Reefer freight refers to refrigerated and temperature controlled freight movements and equipment used to transport perishables or other temp-controlled freight.
All freight modes, meaning FTL, LTL, intermodal, rail, ocean and air have reefer freight services available.
Reefer units are equipped with monitoring devices and controls that allow the motor carrier driver and dispatcher to monitor and manage the temperature throughout the shipment process.
Temp-controlled equipment is often heavier than “standard” dry equipment, so shippers need to be aware they will not have the same loading capacity on a temp controlled unit, as they do with a dry unit.
Refrigerated equipment is used for any shipment that needs to have its temperature monitored and maintained within specific limits.
With that in mind, reefer shipments can be for frozen, refrigerated or managed to higher temperatures to maintain product integrity, so do not think of the service is just a cooling option.
Reefer equipment floors are typically aluminum versus wood, which may require shippers to load their product differently to protect against damage in-transit.
Common products shipped via a reefer unit and their regulations include: food, pharmaceutical, and chemicals.
For more on reefer freight and temp controlled services:
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