Refrigerated Trucking Solutions
Refrigerated Trucking involves the transportation of goods via truck in a controlled, cool environment. Primarily used for perishable items like foods, flowers, and pharmaceuticals, this method ensures that products are kept at a low temperature throughout the delivery process.
The containers used for transport are maintained at temperatures lower than the surrounding air or even below freezing, prolonging the shelf life and freshness of the goods. This specialized service is vital for preserving the quality of sensitive products during transit. If you’re in need of refrigerated trucking services, feel free to contact us.
When Should I Use Refrigerated Trucking?
Refrigerated trucking is essential for the transportation of goods that require temperature-controlled environments to maintain their quality and integrity. In large countries like the United States or Canada, where cities are interconnected via roads, trucking offers a great and affordable way to deliver your goods. Compared to air freight and sea freight, trucking is definitely more cost-effective. However, it’s important to note that delivery times are generally longer and depend on road and traffic conditions. Refrigerated trucking is particularly important for cold chain logistics, where temperature-sensitive goods are transported from one location to another.
Many freight forwarding companies also use refrigerated trucking in conjunction with sea or air freight to deliver goods from the origin, possibly a warehouse, to airports or seaports, and vice versa. From there, airplanes and ships take over the consignment. This is usually done for delivery to countries further away. Goods remain refrigerated in their new vessel throughout their journey.
Items Commonly Shipped via Refrigerated Trucking
Express Freight Management
Express Freight Management is your one-stop shipping solutions provider. With a global reach and a commitment to customer satisfaction, we ensure smooth and efficient shipping from start to finish.
Customer Satisfaction
We are committed to providing exceptional customer service and ensuring your complete satisfaction with our shipping solutions. Our dedicated team goes above and beyond to address your needs, resolve any issues promptly, and ensure a smooth shipping experience from start to finish.
Global Reach
By being located in one of the world’s busiest port-of-call with free-trade zone benefits, we have served a multitude of clients from around the world. To do so, we have partnered with many companies worldwide such as sea carriers like NVOCCs and VOCCs. This ensures that you get the most efficient routes at the most competitive prices.
Personalized Experience
We understand that each of our clients needs is unique. Hence, you will be assigned a personal consultant who will assist you with all your shipping enquiries. The consultant will keep you up to date on the status of your shipments and ensure that your goods arrive at your destination safely and promptly.
FAQs About Refrigerated Trucking
What Is Refrigerated Trucking?
Refrigerated trucking, also known as reefer trucking, involves the transportation of goods in trucks equipped with refrigeration units. These units maintain specific temperature conditions inside the truck to preserve the freshness and quality of perishable items during transit.
How Cold Are Refrigerated Trucks?
Refrigerated trucks, also known as reefer trucks, are typically set to maintain temperatures between 34°F (1°C) and 40°F (4°C) for most food items like produce, dairy, and meats. However, the temperature can be adjusted depending on the specific needs of the cargo:
- Frozen goods are usually transported at around -10°F (-23°C) to 0°F (-18°C).
- Fresh produce often requires temperatures closer to 34°F (1°C).
- Pharmaceuticals or other sensitive products might need even more specific temperature controls, like between 36°F (2°C) and 46°F (8°C).
The truck’s refrigeration system is designed to maintain a constant temperature throughout the journey, ensuring that perishable goods stay fresh or frozen as needed.
Who Uses Refrigerated Trucks?
Refrigerated trucks, or reefer trucks, are used by a wide range of industries and businesses that need to transport temperature-sensitive goods. Some of the key users include:
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Food Industry:
- Grocers and supermarkets: Transporting perishable food items such as fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, and frozen foods.
- Food manufacturers and processors: Moving ingredients or prepared food that require specific temperature controls.
- Restaurants and foodservice providers: Delivering fresh or frozen ingredients to kitchens.
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Pharmaceutical Industry:
- Transporting temperature-sensitive medications, vaccines, and other medical products that require strict temperature regulation.
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Healthcare and Biotech:
- Biological samples: Laboratories and hospitals often use refrigerated trucks to transport blood, tissue samples, or biological materials that need to be kept at specific temperatures.
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Floral Industry:
- Delivering fresh flowers that need to be kept cool to maintain freshness.
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Agriculture:
- Farmers and growers: Shipping fresh produce such as fruits, vegetables, and herbs to markets or distribution centers.
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Chemicals and Industrial Goods:
- Some chemicals or materials need to be transported under controlled temperatures to avoid degradation or chemical reactions.
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E-commerce and Direct-to-Consumer Shipping:
- Companies in the e-commerce sector that deal with perishables or frozen foods, such as meal kit delivery services or frozen food subscriptions.
Refrigerated trucks are essential for businesses where product quality and safety depend on maintaining a consistent temperature throughout the transport process.
How Long Can Refrigerated Trucks Keep Products Cold?
The duration depends on the type of refrigeration unit, insulation, and external conditions. However, most refrigerated trucks are designed to keep products at the right temperature for extended periods (several hours to a couple of days).