Compare These Top Vendors for Refrigerated Trucking

Shipping perishable items can be a logistical nightmare if you don't have the proper equipment at your disposal. Likewise, relying on a third party to get your valuable items to a second location in a timely fashion can be even scarier. If you do your research and find refrigerated carriers with good references and even better records of accomplishment, you can save your company time and money.

For the best refrigerated transport experience, you should first ask the company how old their trucks are, what types of training their drivers have and how often they schedule their equipment for maintenance. All of these items are good facets of the type of service you can expect. Using refrigerated trucking doesn't have to be a challenge. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth delivery:

1. Hire a full-time refrigerated trucking company to move your perishable items.

2. Find reefer trucks for single haul occasions.

3. Work with a refrigerated hauling company as part of an entire cold food distribution center.

Set up permanent refrigerated transportation

You don't have to be a national food chain to expect good service from a refrigeration trucking company. Small businesses can find a transportation company with dependable service by checking references and getting a list of current customers. Ask for reliability records like on-time delivery percentages and claim ratios or spoilage amounts.

Look for one-time refrigerated transport options

If you only need refrigerated hauling occasionally or on a temporary basis, find a company that specializes in fast, on-call deliveries. Hire a company you research by getting references, and ask for delivery and claim records.

Combine your refrigerated trucking with cold storage services

Combining your cold storage and distribution can save your company time and money. If you currently pay for cold food storage and transportation, consider consolidating the services with one cold food logistics service provider. Find a company with warehousing options that mesh with your needs. Look for those that offer several storage locations across the country if you need storage in several areas, of find a warehouse and distribution company in your area if your needs are more local.

• Look for refrigerated truck haulers that offer incentives to new customers. Some offer discounts on first-time loads, monthly or even yearly basis.