Companies specializing in LTL temperature-controlled freight transportation within the shipping industry experience significant pressure and strain daily. And it is much higher than other niche markets dealing with perishable goods. Temperature stable trucks and trailers, often referred to as reefer units, help ensure the correct temperature is maintained throughout the entire transportation process.

Climate-controlled LTL services ensure these vital products can safely and effectively move along shipping routes. According to Logistics Management, “Given the significant demand and the current supply shortage, cold storage rental rates will continue to increase for frozen/refrigerated product companies that lease space at cold storage properties around the country. To maximize profit margins given this increasing occupancy expense, the industry’s cold storage tenants need to look at how they can hedge the price volatility that they are exposed to on the revenue and expense side.” Working with dedicated freight brokers can help LTL temp control carriers and transporters maximize their efficiency and optimize reefer transportation services. 

What Is Temp Controlled LTL?

One of the reasons LTL temperature-controlled shipping is so critical for supply chain networks is the ability to accommodate many different goods and products. As highlighted by Redwood Logistics, “the global reefer market is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 2.98 percent over the period 2014-2019, according to highlights of a newly published report on the current state of the reefer market. For those not 100% clear, reefer logistics refers to transporting goods that are perishable or require temperature-controlled containers to maintain safe usage.”  Temp-controlled LTL makes it easier to manage and coordinate temperature-sensitive freight with specialized and intelligently designed shipping schedules. 

The use of custom containers and streamlined shipping modes also ensures that as little time as possible is spent in the elements. And innovations in technology, tracking, monitoring, and automation make it easier to ensure all goods remain at the right temperature. A professional freight broker can streamline the entire process by offering carriers five innovative and vital services to carriers.

1. Brokers Work With More LTL Temp Control Carriers to Source More Capacity

LTL temperature-controlled carriers can be challenging to find and network with at times, limiting the capacity of shippers at a given moment. Brokers can provide best practices to help companies maximize climate-controlled LTL loads and say yes to more reefer cargo. 

2. Freight Brokers Can Answer “Is Expedited Freight Service Worth It” With Market Data Insights

LTL temperature-controlled freight transportation is profitable but expensive on the shipper’s end. A broker can help companies focus on specific goods and produce temp-controlled LTL shipping options to boost overall ROI and make the investment worthwhile.

3. Intermediaries Understand the Nuances Affecting Temperature-Sensitive Freight

When choosing LTL temp control carriers, shippers need to focus on critical details such as transportation speed, temperature stability, driver reliability, reefer delivery options, and more. Brokers make these LTL temperature-controlled trucking service decisions much easier overall.

4. They Use Technology to Connect With Other 3PLs and Network Partners, Speed Payment Processing, and More

LTL temperature-controlled freight shipment is all about speed and control, from start to finish. Overall, freight brokers can bring that to the shipping process and help temp-controlled LTL carriers be more efficient and impactful with collaborative partnerships and delivery services.

5. Brokers Have a Larger Buying Power Than Many Shippers

LTL temperature-controlled can be profitable when done right, but it takes careful planning and a solid financial basis to get started. Brokerage services can help temperature-controlled LTL carriers make every dollar work for them with good support and financial backing.

Choose Entourage Freight Solutions for Optimization in All Temp-Controlled Transportation

Many goods and a surprising number of products can quickly spoil or become damaged if they get too hot or too cold. LTL temperature-controlled transportation options are vital to the modern supply chain. Particularly in light of global disruptions, shortages, and shipping delays, reliable reefer transport is more critical and valuable than ever. Everything from vaccines to makeup to garden supplies can have surprisingly specific and narrow ranges for safe temperatures and must therefore be transported in a refrigerated and temperature-controlled system. 

Those specializing in temp-controlled LTL transportation and distribution options serve an essential role in keeping the supply chain rolling during these stressful times of recovery and expansion. Contact Entourage Freight Solutions today to learn more about climate-controlled LTL and how the right services can make refrigeration transport easy and profitable.