When Should You Use Temperature-Controlled Trucks?

When it comes to freight shipping, there are many different options to get your products, materials, and other items where they need to go. With so many options available, it can be difficult to determine which solution is right for your shipment. That is why the experts at C&D Logistics have compiled some information outlining when you should use temperature-controlled trucks and what this method entails to help you determine if it is the right option for your needs.

Learn what dry van shipping is and when it should be used.

What is Temperature-Controlled Freight Shipping?

Temperature-controlled freight shipping is the specialized handling and storage of goods that are sensitive to climate conditions during transit. The main goal of temperature-controlled shipping is to maintain stable temperatures from dock to dock through a cooled, frozen, or heated truck trailer based on weather conditions and the goods it is carrying.

Learn more about what temperature-controlled freight shipping is.

How to Package Refrigerated Freight

Since temperature-controlled trucks are equipped with an extra layer of insulation in the walls, there is typically less space than standard dry van shipping. When packaging freight that needs to be transported in a temperature-controlled environment, it is important to keep this reduced space in mind.

Using materials such as polyurethane foam, radiant barrier films, and expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam, can help protect your goods against heat transfer while they are being moved from one location to the next. For cold items that are extremely sensitive to heat, consider adding gel coolant or dry ice before packaging to help keep the products cool for the duration of their trip.

Learn about the different types of trucking equipment for specialized freight.

What Types of Items Should be Shipped in a Temperature-Controlled Truck?

Perishable items will deteriorate over time if they are exposed to extreme temperatures or humidity. Perishable items that should be shipped in a temperature-controlled environment include but are not limited to:

Produce and Plants

Most produce and plants will wilt or ripen quickly if shipped without proper refrigeration. Ripening fruit can then further increase the temperature of normal trailers, causing goods to spoil faster than they would in cooled or frozen trailers.

Animal Products

Whether frozen or refrigerated, animal products require temperature-controlled shipping. Products like meat, eggs, and dairy require specific temperatures for the best preservation, so be sure to work with your 3PL provider to determine what this temperature is.

Pharmaceuticals

Many pharmaceutical products—vaccines, medication, etc.—require refrigeration or freezing at specific temperatures to remain usable by patients and health professionals. Temperature variation can be hazardous as it can cause the contents to spoil and render the products useless.

Beauty products

Like pharmaceuticals, beauty products can spoil if heated or cooled beyond safe temperatures.

To learn more about our freight solutions or to discuss the details of your shipment, get in touch with the team at C&D Logistics. We can be reached through our online contact form and will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our services.