Refrigerated truckload shipping
A temperature-controlled trailer, called a reefer, for freight that must stay chilled, frozen or within a set range from pickup to delivery.
What refrigerated shipping is
A refrigerated trailer, or reefer, is an insulated trailer with a refrigeration unit that holds a set temperature for the whole trip. Reefers can also keep freight from getting too cold in winter.
A reefer load needs clear instructions, so the temperature setting, run mode and loading condition of your product are part of every quote we prepare.
Freight that fits
- Chilled or frozen products
- Temperature-sensitive goods that can't take heat or freezing
- Freight that must stay within a specified range in transit
Equipment and handling
- Reefers hold a set point, commonly anywhere from below 0°F to about 70°F, depending on the unit.
- Units run continuously or in start-stop (cycle) mode. Your product's requirements decide which.
- Product should be loaded at the required temperature. A reefer is built to hold temperature, not to bring warm product down.
- The refrigeration unit and insulation take up some space and weight, so cargo capacity is slightly lower than a dry van's.
Dimensions and weights are typical industry figures. The actual capacity of a load depends on the carrier's equipment and the route.
Coverage and limitations
- We arrange reefer loads between points in the 48 contiguous states and D.C.
- Give us the exact temperature range, in writing, before we book. We pass it to the carrier on the rate confirmation.
- Tell us about any food-safety, sanitation or seal requirements for your freight before booking.
Information for your quote
- Pickup and delivery city, state and ZIP
- Requested pickup date and any delivery deadline
- Commodity: what the freight is
- Total weight in pounds
- Required temperature or range (°F)
- Continuous or start-stop run mode
- Pallet count and whether freight is stackable
- Pickup and delivery appointment times
What affects the price
- Lane and distance. Miles matter, and so does how much freight leaves the delivery area, since that affects what a carrier can haul next.
- Market conditions. Truck availability shifts with season, weather, holidays and demand on your lane.
- Lead time. Loads booked with more notice usually have more carrier options than same-day requests.
- Fuel. Diesel prices are built into carrier rates.
- Equipment demand. Reefer capacity tightens during produce seasons and holidays, which affects rates.
- Extra services. Detention, lumper fees or extra stops add to the base rate. See common accessorial charges.
We don't publish fixed rates. Every quote reflects your lane, timing and freight on the day you ask.
How we coordinate your shipment
- We confirm the trailer type, appointment times and special requirements with you before booking.
- We tender the load only to a carrier whose operating authority, insurance and safety record we've checked.
- We confirm pickup with the carrier and send you updates at pickup, in transit and at delivery by phone, email or text.
- If timing changes on the road, we tell you right away and work out the next step with you and the receiver.
Refrigerated shipping questions
What's the difference between continuous and start-stop mode?
In continuous mode the unit runs and circulates air the whole time, which keeps the temperature most even. Start-stop mode cycles the unit on and off around the set point, which saves fuel. Many sensitive products require continuous mode. Follow your product's requirements and tell us which to use.
Does the trailer need to be pre-cooled?
Many shippers ask for the trailer to be pre-cooled to the set point before loading. Note it on your quote request and we'll include it in the carrier's instructions.
Can a reefer haul non-refrigerated freight?
Yes. A reefer can run with the unit off, or be used to protect freight from freezing in winter. Tell us what the freight needs and we'll recommend the right trailer.
Get a refrigerated quote
Share your lane, pickup date and freight details. We'll review them with you and send a quote.