Refrigerated (Reefer) Freight Shipping
Temperature-controlled shipping for food, pharmaceuticals, and perishables. Precise monitoring, every mile.
Temperature-sensitive freight needs more than a cold trailer — it needs precise control and constant monitoring. Route 89 Logistics moves food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and other perishables with reefer equipment held at your required setpoint.
From frozen to fresh, our carriers maintain the cold chain from pickup to delivery, with documentation to back it up.
What you get
- Temperature-controlled trailers for frozen and fresh freight
- Continuous temperature monitoring and reporting
- Cold-chain compliance for food and pharma
- LTL and full truckload reefer capacity
- Multi-stop and dedicated reefer lanes
Ideal for
- Food, beverage, and produce shippers
- Pharmaceutical and healthcare products
- Floral and other perishable goods
- Any freight with a required temperature range
How it works
Specify your temperature requirements
Tell us your required temperature setpoint — frozen (-20°F to 0°F), refrigerated (34°F to 38°F), or a custom range. We match your freight with equipment calibrated to maintain it.
We select compliant reefer capacity
We source carriers with properly maintained refrigeration units and verified pre-cooling procedures. For pharmaceutical and food-grade freight, carrier compliance and cleanliness standards matter.
Temperature monitoring in transit
Modern reefer units log temperature data throughout the trip. We can provide temperature reports on delivery for cold-chain documentation and compliance purposes.
On-time delivery with documentation
Your freight arrives at the correct temperature with a proof of delivery and temperature log — the documentation your customers, auditors, or regulators may require.
What affects the price
- Temperature range required — frozen vs. refrigerated
- Lane distance and transit time
- Fuel required to run refrigeration unit
- LTL vs. full truckload reefer capacity
- Seasonal availability — reefer capacity tightens in summer
Industries we serve
- Food and beverage manufacturers
- Grocery and retail distribution
- Pharmaceutical and biotech
- Floral and seasonal produce
- Restaurant and foodservice supply
Frequently asked questions
What temperature ranges can reefer trailers maintain?
Reefer trailers can maintain temperatures from approximately -20°F (frozen) up to 65°F (ambient-controlled). Most food shipments run between 34°F and 38°F. Pharmaceutical and specialty freight may require tighter tolerances, which we can accommodate with the right equipment.
Can I ship reefer freight as LTL, or does it have to be FTL?
Both options exist. Reefer LTL is available through carriers who run temperature-controlled networks, though carrier options are more limited than dry LTL. FTL reefer gives you a dedicated trailer with no shared space and is the best choice for full loads or freight with strict handling requirements.
What happens if a reefer unit malfunctions in transit?
Carriers are responsible for maintaining equipment and addressing mechanical issues in transit. We stay in contact with the carrier throughout the move and escalate immediately if a temperature excursion is reported. For high-value or time-critical loads, we work with carriers that have strong contingency protocols.
How early should I book reefer freight?
Reefer capacity is tighter than dry van, especially in summer months. Booking 48–72 hours in advance is ideal. For regular lanes, establishing a consistent schedule with us helps ensure capacity is reserved before peak demand.
More questions? Visit our full FAQ or contact our team.
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