Safety, Speed, and Service: Three Reasons Smart Shippers Use Expedited Trucking for Food Transportation

Nick Terry • September 1, 2023

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The urgency of transporting perishable food is unmatched. With every tick of the clock, the danger of spoilage and contamination looms, threatening quality and profitability. As the demand for meal kits and on-demand deliveries skyrockets, it becomes crystal clear: traditional trucking, with its inherent delays and vulnerabilities, just doesn't cut it anymore.

Enter expedited trucking: the game-changer in food transport. While conventional methods risk temperature fluctuations with every stop, expedited trucking offers a nearly untouched voyage, maintaining optimal conditions. The promise? Fresher, safer, and swifter deliveries, ensuring the food on our tables remains impeccable.

In a world craving speed, safety, and stellar service, expedited trucking is more than a mere transport method; it's the gold standard. Guaranteeing predictable delivery timelines and superior quality, it's rapidly setting the pace for the future of food transportation, making it an undeniable choice for savvy shippers.

In a Challenging Industry, Food Manufacturers Search for a Solution

The dynamic world of food manufacturing faces numerous obstacles. From stringent delivery deadlines to intricate regulations, manufacturers confront an ever-changing environment. Let's explore these critical challenges and uncover innovative solutions on track to redefine food transportation.

Common Challenges in Food Transportation

Food shippers face many obstacles while trying to accomplish their goal of on-time, in-full deliveries, including the following:

  • Timely Deliveries and Unexpected Fees: Distribution centers operate at peak efficiency, but missing the Must Arrive by Date (MABD) incurs added fees, adding pressure on punctuality.
  • Refrigerated Vehicle Shortage: The need for temperature-controlled vehicles is rising, yet availability needs to catch up, causing a crunch, especially from April to July.
  • Contamination and Damage Risks: Strict regulations, such as the FSMA, mandate intensive cleaning between loads, emphasizing safety but increasing handling risks.
  • Fluctuating Supply Chain Costs: With market-driven price volatility, suppliers are often cornered into paying premium rates, especially when targeting optimal freshness.
  • Soaring Commodity Losses: Price fluctuations and external factors lead to unpredictable commodity costs, impacting overall transportation expenses.
  • Global Risks: Deloitte’s 2023 Manufacturing Industry Outlook pinpoints issues like sourcing bottlenecks, global logistics delays, and cyberattacks affecting the broader supply chain and, by extension, the food manufacturing industry. 
  • Driver Shortages: Amid carrier shutdowns and a freight recession, we still face a severe truck driver shortage. By 2030, this could lead to a shortfall of 160,000 drivers and necessitate 1 million new drivers over the next decade
  • Environmental Impacts: The environmental impact of food transportation poses a challenge. As companies pursue sustainability and lower carbon footprints, they must adapt, often facing higher costs and needing innovative solutions. 
  • Regulatory Compliance: The U.S. food transportation sector faces an intricate regulatory landscape. From stringent sanitation standards to specific labeling requirements, businesses face a maze of compliance challenges. One misstep can lead to hefty financial penalties and a tarnished reputation.

Backed Against a Corner With Emerging Solutions

Innovation and emerging solutions take center stage as food manufacturers confront the challenges mentioned above. For instance, there’s a significant buzz around drop-trailer shipping, with a 3% boost in beverage shipments and a whopping 32% leap in demand. And there's more — advanced route planning is cutting through the maze, making deliveries smarter and cheaper. Yet, the hunt for dependable refrigerated solutions heats up, with just two companies controlling 71% of North America's cold storage space. Amidst these shifts, expedited trucking stands out with the potential to reshape the future of food transport.

Expedited Trucking in Food Transportation

As the food manufacturing sector surges, set to reach an impressive $974.30 billion in 2023 at a 3.78% CAGR, the spotlight is on efficient transportation. Despite challenges like talent management, transportation capacity, and supply disruptions, expedited trucking offers a superior method for delivering perishable foods while preserving their freshness. Of course, speed plays a significant role — but it’s just as much about safety and service.

