Not everything can ride at room temperature.
If you’re shipping produce, frozen goods, pharmaceuticals, or anything that’s sensitive to temperature swings, you’re in a different lane of freight altogether.
Temperature-controlled shipping requires more planning, more precision, and definitely more questions up front.
The first thing to know?
Be clear about what your product actually needs. "Cold" isn’t specific enough. Is it frozen solid at -10°F, chilled at 35°F, or protected from freezing entirely? Some products have a very narrow temperature window that must be maintained through the entire trip — from pickup to delivery.
The more specific you are, the easier it is to pair your shipment with the right equipment. And yes, equipment matters.
Not all reefers are built the same. Some are better for long hauls, others for local routes. There are trailers with multi-temperature zones, and some that aren’t designed for certain types of loading. It’s worth confirming whether your freight needs floor loading, palletized handling, or specific airflow requirements.
"When in doubt, ask your provider — the right setup makes all the difference."
Documentation is another big one. If you’re shipping temperature-sensitive cargo, chances are there’s more paperwork involved.
This could include handling instructions, temperature logs, or chain-of-custody forms (especially for pharmaceuticals). Getting those details right before the driver shows up can help avoid delays and protect you in the case of a claim.
One of the best ways to safeguard your shipment is real-time visibility.
A growing number of carriers offer live temperature tracking, and if you're not using it, you're flying blind. Visibility doesn’t just help you react to problems — it helps you prove the product stayed in range, which is huge if anything is questioned at delivery.
Timing also plays a bigger role in reefer freight. Missed appointments or long dock delays can mess with temperature control, waste fuel, or even result in rejected loads.
When the product is sensitive, everyone has to stay on schedule — which means you, your warehouse team, and your receiver all need to be ready.
At the end of the day, temperature-controlled shipping isn’t complicated, but it is exact.
Small oversights can lead to big problems. So plan ahead, ask the right questions, and work with people who understand what’s at stake. At WTS, we make sure the right carriers, equipment, and visibility tools are in place before your load ever hits the road. Because with cold chain freight, being a few degrees off isn’t just inconvenient — it can cost you everything.