The freight management and supply chain operations continue to shift and change as demands grow, shortages continue, and customer needs evolve. As chilled freight, among other critical cargo lines, continues under increasing pressure, the industry struggles to respond. Part of the disruptions has led to a change in typical operational expectations for volume moving through ports of entry to the US. Optimizing chilled freight services can help improve overall logistical performance within reefer transportation and keep the supply chain moving.

What Freight Services Are Included With Refrigerated Shipping?

Reefer and chilled freight transportation require a specialized approach to services, shipping, and handling. Any plan for better management of refrigerated shipping must begin with a thorough understanding of what services and activities should happen around such freight. This involves taking the following steps for each frozen freight shipment to ensure optimal cold freight services:

• Continuous temperature monitoring detects deviations from the required range and alerts when temperatures fall out of range.
• Expedited time of arrival (ETA) for the shipment and automated alerts to ensure all drivers arrive on time every time for pickup or delivery.
• Greater access to and use of chilled warehouses for consolidation or deconsolidation and the staging of loads for distribution. 
• Expert insight into refer services and protocols, including how to properly document temperature deviations and prevent reoccurrence. 
• Access to dedicated Full Truckload (FTL) reefer trailers for temperature-sensitive goods and insurance to cover any losses beyond the driver's control. 

These essential chilled freight services can help management and team members better monitor and manage freight to have more effective freight solutions. 

Where Can Chilled and Cold Expedited Shipping Services Make a Difference?

The food industry’s most pressing challenge is economic losses due to improper handling of frozen and chilled freight. Many different products require specialized chilled freight services during transportation, including the following:

• Livestock 
• Flowers
• Produce
• Pharmaceuticals
• Meat
• Beverages
• Cosmetics
• Chemicals
• High-value art or electronics
• Frozen food

Finding available expedited, chilled shipping options and utilizing expedited delivery services makes the delivery of these reefer items much more accessible.

Services to Look for When Choosing an Expedited Chilled Shipping Provider

Choosing the best-suited chilled freight transportation partner is key to successfully delivering temperature-controlled freight. When comparing providers and looking at cold freight services, they should consider the following points carefully:

• National & International Certification – Does the shipper know what they are doing?
• Reefer Storage and Holding – Do they have the capacity to handle your cargo?
• Pre-Inspection – Are they set to follow good practices before, during, and after transport?
• Pre-Cooling Service – Will they ensure cargo is handled correctly at all shipping stages?
• Real-Time Monitoring – Do they utilize updated technology to improve delivery success?
• Automated Setting Adjustment – Will they be able to track temperatures in real-time?
• Equipment and Tools – Can they safely handle perishable goods and cargo?
• Vehicle Inspection/Maintenance – Will the trucks reliably get from Point A to B? 

When trying to work out the logistics of transporting chilled freight, securing reliable chilled freight services remains a key concern in light of ongoing disruption and uncertainty within the supply chain network.

Benefits of Successful Chilled Freight Transportation 

Many benefits can come from the effective and practical application and utilization of chilled freight services. According to JOC, Floridian ports have seen a massive shift of freight that would have previously been destined for the West Coast, including an influx of expedited chilled shipping and similar cargo. Partnering with a dedicated freight shipping partner means fast and easy access to experts who can help make managing reefer freight easier. Some of the benefits include:

• Fewer loads that get lost or damaged due to delays and human errors.
• Overall higher customer satisfaction and higher retention rates.
• More on-time in-full deliveries with fewer delays and claims.
• Much higher profits and lower costs for better cash flow management.
• Higher rankings and overall better industry standing and reputation.
• The solid competitive advantage with state-of-the-art services. 
• Improved growth and overall success now and in the future.

Partner With Entourage Freight Logistics Today to See the Difference the Right Reefer Logistics Company Can Make

For shipping service providers specializing in reefer transportation, understanding the temperature levels needed for different types of products calls for is a crucial aspect of chilled freight services. The right reefer logistics company can make all the difference in the world to complete chilled freight shipments. The right third-party partner can save shippers time and money, from saving on fuel and shipping costs to reducing claims and losses. Connect with an expert at Entourage Freight Solutions to start with proven cold freight services.