Safety: Protecting Perishable Cargo

The journey from farm to table is fraught with challenges for the food industry. The surge in cargo theft in 2023 spotlighted the ever-present risks, with food and beverage products the top targets with an average loss of $214,000. But it's not just theft – factors like contamination, mishandling, and more threaten the very essence of our food during transit. Echoing these concerns, the International Association for Food Protection flags pivotal threats: security breaches, inconsistent temperature checks, the menace of cross-contamination, and hasty loading routines. 

Thankfully, the industry is not without its vanguards. Expedited trucking swoops in to minimize stops and transfers, significantly enhancing shipment safety. Further fortifying this safety net are specialized trucks outfitted with advanced facilities to maintain optimal conditions for perishables. Pair that with drivers trained in the unique requirements of food transport, and we see a robust solution ensuring that our food reaches its destination fresh and intact.


Speed: Meeting Demanding Schedules

A staggering 14% of harvested food never reaches supermarket shelves. These alarming numbers highlight immense waste and reveal hidden challenges in modern logistics. Perishables like fruits, vegetables, dairy, and meat face the dual threat of time and decay, racing to maintain their freshness. 


Enter expedited trucking. Designed for these urgent needs, it emphasizes the quickest routes and eliminates potential delays. Whatever your favorite food, expedited transport guarantees they maintain their optimal quality while
meeting tight deadlines. With the global cold chain market having risen from $233.2 billion in 2022 and expected to grow at a CAGR of 18.6% from 2023 to 2030, it's clear the world is leaning more towards fast, temperature-sensitive food transportation solutions.


Service: Delivering Excellence

Expedited trucking offers more than just swift transportation; it represents a holistic approach to service. At the heart of this service is the commitment to timely, safe delivery of food products. Thus, as the bar of customer expectations rises, so does the need to adapt. Transparency, real-time tracking, and seamless communication are non-negotiable these days.


Central to this commitment is an unwavering dedication to customer support. Leading expedited trucking companies pride themselves on having a round-the-clock team ready to address queries and offer timely shipment updates. Trust, vital for enduring relationships with shippers, stems from consistent deliveries and exceptional service. Furthermore, fulfilling promises, providing instant tracking, and catering to client needs all solidify lasting partnerships in food transport.


For Expert Expedited Trucking in Food Transportation, Smart Shippers Choose EFS

When shippers seek unmatched expertise in food transportation, Entourage Freight Solutions (EFS) stands out as the gold standard. EFS seamlessly combines knowledge with practical solutions, catering to the complex needs of the industry.

EFS's Profound Understanding of Food Transportation Challenges

EFS stands out in the intricate domain of food transportation. Their vast expertise in food service logistics and food manufacturing uniquely equips them to tackle the nuanced challenges of transporting perishable goods. Through ongoing learning and practical experience, EFS presents an unmatched depth of understanding and mastery, guaranteeing shippers top-tier service in expedited trucking.

Specialized Fleet, Seasoned Drivers, and Cutting-Edge Technology

EFS is a dedicated third-party logistics company with a versatile fleet tailored to diverse shipping needs, including full truckload, less than truckload, and refrigerated trucking. Strategically positioned cross-docks in Shelby, Ohio; Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and Romulus, Michigan amplify their efficiency. Furthermore, EFS employs the latest cloud-based, GPS-enabled tech to optimize routes, account for market rate changes, and ensure top-tier service at cost-effective rates.

EFS's Dedication to Safety, Speed, and Stellar Service

EFS stands at the forefront of food transportation, relentlessly committed to safety, speed, and unmatched service. Their proficiency covers comprehensive regulations, ensuring food items—from finished products to fresh produce—reach their destinations swiftly and securely. Leveraging advanced GPS technologies, EFS offers real-time tracking for optimal route efficiency. With a vast network of over 7500 carriers, they provide 24/7 operations, ensuring seamless food supply chains, all while upholding stringent USDA and FDA standards.

