What is Temperature Controlled Freight Shipping?
Some goods simply can’t tolerate temperature swings in transit. Produce spoils, pharmaceuticals lose efficacy, and anything with a strict cold chain requirement will arrive compromised if it’s shipped in a standard dry van. Temperature controlled freight shipping keeps climate-sensitive cargo at a stable, specified temperature throughout the entire journey. At C&D Logistics, we coordinate temperature controlled freight for clients shipping a wide range of perishable and climate-sensitive goods. Here’s what you need to know about how it works and when to use it.
How Temperature Controlled Freight Shipping Works
Temperature controlled freight shipping is the specialized handling and transportation of goods that are sensitive to climate conditions during transit. The goal is to maintain stable temperatures from dock to dock, using a trailer that can be cooled, frozen, or heated depending on the weather conditions and the specific requirements of the cargo.
Temperature controlled trucks are built differently from standard dry vans. They feature an additional layer of insulation in the walls, which helps maintain a consistent internal temperature throughout the journey. That extra insulation reduces the available interior space compared to a standard trailer, which is worth keeping in mind when planning load volumes and packaging dimensions.
Learn all about the different types of trucking equipment for specialized freight.
What Goods Require Temperature Controlled Shipping?
Any perishable item that deteriorates when exposed to extreme temperatures or humidity is a candidate for temperature controlled shipping. The following categories are among the most common.
Produce and Plants
Most produce and plants will wilt or ripen quickly without proper refrigeration. There’s also a compounding effect to be aware of: ripening fruit generates heat, which can raise the internal temperature of a standard trailer and accelerate spoilage across the entire load. A temperature controlled environment prevents this and keeps goods fresh for the duration of the trip.
Animal Products
Meat, eggs, dairy, and other animal products require precise temperatures for safe preservation, whether they’re refrigerated or frozen. The specific temperature requirements vary by product, so it’s worth confirming the correct target with your logistics provider before the shipment moves.
Pharmaceuticals
Vaccines, medications, and other pharmaceutical products frequently require refrigeration or freezing at specific temperatures to remain safe and effective. Temperature variation isn’t just a quality concern here; it can render products hazardous and entirely unusable. The stakes are high enough that pharmaceutical shipments often require detailed temperature monitoring and documentation throughout the journey.
Beauty Products
Like pharmaceuticals, many beauty products are formulated within specific temperature ranges and will spoil or degrade if exposed to heat or cold beyond those limits. Creams, serums, and other formulations that contain active ingredients are particularly susceptible.
How to Package Temperature Controlled Freight
A temperature controlled truck creates a stable environment for your freight, but proper packaging is still important. The truck protects the load; the packaging protects individual items within the load.
Insulated packaging materials help protect goods against heat transfer between the packaging and the surrounding environment. Foam-based options like expanded polystyrene (EPS) and rigid polyurethane are widely used, and radiant barrier films add a reflective layer that further reduces heat transfer for particularly sensitive goods. For cargo that is especially vulnerable to heat, adding gel coolants or dry ice inside the packaging provides an additional buffer.
When shipping frozen items, include absorbent materials such as pads, cellulose, or paper towels at the bottom of each package. Frozen goods can release liquid as they warm slightly during loading and unloading, and those absorbent layers prevent moisture from accumulating and affecting the integrity of the package or neighbouring goods.
Learn more about properly packaging your freight.
Ship Temperature Sensitive Freight With Confidence
Temperature controlled shipping requires more planning than standard freight, but for goods that can’t tolerate climate variability, it’s the only option that protects product integrity from dock to dock. Getting the equipment and packaging right from the start is far less costly than dealing with spoiled or compromised goods on arrival. If you have temperature sensitive freight to move, give our team at C&D Logistics a call at 604-881-4440. We’ll make sure your cargo arrives in the same condition it left in.