What is temperature-controlled freight shipping?

Temperature-controlled freight shipping ensures that perishable or sensitive goods are transported within a specific temperature range using refrigerated trucks (reefers).

What products require refrigerated (reefer) shipping?

Products like produce, pharmaceuticals, floral goods, frozen foods, and medical supplies often require refrigerated shipping to maintain quality and compliance.

How do reefer trucks maintain specific temperatures?

Reefer trailers use built-in refrigeration units with temperature monitoring and insulation to keep the cargo within a strict range throughout the journey.

What industries use cold chain logistics?

Industries like food & beverage, healthcare, agriculture, and retail rely on cold chain logistics to maintain temperature-sensitive product integrity.

Can you use refrigerated trailers for dry goods?

Yes, reefers can be used to haul dry goods with the refrigeration unit turned off. They provide weather protection and flexible freight options.

Other than fresh foods, what can reefer units be used for?

Reefers can haul medical supplies, cosmetics, chemicals, animal products, candles, and other temperature-sensitive goods that require protection from heat or freezing.

Is the refrigerated unit turned on when arriving at the shipper?

Yes. Trailers should be pre-cooled to the required temperature before arriving at the shipper to ensure temperature stability from the moment of loading.

What are acceptable temperature ranges for common produce items?

Root vegetables: 39.2°F–53.6°F. Squash: 41°F–50°F. Soft fruits and leafy greens: just above 32°F. Citrus: 39°F–77°F. Exact ranges depend on the commodity.

Temperature-Controlled Truckload Specs

Lengths: 48–53 feet Widths: 96–102 inches Heights: 12.5–13.5 feet Maximum Weight: 44,000 lbs Maximum Pallets: 26 for 53’ and 24 for 48’

Temperature-controlled truckload (reefer) Freight Shipping Services

Keep Reefer Loads Fresh with Reliable Cold Transport

Moving perishable goods across any distance requires specialty equipment to preserve ideal conditions in transit. Temperature-controlled trucks (often called “reefers”) are used to maintain cold chains for produce, pharmaceuticals, and other temperature-sensitive products.

Temperature-controlled truckload shipping is one part of cold chain logistics, focused specifically on maintaining product temperature during transportation.

How Temperature-Controlled Truckload Shipping Works

Temperature-sensitive shipments can require different approaches depending on product type, volume, and transit requirements. First Call Logistics supports both full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) refrigerated shipments, allowing flexibility based on shipment size and urgency.

For shipments that require active temperature control, climate-controlled equipment helps maintain precise temperature ranges throughout transit—supporting everything from perishable food products to regulated healthcare and medical supplies.

Benefits of Temperature-Controlled Shipping with First Call:

FCL owes its company roots to the produce industry, which means extensive experience working with reefer transport.
Our asset division’s refrigerated fleet and extended network of carriers help partners navigate shifts in reefer truck availability.
Dedicated customer service through a single point of contact streamlines communication between your team and ours.
24/7 online tracking keeps each of your shipments in sight while in transit.

Refrigerated Truckload Frequently Asked Questions:

What is temperature-controlled (reefer) freight?

Temperature-controlled (reefer) freight uses refrigerated equipment to maintain a defined temperature range during transportation for perishable or temperature-sensitive goods.

Is reefer transportation part of cold chain logistics?

Yes. Reefer transportation is one component of cold chain logistics, which can also include temperature-controlled storage, handling, monitoring, and coordinated execution across multiple stages of the supply chain.

What industries use reefer transportation?

Industries such as food and beverage, produce, healthcare, and other regulated or perishable sectors commonly rely on temperature-controlled transportation.

Do you offer both refrigerated full truckload and LTL?

Yes. First Call Logistics supports temperature-controlled full truckload (FTL) and refrigerated less-than-truckload (LTL), depending on shipment size, lane, and handling requirements.

Does First Call offer cross-border cold chain logistics?

Yes. First Call Logistics provides temperature-controlled shipping throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, including cross-border compliance coordination and shipment visibility.

What information do you need to quote a reefer shipment?

Typical details include pickup and delivery locations, commodity type, weight and dimensions, target temperature range, and delivery timeline. Any additional handling or compliance requirements are reviewed upfront when needed.

How are temperature requirements managed during transit?

Temperature requirements are confirmed during planning and reconfirmed with the carrier prior to loading. Our team maintains direct communication with drivers throughout transit, verifies temperature settings and operating mode, and addresses issues as they arise. When required, temperature records or reefer downloads can be requested to support post-delivery review.

Temperature expectations are treated as non-negotiable and are reinforced at multiple points before and during transit.

What temperature ranges can reefer equipment support?

Most reefer trailers can support chilled and frozen ranges, though exact capabilities vary based on equipment, ambient conditions, and product requirements. Target temperature and equipment expectations are confirmed prior to dispatch.

Who supports higher-risk or sensitive cold chain shipments?

Shipments with tighter temperature requirements or added complexity may be supported by First Call FRESH, our dedicated cold chain logistics team.

Temperature-Controlled Shipping Support

Moving temperature-sensitive freight comes with higher risk and less room for error. We’ll help you confirm requirements, align the right equipment, and stay proactive through delivery.

Chat with a Reefer Specialist

Cold Chain Experience Across Industries

Clients across the country rely on First Call to support freight execution across a range of shipping needs.

Individual experiences reflect specific shipments and service requirements.

“Working with First Call Logistics has not only reduced my transportation spend, but their level of service and transparency to real-time information has had a great impact on improving costly inventory levels. With First Call, I spend less time chasing loads and more time executing on the plans to grow our business.”

-Mike, Retail

“I always look for good rates and follow-through. That’s why First Call is my preferred vendor.”

-Leonard, Shipper at Produce Company

“I’m so pleased with the First Call team – both the resources assigned to us, and the way they treat our customers!”

-Rachelle, Shipper at Produce Company

“First Call always paid on time and would get me back-hauls whenever possible which was great.”

–Wayne, Carrier

“Produce can prove to be a challenging business. You have to choose to surround yourself with good people. First Cal has certainly stepped up and become a valuable partner. Grow Farms is better with this partnership.”

-Tommy, Shipper at Produce Company

Solutions Built for Your Business

Dry Van Full Truckload (FTL)

Temperature-Controlled Truckload

Less-than-Truckload (LTL)

Box & Straight Trucks

Drop Trailer

Cross Border Shipping

Expedited Shipping

HAZMAT

Project Freight

High Value

Power Only

Drayage

White Glove

Cross Docking

Warehousing

Pallet Restacking

Resources

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