Understanding Refrigerated Truckloads: What is a Reefer Trailer?

A refrigerated truckload, also known as a reefer truckload, is a type of transportation that requires a temperature-controlled trailer, commonly referred to as a reefer trailer. This type of trailer is used to transport goods that require specific temperature control during transportation, such as perishable goods, pharmaceuticals, and other temperature-sensitive products.

Dimensions

A reefer trailer is typically 48 or 53 feet long, and the width and height are the same as a standard trailer. The temperature range inside the trailer can be set to a wide range, typically between -20 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the requirements of the cargo being transported.

Truckload Market Types

Reefer trucks come in two primary types: spot truckload and contract reefer truckload. Spot truckload refers to shipments that are booked on the spot market, where carriers bid on available loads. Contract reefer truckload, on the other hand, is a long-term agreement between a shipper and carrier for a specific amount of capacity.

Commodities

The types of commodities that go into a temperature-controlled trailer are diverse and range from fresh produce, dairy products, meat, and seafood to pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and electronics. The temperature control ensures that the goods arrive at their destination in the same condition as they were when loaded.

The temperature control is essential to the quality and safety of the products being transported. If the temperature of the trailer is not properly controlled, it can cause spoilage, contamination, or degradation of the goods. This can result in significant financial losses for the shipper and damage to their reputation.

When is the reefer TL market most busy?

The reefer TL (Truckload) market, tends to be most busy during the summer months and in the lead up to major holidays. During the summer months, demand for refrigerated transportation increases due to the higher temperatures, which can cause perishable goods to spoil more quickly. This can result in a surge in demand for reefer TL services, as businesses and individuals seek to transport fresh produce, dairy products, and other temperature-sensitive items.

In the lead up to major holidays, such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, demand for reefer TL services also tends to increase. This is because many businesses and individuals need to transport large quantities of food and other perishable goods for holiday celebrations.

However, it's worth noting that the timing and intensity of busy periods in the reefer TL market can vary depending on a variety of factors, including weather patterns, supply chain disruptions, and changing consumer preferences.

How do you determine the price for a Temp Controlled Truckload?

The pricing of reefer truckload shipments in the spot market can be affected by a number of factors, including supply and demand, fuel costs, distance, and the urgency of the shipment.

In general, the price for reefer TL shipments in the spot market is determined by negotiation between the shipper and the carrier, based on factors such as the distance of the haul, the weight and size of the shipment, the required temperature range, and the pickup and delivery locations. The carrier will take into account its own operating costs, including fuel, maintenance, and labor costs, when quoting a price to the shipper.

Spot market prices for reefer TL shipments can be volatile, as they are influenced by fluctuations in supply and demand. When demand for reefer TL shipments exceeds the available supply of trucks, prices may increase. Conversely, when there is a surplus of available trucks and not enough shipments to fill them, prices may decrease.

In addition to market forces, pricing for reefer TL shipments in the spot market can also be affected by factors such as seasonality, weather conditions, and unexpected disruptions to supply chains.

In summary, a refrigerated truckload or reefer truckload is a type of transportation that requires a temperature-controlled trailer to transport goods that require specific temperature control during transportation. These trailers are available on both the spot truckload and contract reefer truckload markets and are used to transport a wide range of commodities. Understanding the importance of temperature control and the different types of reefer trailers available is essential for shippers looking to transport temperature-sensitive products.