Frozen is a set point, not a generic reefer
“Reefer” only tells us you need a temperature-controlled trailer. Frozen freight is a specific job. Use the set point your shipper or receiver requires. Many frozen shipments are held at 0°F or below, and some require a colder setting such as −10°F. We will not guess that number for you. If you are not sure, tell us the commodity and we will follow up before we finalize a quote.
The trailer should usually be pre-cooled before loading so warm air is not the starting point for a frozen product. If your specification calls for pre-cool, continuous run, or a temperature recorder, put that in the notes. Pulp or product temperature at loading and the unit’s set point should be aligned with what the receiver will check on arrival. See food-grade trucking for the sanitary side of this work, and reefer shipping costs for what drives the rate.
Dedicated trailers, LTL, and a few pallets
A dedicated reefer truckload is the most straightforward way to hold a frozen set point from pickup to delivery. If you have only a few pallets, do not assume a standard LTL quote includes refrigeration. Choose LTL, write that the freight is frozen, and include the temperature. We will follow up on how to handle it, and we will tell you if a dedicated trailer or a partial is the more realistic plan. See FTL vs LTL and partial truckload.
Mixed loads that combine frozen product with cooler or dry freight need to be described carefully. If only part of the shipment is frozen, tell us. We can help you decide whether the whole trailer should go as a frozen reefer.
Appointments and unloading
Frozen freight waiting on a dock is still using the refrigeration unit, and a missed appointment can put the product at risk as well as adding detention. Grocery, food-service, and cold-storage receivers often require appointments and may have lumper or check-in procedures. Include what you know. See retail and DC delivery appointments.
We quote frozen foods out of California warehouses and plants, including the Los Angeles area and the Inland Empire, and inbound frozen freight into those same markets from Texas and the rest of the 48 states. California to Texas is a frequent corridor for this freight.
What to send
- Commodity, clearly identified as frozen
- Required set point, plus pre-cool and continuous-run instructions
- Recorder, pulping, or inspection requirements
- Origin and destination city or ZIP
- Ship date and appointment or receiving-hour notes
- Pallet count, stackability, and weight