Refrigerated Shipping Guide
What to confirm before refrigerated freight moves, from temperature instructions to loading.
Set clear temperature instructions
The shipper defines the temperature requirement. Give it in writing with the unit, and make sure the same instruction appears on your paperwork.
| Provide | Example |
|---|---|
| Required temperature and unit | 35 °F or 2 °C |
| Acceptable range, if you specify one | 34 to 38 °F |
| Chilled or frozen | Frozen |
| Pre-cooling, if needed | Pre-cool the trailer to the required temperature |
| Unit operating mode, if required | Continuous |
Examples show the format only. They are not temperature recommendations for any product.
Have product at temperature
Refrigeration units are made to hold temperature, not to pull warm product down. Freight should be at its required temperature before loading.
A trailer can be pre-cooled before loading when you ask for it. Tell us up front, and check the temperature at loading.
Protect the airflow
- Leave space above the freight for air to travel.
- Don’t block the unit’s air outlet or the return air path.
- Shut the unit off while the doors are open, if your procedure allows, so warm air isn’t pulled in.
- Keep door-open time short, and use a sealed dock where you can.
Continuous or start-stop
| Mode | How it runs | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous | The unit keeps running and air keeps moving | Often requested for sensitive freight |
| Start-stop | The unit cycles on and off to hold the set temperature | Can suit some freight when the shipper allows it |
If your product needs a specific mode, tell us and put it in writing.
Appointments and paperwork
- Share pickup and delivery appointments before booking.
- Note any receiving rules, such as temperature checks.
- Say whether you need temperature records after delivery.
- Keep commodity, temperature and unit consistent on every document.
Food and regulated freight
U.S. food transportation is covered by the FDA’s Sanitary Transportation rule, which gives shippers, loaders, carriers and receivers their own responsibilities. Check which duties apply to your business.
This guide is general information, not regulatory advice, and it does not represent any food, pharmaceutical or other certification. Tell us your requirements so they can be reviewed for your shipment.
Tell us about the shipment
You don’t need every detail to get started. Share what you have, and we’ll follow up on the rest.
Sources
Reviewed October 31, 2026. This guide is general information, not legal or regulatory advice. Requirements vary by shipment, carrier and jurisdiction. Diagrams are original illustrations, not to scale.