Final Word: Tapping into the Future of Food Transport

Expedited trucking has become the embodiment of efficient and secure food transportation. Addressing concerns from punctual deliveries to strict safety measures, this mode of transport is the answer to many of the multifaceted logistics challenges of today. 


EFS is a paragon of excellence in this field with a specialized fleet, cutting-edge technology, and steadfast dedication. To EFS, expedited trucking is more than just a service; it's a genuine partnership. Boasting an extensive network of 7500+ carriers, elite tracking systems, and rigorous safety measures, they handle every shipment precisely. Whether fresh produce or finished products, EFS's seasoned expertise guarantees top-tier quality at the destination.


Shippers seeking unmatched precision shouldn't compromise. EFS offers the perfect blend of speed, safety, and stellar service. Want to redefine your food transportation standards?
Contact EFS today and see for yourself the benefits.

By Nick Terry April 28, 2025
In 2025, trade policy is no longer something that the freight industry can leave on the back burner. Trade policy today is shaping strategy at every level. From tariff escalations and retaliatory duties to sweeping regulatory changes and targeted maritime fees, supply chain leaders are navigating a freight market in which unpredictability is the only constant. Sourcing decisions are shifting, pricing dynamics are unstable, and long-standing operational models are being rewritten in real time. This edition brings together key stories highlighting the growing pressure across logistics channels. Each development points to an industry moving fast, and often reactively, to keep pace with volatile policy decisions. Tariffs Stall US Freight Recovery as Shippers Pause Orders The recent move by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to impose entrance fees on Chinese-built ships calling U.S. ports has only added to the confusion and uncertainty gripping global supply chains and freight operations. Shippers are pausing plans and slashing orders, with truckload volumes, containerized imports, and manufacturing output all showing signs of contraction. Ocean freight spot rates have collapsed: Asia-U.S. West Coast rates have fallen 61% since January to $2,050 per FEU, while East Coast rates have dropped 53.7% to $3,100 per FEU . Blank sailings are rising, with vessels leaving Asia half-empty. Amazon and Five Below are among the major retailers reducing orders from Asia. Container imports jumped 15.3% in 2024, but forecasts now predict a 20-27% decline through the summer. Exporters, particularly agriculture and forestry suppliers, are also squeezed, facing 125% retaliatory tariffs from China. Truckload and intermodal rates remain stagnant, while U.S. factory output fell sharply in March. US Apparel Importers Brace for Long-Term Volume Declines According to Trade Partnership Worldwide, a 124.1% tariff on Chinese clothing and footwear is expected to reduce U.S. apparel imports by 1.6% annually . China still accounts for 41.7% of apparel shipments, leaving limited flexibility for diversion. The American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) is warning of price hikes and mounting infrastructure stress as sourcing pivots toward Vietnam, India, and Indonesia. A looming May 2 deadline for de minimis exemptions could further complicate flows and delay deliveries. Even with a temporary 90-day pause in reciprocal tariffs, the policy uncertainty already affects long-term planning. AAFA CEO Steve Lamar calls the shifting policies “chaotic,” and warned that high tariff pressure will hit both importers and U.S. manufacturers reliant on Chinese components. Port and rail capacity limitations at larger gateways are adding to concerns. Retailers now face rising costs, shrinking margins, and operational delays — all while consumer demand continues to shift rapidly. Freight Pricing Gains Lose Momentum According to the TD Cowen/AFS Freight Index, Q1 truckload rates rose 5.9% above the 2018 baseline, but are expected to decline slightly in Q2. Shippers are responding to tariff threats with aggressive front-loading and shorter-haul routes, driving per-shipment costs to three-year lows. LTL carriers remain focused on profitable lanes and high-quality freight rather than chasing volume. The index forecasts a 0.7% year-over-year increase in LTL rate per pound for Q2 , despite sustained demand softness and macro uncertainty. A key driver behind the softening spot market conditions is a shift to shorter hauls and regionalized distribution, pushing per-shipment costs to their lowest point in more than three years. 