Freight Planning Guide

Temperature-Controlled
Freight Guide

Q: Who sets the required transport temperature for my product?

The shipper sets the required temperature -- not the carrier or broker. Temperature requirements are specified in the product's handling instructions, regulatory label, or manufacturer specifications. OTR Logistics Solutions arranges transportation according to the shipper's stated requirements but does not determine what temperature is appropriate for a given product.

Q: Is a temperature recorder required on every reefer shipment?

Not always -- but it is strongly recommended for high-value, time-sensitive, or food-safety-regulated products. Temperature recorders (also called data loggers) provide a continuous record of temperature throughout transit. They are often required by receivers, insurance providers, or regulatory bodies for food, pharmaceutical, and cannabis shipments. Confirm with your shipper and receiver.

Searchable handling profiles for temperature-sensitive commodities — fresh produce, frozen food, cannabis, pharmaceuticals, beverages, and more.

Profiles provide general transportation planning guidance. The shipper must provide the required temperature set point, handling instructions, and applicable regulatory requirements for every shipment.

Planning guidance — last reviewed July 2026

Read temperature-controlled freight guides, the temperature-controlled quote checklist and our food and beverage freight service.

Planning references only—not legal advice, food-safety certification, product-disposition or carrier approval, substitutes for shipper SOPs or product-owner instructions, or guarantees of shelf life or product condition. Confirm written instructions with the responsible parties.

Numerical commodity examples are general references, not universal transport temperatures or shipment instructions. Follow the product owner’s, shipper’s and receiver’s current requirements.

Temperature ranges shown are general planning references only. Trailer temperature does not instantly match product pulp or core temperature. Pre-cooling, airflow, packaging, loading practices, door openings, and respiration heat all affect product condition. The shipper must confirm the required set point and handling instructions for every shipment.

Temperature Converter

Enter Temperature

Showing 16 of 16 profiles

About Temperature-Controlled Freight

Temperature-controlled transportation (reefer freight) is used to maintain product integrity for perishable and temperature-sensitive goods throughout the supply chain. The trailer thermostat maintains the air temperature inside the unit — but it does not instantly change the temperature of the product inside.

Pre-cooling the product before loading, maintaining product airflow within packaging, and limiting door openings are all critical to maintaining product quality. Product temperature at loading, trailer pre-cool temperature, and transit conditions all affect the final condition at delivery.

OTR Logistics Solutions arranges temperature-controlled freight throughout Canada and cross-border to the United States. Our team works with shippers to confirm temperature requirements, equipment specifications, and transit conditions before each load.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who sets the required transport temperature for my product?

The shipper sets the required temperature — not the carrier or broker. Temperature requirements are specified in the product's handling instructions, regulatory label, or manufacturer specifications. OTR Logistics Solutions arranges transportation according to the shipper's stated requirements but does not determine what temperature is appropriate for a given product.

What is the difference between continuous-run and standby refrigeration?

A continuous-run reefer runs the refrigeration unit at all times during transit, regardless of ambient temperature. A standby-mode unit cycles on and off as needed to maintain the set temperature. For frozen food, fresh produce, and pharmaceuticals, continuous-run is typically required. For freeze-protection of dry goods in mild conditions, standby may be acceptable — but confirm with the shipper.

What is chilling injury?

Chilling injury occurs when produce or other temperature-sensitive commodities are exposed to temperatures above their freezing point but below their ideal minimum. Chilling injury causes symptoms like pitting, surface discolouration, internal browning, and accelerated decay. It is distinct from freeze damage and typically cannot be reversed once it occurs. Tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and avocados are commonly susceptible.

Does OTR Logistics Solutions arrange temperature-controlled shipments into the US?

Yes. OTR Logistics Solutions arranges cross-border temperature-controlled freight between Canada and the United States, including fresh produce, refrigerated food, and other perishable commodities. Additional requirements apply to cross-border produce movements — including FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act) compliance and phytosanitary documentation. Contact OTR Logistics Solutions for cross-border freight planning.

Is a temperature recorder required on every reefer shipment?

Not always — but it is strongly recommended for high-value, time-sensitive, or food-safety-regulated products. Temperature recorders (also called data loggers) provide a continuous record of temperature throughout transit. They are often required by receivers, insurance providers, or regulatory bodies for food, pharmaceutical, and cannabis shipments. Confirm with your shipper and receiver.

Need help planning a temperature-controlled shipment?

Send us your commodity, origin, destination, and temperature requirements for a freight review or quote.

Get a reefer freight quote

Your details carry over — no re-typing. We confirm receipt within approximately 30 minutes during business hours. Completed quotes are normally provided within two business hours after all required shipment details are received.

1-855-247-OTR0

About this tool

What it calculates

Provides searchable handling profiles for 16 commodity categories — temperature ranges, humidity requirements, freeze sensitivity, ethylene production and sensitivity, and recommended transit conditions.

Who it's for

Shippers, produce buyers, and reefer carriers who need commodity-specific handling specifications for fresh, chilled, or frozen freight.

What you'll need

Search by commodity name or browse by category.

How to use the result

Use the temperature and humidity range when setting the reefer setpoint and instructing the carrier. Share the profile with the driver as a reference document.

Key assumptions

Handling profiles reflect published industry standards (USDA, Postharvest Technology Center, PMA). Individual varieties or grades may have different tolerances.

When to confirm with a specialist

For export shipments or buyer SLA requirements, confirm setpoints with the receiver or their quality team. Contact OTR Logistics Solutions' reefer team for temperature-controlled lane availability.

Need help with this shipment?

OTR Logistics Solutions specialists available 24/7 — no account required.

1-855-247-OTR0

Related Free Tools

Produce Transit Risk Calculator

Shelf life & spoilage risk assessment

Trailer Equipment Selector

Find the right reefer trailer

Freight Rate Estimator

Estimate reefer freight cost

OTR Hub

Loading Temperature-Controlled Freight Guide…

Preparing the tool while keeping this page in place.