Think about the last time you shipped a load of produce. Did it arrive in less-than-perfect condition? Anything can happen in transit, but it’s likely the carrier didn’t pay attention to the trailer temperature.

Had you used refrigerated LTL shipping, the story might have had a happier ending. For companies that need to ship goods in smaller quantities, it’s an efficient, cost-effective choice.

If you’re not familiar with LTL temperature-controlled transportation, read on. We’ve put together a guide to help you decide if it’s a practical shipping solution for your business.

 

Defining Refrigerated LTL Shipping

 

Refrigerated LTL shipping, also called cold chain shipping, is a specialized method for transporting temperature-sensitive goods in smaller quantities.

It combines many shipments into one trailer. Full truck load (FTL) shipping, which uses a whole truck for one shipment.

Refrigerated LTL is a great solution if your business produces small-batch goods that must stay cool or frozen during transport.

This shipping method keeps your products at the right temperature during transit. It doesn’t matter whether they’re dairy products, fresh produce, or pharmaceuticals. Getting them to market without risk is the job of an LTL shipper.

 

How Does Refrigerated LTL Shipping Work?

 

By consolidating smaller shipments into a single refrigerated trailer, LTL shipping companies increase efficiency. This will also reduce your shipping costs.

Freight carriers take care when planning routes. The goal is timely deliveries while maintaining temperature integrity. But if you’re curious about the heart of this shipping method, the secret is temperature control.

Advanced refrigeration systems support precise temperature settings. Monitoring sensors track temperature variations and send an alert to operators if they detect deviations.

LTL carriers use specialized pallets, packaging, and storage solutions. Their goal is to safeguard your products during transit.

 

Does Refrigerated LTL Offer a Cost-Efficient Solution?

 

For now, you’re wondering if refrigerated LTL shipping is a cost-effective option for your business.

If your small business deals with lower quantities of temperature-sensitive goods, refrigerated LTL is a game-changer. It allows you to share the costs of transportation with other businesses. Cost-sharing means you only pay for the space your products occupy inside the trailer.

One of the key cost benefits of refrigerated LTL is consolidation. Shippers combine many shipments destined for different locations into one truck. This minimizes empty space in trailers and maximizes resources.

You pay less for transportation costs. And reduce your carbon footprint. It’s a win-win for your budget and the environment.

 

Why Do Certain Industries Choose Refrigerated Trucking?

 

Several industries can benefit from using LTL temperature-controlled transportation. We’ll point out some of them later in the article.

Why do these industries choose cold chain shipping methods over others?

The answer to this question goes beyond cost and convenience. Industries choose refrigerated LTL shipping over other shipping methods for several specific reasons.

First, when shipping temperature-sensitive cargo, maintaining a consistent temperature during transit is critical. It’s a must for preserving the quality and safety of products.

Many industries have strict transportation guidelines for their products. The guidelines are industry-specific.

For example, the food industry must follow the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). Pharmaceutical companies follow Good Distribution Practice (GDP) guidelines for their products.

Finally, refrigerated LTL carriers can often reach remote areas. Dedicated refrigerated transport may not be cost-effective or readily available in these areas.

These are only a few reasons cold chain shipping is the solution of choice for many industries. Next, we’ll look at a few of those sectors.

 

Food and Beverage Industry

 

This shipping solution saves the day for businesses in this sector.

The food and beverage industry relies heavily on refrigerated LTL shipping to transport perishable goods. Temperature control is necessary for preserving the freshness of produce, dairy, and meat.

Food safety is non-negotiable. For this reason, regulators in this industry demand strict adherence to temperature controls during transit.

By taking care of your cargo, a refrigerated trucking company helps you build trust with consumers and regulators.

 

Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Industries

 

In the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors, precision and compliance are vital. Refrigerated LTL shipping steps up to address their unique needs.

The pharmaceutical industry deals with life-saving drugs, vaccines, and sensitive medical supplies. These products must maintain strict temperature ranges.

These industries run under strict regulations and quality. They need shipping solutions that align with their standards. Cold chain shipping helps them meet those standards.

Using LTL refrigerated trucking shows that pharmaceutical businesses focus on compliance and integrity. They’re essential for patient health and safety.

 

Floral and Agriculture Businesses

 

If you’re a flower grower, you need shipping solutions that help preserve the freshness and appeal of your products. Agricultural businesses have similar needs.

By controlling temperature and humidity, refrigerated LTL shipping maintains product quality during transport.

The floral and agriculture sectors usually face fluctuations in demand for their products. They often tie demand to a season. These businesses need flexible shipping solutions designed to help them manage these fluctuations efficiently.

Refrigerated LTL is a cost-effective solution for transporting smaller quantities during high-demand periods.

 

Chemicals and Hazardous Materials

 

A refrigerated truck is essential for transporting hazardous materials or temperature-sensitive chemicals. Safety and compliance are critical for these types of items.

Certain chemicals and hazardous materials must meet specific temperature conditions to remain stable.

Refrigerated LTL provides a controlled environment for transporting sensitive substances. It protects pharmaceutical ingredients and specialty chemicals from temperature-related reactions or damage during transit.

Regulatory authorities tightly regulate the chemicals and hazardous materials sector. These regulations protect both human health and the environment.

These authorities adhere to stringent environmental standards. This includes preventing leaks or spills and the correct handling of hazardous materials.

 

Wondering if LTL Shipping Is Right for You?

 

In this article, we’ve explained refrigerated LTL shipping and shared many of its benefits. If your company needs to move temperature-sensitive cargo, cold chain shipping is the way to go.

Morris Trucking has a shipping solution for all your cargo transport needs. We’ve been in the transportation business since 1925. There’s nothing we can’t move for a customer.

Reach out to our team for pricing and availability.