- Cold chain protocols for pharmaceuticals
We follow strict sanitation, loading, and monitoring procedures.
📈 When to Use Refrigerated Shipping
Use reefer services when:
- Your cargo is perishable or fragile to heat
- Your goods require specific temp ranges during transit
- Product integrity affects your compliance or customer trust
🧠 Pro Tips
- Pre-cool your cargo before loading
- Use data loggers or smart sensors for temp tracking
- Avoid delays — reefer fuel and runtime matter
- Partner with a reliable carrier with reefer expertise
🚀 Need Help Shipping Temperature-Sensitive Freight?
Cargo1 provides refrigerated solutions tailored to your needs.
