If you have been a trucker for some time – you have carried different freights. Some of them are ok, some of them you are excited about, some of them you really hate. There are many factors in this equation – but the bottomline is the money you make and the time you spend making it.

So what are the freights that make it interesting for you? 

Not all freights created equal: Focus on Refrigerated freight

Reefer freight (or refrigerated freight) holds a special place in the transportation industry. By definition – refrigerated or temperature controlled freight is any shipment that requires specific temperature. 

Reefer freight falls into 3 categories:

1. Frozen freight – With temperature threshold of -10 F (-23C) 
2. Refrigerated freight – Within 32-36F (0-2C)
3. Maintained – requires constant set temperature regime 

The most frequently transported weight categories in this group are food and pharmaceuticals. And this market keeps growing as the distances between production and end users keep growing. So does the variety of food, including frozen food.

As the reefer trucks are equipped with the active cooling systems, and the drivers need to go through special training to learn temperature maintenance procedures, it is reflected in the cost of the refrigerated freight. 

Refrigerated freight advantages 

• Constant workload. Most loads are food, chemicals and pharmaceuticals. They are not subject to seasonality and do not lose volumes over holidays, or seasons in general. The reefers never slowed down even during pandemic, and only had the green light as an essential service.  
• Primarily FTL (Full Truckloads) due to its nature most of the loads can not be combined with others. Full truckloads mean less stops for drivers.
• Better paid loads As refrigerated loads require more expertise in handling as well as specialised trailers, they are higher paid.
• Predictable locations for pick up and drop off. Since the loads are temperature controlled the distribution centres and end locations are equipped with the temperature controlled systems – that means it is bigger and better locations.
• Versatility. You can carry flatbed loads, but flatbed trucks can not carry temperature controlled loads. In all fairness you will not need to resort to dry loads, as the refrigerated loads market is very busy. But it helps to know that you could if needed. 

Refrigerated Freight Challenges

As every business refrigerated freight is not without challenges.

One of its downsides are more rigid delivery times and  early late drop offs and pickups. The entire process of handling temperature controlled loads is focused around safety and it does require better planning when temperatures are involved. 

On the up side, storage and warehousing systems are improved with the development of integrated computer systems that allow for more efficient planning. Communication between warehouses, dispatchers and truck drivers have improved as well. The warehouse management knows what load is due to arrive and have enough time to prepare the space.

As a result, the distribution centers appointments and unloading processes are more efficient. It simply works better for truckers and warehouses. 

If you as a refrigerated truck driver follow the safety loads practices and procedures such as:

• Set the trailer to the right temperature before you arrive at pickup
• Communicate with the dispatcher about the next appointment and requirements
• Clean  and prep the trailer for the next pick up

your waiting time will be down to a minimum. It all takes just communication and strong time management skills.

Refrigerated freight is the way to go!

As we see refrigerated freight has a lot of advantages and brings a lot of opportunities for commercial success for those who take pride in what they do. That is why they often refer to the reefer truck drivers as the elite of the trucking industry. Consistent loads and higher pay make it a great career decision.

Are you looking to work for a great logistics company specializing in temperature controlled freight? We at Xan-Systems will be happy to hear from you!