Refrigerated Freight: A Shipper's Complete Guide

Refrigerated freight — also called reefer — is one of the most specialized and unforgiving segments of trucking. A temperature excursion can destroy an entire load. Here's what every shipper needs to know before booking a reefer truck.

What Is a Reefer Truck?

A refrigerated trailer (reefer) is a standard 48- or 53-foot trailer fitted with a diesel-powered refrigeration unit (usually a Thermo King or Carrier brand). The unit runs independently of the truck engine, maintaining precise temperature throughout the haul — whether the truck is moving or parked.

Modern reefer units can maintain temperatures from -20°F to +70°F, covering everything from frozen goods to fresh produce to temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals.

Common Temperature Ranges by Commodity

Key Documents for Reefer Loads

• Bill of Lading (BOL) — must specify set temperature, product name, and any pre-cooling requirements
• Temperature Recorder Download — the reefer unit logs temperature continuously; always request this at delivery
• Pre-Trip Inspection Record — confirms the unit was functioning before loading
• Proof of Delivery (POD) — signed receipt confirming condition at delivery

5 Common Reefer Shipping Mistakes

1. Not pre-cooling the trailer — a warm trailer will spike product temp even if the reefer is running. Request pre-cool to set temp 2+ hours before loading.
2. Blocking air circulation — freight must be loaded to allow airflow from the floor channels. Blocking the nose of the trailer is a common mistake.
3. Wrong set point — confirm the exact temperature on the BOL. "Keep cold" is not a set point.
4. Not requesting the temp download — if there's a claim, this is your only proof of what happened in transit.
5. Using a dry van broker for reefer loads — reefer requires carriers with maintained refrigeration units and experience in cold chain. Not every carrier qualifies.

How IZY Logistics Handles Reefer Freight

Every reefer load we book includes temperature monitoring via the carrier's onboard recorder and pre-trip inspection confirmation. Temperature data is available on request for any shipment — for an audit, a claim, or your own records. Our carriers are screened specifically for cold chain experience and equipment maintenance records. If you've had temperature excursion issues with other brokers, call us — we take reefer seriously.