Refrigerated LTL Shipments: What You Need to Know

If you have sensitive freight that needs to stay in a temperature-controlled environment, you need a refrigerated LTL Shipments. However, it’s one of the most complex transportation modes in the logistics industry is refrigerated less-than-truckload (LTL), due to its complexity and limitations.

While many shipping providers are not able to accommodate these shipments, those that can will be better able to service your requests if you are aware of the intricacies of this mode of transportation. Because of these intricacies, it’s important that you understand what refrigerated shipments are, how you can use them, and how you can interact with your refrigerated LTL carrier.

What is Refrigerated LTL Shipments?

Refrigerated (or reefer) LTL is the process of shipping refrigerated or temperature-controlled freight that does not require the space of an entire trailer (full truckload).

Often, these trailers have insulated walls, heavy-duty door seals, and even a reflective roof to absorb the sun’s rays. This keeps the content inside from deteriorating, perishing, or damaging.

Reefer contents are often perishable. According to the International Air Transport Association, “perishable” refers to any contents that will deteriorate over a period of time if exposed to certain conditions. Examples include food products, dairy, plants, and live tropical fish. Other types of non-perishable refrigerated shipments include fine art, flowers, and pharmaceuticals.

Did you know that the interior of a truck can be 30 degrees hotter than the external temperature?

Reefers have a built-in refrigerated system with temperature controls to offset this concern. These trucks are not necessarily cooling or freezing the freight; they can maintain any required temperature as a means of protecting delicate cargo.

Why Use Refrigerated LTL Shipments?

LTL companies don’t require a full truckload or trailer of contents. They either send smaller trailers filled with one or multiple shippers’ goods, or they send full-size trailers with many shippers’ contents.

This can be a huge benefit for all businesses who don’t want to ship full truckloads at a single time. Moreover, it’s especially important for those companies who want to ship small quantities of perishables at a time. Oftentimes, companies can’t afford to wait to “fill up” an entire truckload—because their goods will perish in the meantime. An LTL carrier system allows you to send smaller batches of goods.

However, not all LTL companies will offer refrigerated shipping because the process can be so complex. It’s important to discuss any sensitive freight with your LTL before doing business. You want to make sure that your LTL has the experience, equipment, and knowledge to handle this sort of transportation service.

The Bottom Line

Protect your goods and your business by choosing a strong LTL carrier with refrigeration experience, modern equipment, up-to-date tracking processes, strong service, and a fair price.

You need a company who knows and understands your concerns when shipping sensitive freight.

Cannonball Express Transportation

Since 1970, Cannonball Express Shipping Company has been providing top-of-the-line service at a reasonable rate. Based in Omaha, Nebraska, we provide nationwide refrigerated LTL services, as well as, local delivery services.

Nebraska Warehouse One-Stop-Shop | TechnologyEnabled 3PL Value-Added Services Warehouse | Freight Broker | Logistics

Nebraska Warehouse doesn’t just help to facilitate your shipments, but we are truly a one-stop-shop solutions provider. Our services include:

• Real Estate Development
• Refrigerated Services
• Warehousing