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Flatbed rates rely heavily on manufacturing activity in the country, which has been particularly hard-hit by the ongoing trade war with China, and to some extent, with the rest of the world. US Finalizes Tiered Fee Plan Targeting Chinese Ships The U.S. is moving forward with a revised plan to levy voyage-based fees on Chinese-owned and Chinese-built ships calling at American ports. The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced the measure as part of a broader Trump administration effort to counter China’s dominance in shipbuilding and logistics while reigniting domestic ship construction and port infrastructure investment. Starting in six months, Chinese operators will be charged $50 per net ton, with an annual increase of $30 for three years . Non-Chinese carriers using Chinese-built vessels will face lower rates, beginning at $18 per ton or $120 per container, with annual increases. The USTR capped fee applications at five voyages per vessel annually, scaling back its original, more punitive per-port-call proposal after intense industry pushback. The fees are tied to findings from a USTR investigation, which concluded that China’s shipbuilding dominance — producing 29% of global fleet capacity and 70% of all container ships on order — stemmed from unfair trade practices. Exemptions apply to ships arriving empty, those in the Great Lakes or U.S. territories, and some bulk exports. LNG vessel transport restrictions will phase in over 22 years to support U.S. production. China’s largest container carrier, Cosco Shipping Lines, has sharply criticized the USTR’s plan. In a strongly worded statement, Cosco labeled the move as “discriminatory,” and warned it would disrupt global industrial and supply chain stability. Cosco denied allegations from that USTR investigation that claimed China manipulated its shipping and shipbuilding sectors to gain an unfair advantage. The carrier said it upholds “integrity, transparency, and compliance” in global competition and remains committed to ensuring the resilience of international trade. Walmart Investing $6B in Mexico, Central America Store Expansion Walmart of Mexico and Central America will invest $6 billion to open new stores across the region , reinforcing its long-term commitment to growth in Latin America. The expansion will include Bodega Aurrera, Walmart Supercenters, Sam’s Club, and Walmart Express formats, building on a robust network of 3,200 stores across all 32 Mexican states. This latest move echoes Walmart’s earlier $1.3 billion investment in 2016 for regional distribution and operational upgrades. The retailer entered the Mexican market in 1991 with a Sam’s Club in Mexico City. In a statement, Walmart said the new expansion reflects confidence in the region’s economic potential and consumer demand. Globally, Walmart continues to invest aggressively in infrastructure and store development. The company has pledged about $4.5 billion for its Canadian operations and $1.3 billion in Chile to build 70 new stores and a distribution center. In the U.S., Walmart is executing a five-year plan to build or convert more than 150 stores while modernizing 650 existing locations under its “Store of the Future” initiative. Experience Seamless Shipping with Entourage Freight Solutions Entourage Freight Solutions believes in total transparency in the shipping process. That is why we invest in tech solutions that track every shipment extensively, monitor every driver, and extract every bit of efficiency without sacrificing quality. Our state-of-the-art platform utilizes cloud-based GPS tracking to keep you informed, reroutes shipments on the fly to avoid delays, and even responds to real-time market changes to ensure you receive your shipment on time and as soon as possible. Our Services Full Truck Load (FTL): When you need a truck all to yourself. Less-Than-Truckload (LTL): Efficient solutions for multi-stop shipments or combining smaller loads to save on costs. Refrigerated Trucking: Keeping your temperature-sensitive products fresh and safe. Cross-Docking: Strategically located facilities in Shelby, Ohio, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Romulus, Michigan, for streamlined consolidation, storage, and distribution. Ready to experience a new level of service and control in your freight shipping? Request a quote today to see how Entourage Freight Solutions can help with your freight movement and other supply chain needs.
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