Temperature-controlled shipping—commonly called "reefer" shipping—is essential for transporting perishable goods like food, pharmaceuticals, and certain chemicals. Understanding the nuances of cold chain logistics can help you protect your products and avoid costly claims.53' trailer with refrigeration unit
Most common for food products
Can maintain frozen or refrigerated temps
Multiple compartments at different temps
Ideal for mixed loads
Common in grocery distribution
No active refrigeration
Uses insulation to maintain temps
Good for short hauls of pre-cooled freight
Never rely on the reefer unit to bring products to temperature. Products should be at the target temperature before loading.Continuous: Refrigeration runs constantly
Cycle (Start-Stop): Unit cycles on/off to maintain range
Frozen goods typically require continuous; refrigerated may use cycle.Don't block air flow
Use proper palletization
Consider load bars for stability
Pre-cool trailer before loading
Request temperature monitoring data from your carrier. Many modern reefer units have telematics that record temp throughout transit.Frozen foods (-10°F to 0°F)
Dairy products (32°F - 40°F)
Pharmaceuticals (varies widely)
Flowers (32°F - 35°F)
Chocolate (55°F - 65°F)
What is Reefer Shipping?
Reefer trailers are refrigerated trucks equipped with cooling units that maintain specific temperature ranges during transit. They can typically hold temperatures from -20°F to +70°F, depending on the unit.
Types of Temperature-Controlled Equipment
Standard Reefer Trailer
Multi-Temperature Trailers
Insulated Trailers (Non-Reefer)
Best Practices for Reefer Shipping
1. Pre-Cool Your Products
2. Specify Continuous vs. Cycle Temperature
3. Proper Loading Techniques
4. Monitor Temperature
5. Document Everything
Take photos of thermometer readings at pickup. This protects you in case of claims.Common Reefer Commodities
- Fresh produce (32°F - 40°F)
Typical Reefer Temperatures by Commodity
Set points vary widely across cold-chain freight. The dashed line marks 32°F (freezing). Hover for each commodity's range.
Chainlink Reefer Services
Our network includes experienced reefer carriers with modern equipment and temperature monitoring capabilities. Whether you're shipping frozen goods across the country or fresh produce to the next state, we have you covered.
Get a reefer quote today.
