Cold chain logistics is not just about refrigerated trucks — it's an unbroken series of steps that protect product integrity from pickup to delivery. Here's the complete picture.
In This Guide
What It Means
Temperature-controlled freight refers to any shipment that requires the trailer to maintain a specific temperature range from pickup to delivery. Also called cold chain logistics, this encompasses frozen goods, refrigerated products, and shipments requiring freeze protection during Canadian winter transit.
The 'chain' in cold chain is deliberate — it means the temperature control must be uninterrupted. A break anywhere in the process, whether a warm trailer at pickup, extended door opening during transit, or a border crossing delay without monitoring, can compromise product integrity regardless of everything else done correctly.
Why It Matters
- Perishable product that arrives temperature-deviated is typically unsaleable, creating total loss on the shipment value
- Pharmaceutical products with temperature excursions may not meet quality standards and require destruction
- Cannabis products may fail quality testing if temperature ranges are not maintained during transit
- Fresh produce has a fixed shelf life — any temperature deviation during transit reduces the time the buyer has to sell it
- Insurance claims for temperature damage require documented evidence of excursion; without logs, disputes are difficult to resolve
How It Works
Pre-Cooling
The trailer must be pre-cooled to the specified set point before loading — not during or after. Loading product into a warm trailer and then starting the refrigeration unit cannot adequately cool the freight during transit, because the refrigeration unit is designed to maintain temperature, not to rapidly cool a warm load.
Loading and Airflow
Product must be loaded to allow airflow circulation throughout the trailer. Refrigeration units push cold air from the front of the trailer through channels along the floor and walls. Blocking these airflow channels creates warm spots that can cause localized temperature excursions even when the unit is functioning correctly.
Monitoring During Transit
Temperature loggers record internal temperature continuously throughout transit. The driver monitors the refrigeration unit display and reports any alarm condition to the broker immediately. Brokers should confirm monitoring protocols before dispatch — 'we track all our reefer loads' is not a monitoring process.
Delivery and Documentation
At delivery, the receiver inspects temperature. Temperature logs are retrieved and archived. For pharmaceutical, cannabis, and high-value produce shipments, these records are essential compliance and insurance documentation.
Common Challenges
- Trailers not pre-cooled to set point before loading — the most common and preventable failure
- Product loaded without adequate airflow clearance, creating warm spots
- Temperature set point not specified when booking, leaving it to carrier discretion
- Border crossing delays extending transit time beyond the product's temperature tolerance
- Refrigeration unit failures during transit without a clear escalation process
Best Practices
- Specify temperature set point, acceptable range, and pre-cool requirements explicitly when booking — in writing
- Use temperature loggers for all temperature-sensitive shipments, not just pharmaceutical
- Specify 'continuous operation' on the reefer — some operators turn units off during driver rest periods
- Build transit time buffers appropriate to the product's remaining shelf life
- Provide the driver with clear written instructions on what to do if a temperature alarm occurs
When to Use This Service
- Fresh produce and perishable food requiring refrigeration
- Pharmaceutical products with specified temperature storage requirements
- Cannabis products where temperature control is required for product integrity
- Frozen goods requiring maintained sub-zero temperatures
- Products requiring freeze protection during Canadian winter transit
OTR Logistics Solutions provides temperature-controlled freight services across Canada and on cross-border Canada-US lanes. Our carrier network is vetted for cold chain compliance, including pre-cooling standards, temperature logging, and exception reporting protocols.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature is a standard reefer trailer set to?
There is no single standard — reefer trailers are set to the temperature required by the specific commodity. Common set points include 0-2°C for leafy greens, -18°C for frozen goods, 2-8°C for certain pharmaceuticals, and 10-15°C for tropical produce. Always verify requirements with your QA team.
What is a temperature logger and do I need one?
A temperature logger is a device that continuously records interior trailer temperature throughout transit. They are strongly recommended and often required for pharmaceutical, cannabis, and high-value produce shipments. Loggers provide compliance documentation and are essential for supporting or defending quality claims.
What happens if the reefer unit breaks down during transit?
The driver is responsible for notifying the broker immediately. The broker then coordinates options — emergency repair, transfer to another refrigerated unit, or priority delivery to minimize product exposure. The broker should proactively communicate the situation to the shipper throughout resolution.
Can a reefer trailer be used for freeze protection without refrigeration?
A reefer trailer can be set to a minimum positive temperature (e.g., +2°C) to protect freight from freezing in winter. Running a reefer at 'ambient' — completely off — provides no temperature protection and is not appropriate for any temperature-sensitive freight.
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