Temperature-Controlled Freight Shipping: Complete Guide

Temperature-controlled freight shipping protects products requiring specific temperature ranges during transit. Modern refrigerated trailers maintain temperatures from -20°F to ambient, essential for frozen food, fresh produce, dairy products, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and other temperature-sensitive goods. Equipment types include full reefer trailers with dedicated refrigeration units, blanket-wrapped service using insulated blankets for short-term protection, and heated trailers for winter freight protection. Temperature requirements vary by product: frozen foods require -18°C (0°F) or colder, fresh produce needs 0-4°C (32-39°F), pharmaceuticals have specific ranges often 2-8°C (36-46°F), and chocolate requires 13-18°C (55-64°F). Monitoring involves continuous temperature recording via data loggers, real-time alerts for temperature excursions, and complete temperature documentation for regulatory compliance. FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Sanitary Transportation Rule requires temperature monitoring, proper equipment maintenance, and driver training for US food shipments. Canadian food freight must comply with Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR) including transportation requirements. Best practices include pre-cooling trailers before loading, loading at proper product temperature, and maintaining cold chain integrity throughout transit with minimal door openings and proper freight arrangement allowing air circulation. MPS Freight Management provides [temperature-controlled freight services](/services/temperature-controlled) across Canada and cross-border. Call (866) 200-9989.