Refrigerated (Reefer)
Temperature-controlled transportation for perishable and sensitive cargo.
Refrigerated, or reefer, transportation keeps perishable and temperature-sensitive freight within a required temperature range while it is on the road. If your product cannot sit at ambient temperature, a refrigerated trailer is the option to consider.
How Refrigerated (Reefer) works
A refrigerated trailer has a cooling unit that maintains a set temperature throughout the trip. It is used for products such as food and beverage, and other cargo with temperature requirements.
Reefer shipping depends on good preparation: product that is already at the right temperature, appropriate packaging, and clear instructions about the temperature range the cargo requires.
Best for refrigerated freight shipments
- Perishable food and beverage products
- Temperature-sensitive goods that need a controlled range
- Shipments with strict handling instructions
- Freight that must stay cool or frozen in transit
What to prepare before you request a refrigerated freight quote
- The product and its required temperature range
- Whether the product is chilled or frozen and its pre-cooled temperature
- Number of pallets, weight and packaging type
- Pickup and delivery windows, and receiving hours
- Any documentation or handling instructions for the load
What affects the quote
Every shipment is different. These are the main factors that influence a freight quote:
- Required temperature range
- Distance and transit time
- Weight and number of pallets
- Pickup timing and appointments
- Market conditions on the lane
Before you ship, you can verify any carrier on the FMCSA SAFER System.
Frequently asked questions
How do I tell you the temperature my product needs?
Include the product and its required temperature range in the shipment details when you request a quote. Share any special handling notes as well.
Should my product be pre-cooled?
In general, product should already be at its required temperature when loaded, because trailer cooling units are designed to maintain temperature, not to cool warm product.
Can I ship both chilled and frozen freight?
Requirements vary by shipment. Tell us about your product and temperature needs so we can review the best way to move it.
Other freight services
Full Truckload (FTL), Less Than Truckload (LTL), Dry Van, Expedited, Dedicated.
Ready to move your freight?
Send us your shipment details and request a free quote, or call us and tell us what you need.