Overcoming Challenges in Refrigerated Transport

The refrigerated trucking services offered by freight companies today are vital for supply chain success. These innovative services cater to specific temperature-related truck loads for customers throughout the United States. Reefer trucks and dry vans provide safe transport services for cargo such as perishable food and other items. Reefer freight carriers have access to specialized reefer trucks, and each truck is equipped with advanced temperature-controlled systems. This reliable service is what makes refrigerated food distribution possible for the leading grocery chains and companies today, but they come with several challenges that you need to know and understand how to overcome. 

Challenge 1: Maintaining Optimal Temperature Control

Reefer trucking companies can effectively manage temperature control during shipping. The best ones accomplish this by implementing several key strategies. 

• Invest in high-quality reefer trucks equipped with advanced temperature controls. 

• Conduct regular maintenance checks to ensure the cooling systems perform optimally. 

• Pre-cool the trucks before loading perishable goods to help reduce temperature fluctuations. 

• Leverage technology and Internet of Things (IOT-enabled) sensors to track cargo temperature.

Challenge 2: Compliance with Regulations and Certifications

Reefer freight companies and freight brokers alike must adhere to stringent regulations and quality standards. These are in place to ensure the safety of the reefer freight during transport. Refrigerated transport companies must ensure compliance with local, national, and international regulations. These governing principles cover food safety, temperature control, transportation protocols, and more.

• Conduct regular audits, inspections, and training to maintain and improve compliance.

• Stay apprised of changes in local, state, and federal regulations. 

• Know what your suppliers and customers expect from your team too. 

Following these steps can easily safeguard the freshness and safety of their cold-regulated cargo.

Challenge 3: Efficient Fleet Management

Reefer trucks require additional care beyond the typical maintenance needs of most trailers. At the same time, reefer trucks are more scarce than their traditional counterparts. Understanding how to allocate these assets best can be a nightmare. Some locations may have too many, and others may have too few. Meanwhile, the cost per trailer is higher than traditional dry vans. 

• Use new tools and data analytics to manage your assets and cargo better. 

• Monitor the market trends to pre-empt higher demand locally and regionally by moving assets to those areas. 

• Implement proactive maintenance strategies to keep cooling units operational.

In turn, data insights can help these companies figure out the best way to minimize risk while also meeting the demands of the cold supply chain. 

Challenge 4: Rising Fuel and Operational Costs

Reefer freight companies need efficient cost-management strategies. These strategies combat the issues affecting not only reefer carriers but all trucking companies. Top strategies include:

• Optimizing route planning and leveraging load consolidation to lower fuel costs. 

• Negotiating favorable freight contracts with shippers to get more profitable loads.  

• Monitoring and analyzing expenses to identify areas of inefficiency.

Challenge 5: Driver Shortage and Retention

The industry's ongoing driver shortage and finite capacity among refrigerated truck service providers volatility is a significant cause for concern. This is especially so as more drivers are returning and leaving the industry than are coming in, according to Transport Dive. Retaining drivers and keeping trucks on the road requires a clear plan for talent acquisition and retention, and a few means of achieving these goals include:

• Offering competitive wages, bonuses, and benefits. 

• Partnering with truck driving schools or training schools to find new talent. 

• Creating true partnerships with drivers, listening to their feedback and concerns. 

These three things are powerful, but there’s another trick at your disposal. Gather reviews on CarrierSource from your current drivers as part of your retention and recruitment strategy. Claim your profile here to learn more.

With the right game plan,  reefer trucking companies can mitigate the driver shortage challenge and ensure a steady supply of skilled drivers to keep their trucks on the road. 

Challenge 6: Managing Cargo Theft and Security

Refrigerated trucking companies must consider security and the risk of theft during transportation. These risks can be lowered by implementing various measures to improve cargo security, such as the following:

• Implementing GPS tracking systems to track real-time truck and trailer locations. 

• Installing security cameras inside and outside all assets. 

• Implementing strict yard or gate access controls.

By integrating these strategies,  reefer trucking companies can reduce theft risks and enhance cargo security from start to finish.

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Reefer freight vehicles ensure the timely delivery of products sensitive to temperature change, and protect the quality and freshness of the goods during transit. Whether it's transporting delicate produce or sensitive pharmaceuticals, the trucking business’ temperature-controlled solutions are crucial. But how can you handle all the above strategies and still find the right loads at the same time? The answer is to leverage CarrierSource. Find new partnering carriers, owner-operators, and shippers by claiming your CarrierSource profile now.