When shipping frozen goods, finding a reliable less-than-truckload (LTL) carrier should be your top priority to keep products safe, fresh, and ready for market. Frozen LTL shipping involves careful planning, precise temperature control, and experienced carriers who know how to handle sensitive shipments. For businesses that depend on safe, on-time delivery of frozen products, selecting the right carrier helps you avoid spoilage, protect your brand’s reputation, and meet industry standards.
As a frozen LTL broker, Mulder Brothers leverages years of experience and a network of trusted carriers to help you find the right transportation solutions for your business. Here’s what to look for in a frozen LTL carrier—and why it matters.
What Is a Frozen LTL Carrier?
A frozen LTL carrier specializes in moving temperature-sensitive goods that don’t fill an entire truck, which allows multiple clients to share a single vehicle. This service helps businesses optimize costs by using only the space they need while still keeping goods frozen from origin to destination.
A good LTL carrier uses advanced temperature control systems, insulated trucks, and precise monitoring equipment to ensure safe transport. As a broker, we work to connect you with a reliable network of carriers equipped to handle these requirements so you enjoy peace of mind and competitive pricing.
What to Look for in a Frozen LTL Carrier
Temperature Control and Monitoring
Temperature control is the backbone of frozen LTL shipping. Frozen goods are sensitive to even minor temperature fluctuations, which means precise control and real-time monitoring are essential. Look for carriers equipped with advanced temperature monitoring systems that alert them (and you) in case of any deviation from the required temperature range. This real-time monitoring helps prevent spoilage and ensures compliance with regulatory standards, such as FDA guidelines or the Food Safety Modernization Act.
Insulation and Equipment
A frozen LTL carrier’s trucks should be built with quality insulation and high-performance refrigeration units capable of maintaining sub-zero temperatures. Effective insulation makes sure external temperatures don’t impact the shipment, which is especially important during extreme weather or long-distance hauls. Properly maintained refrigeration units are also foundational since even a brief malfunction can put your products at risk.
Experience with Frozen Goods
Handling frozen goods requires expertise, and experience plays a large role in a carrier’s ability to successfully manage these shipments. From loading practices that prevent temperature shifts to proper storage and delivery methods, a carrier’s experience with frozen goods can influence your shipment’s safety and timeliness. Experienced carriers know the ins and outs of frozen logistics and are prepared for any challenges that may arise.
Evaluating a Carrier
Reliability and Reputation
On-Time Delivery
Timeliness is a must for frozen goods, as delays can lead to spoilage and lost revenue. Research a carrier’s on-time delivery record by reviewing testimonials, seeking references, or asking for performance metrics directly from the carrier, such as their must-arrive-by-date (MABD) scores. Prompt delivery not only protects your products but also helps uphold your brand’s reputation.
Reviews
Client reviews and references are invaluable when evaluating a carrier’s reliability. Honest feedback from other businesses, especially those in your industry, gives you a clearer idea of a carrier’s track record, communication, and service quality.
Insurance Coverage
For valuable frozen goods, it’s important that carriers have the right insurance coverage. Insurance protects against unexpected events that could lead to spoilage or loss. Check that a carrier has adequate liability and cargo insurance to cover high-value shipments.
Technology and Tracking
Real-Time Tracking
The ability to monitor shipments in real time allows for peace of mind and immediate action if a shipment encounters issues. Look for a carrier that provides GPS tracking systems for location and temperature status to give you insight into your shipment’s journey.
Data Logging
Data logging systems record temperature data throughout transit and create a comprehensive report to demonstrate regulatory compliance and maintain quality standards. Carriers with data logging capabilities provide essential proof that temperatures were maintained correctly.
Communication
Transparent, regular communication from carriers is the key to managing unexpected delays or challenges. Choose a carrier that offers proactive updates and clear communication channels so you’re alerted in the event of any issues, including temperature fluctuations or delivery changes.
Pricing and Services
Transparency in Pricing
Transparency in pricing helps you accurately anticipate costs. Look for carriers that clearly outline costs for frozen LTL services, including additional fees for monitoring or specific temperature requirements.
Flexible Shipping Options
A reliable carrier should offer flexibility to meet the fluctuating demands of frozen goods. Find out how they handle last-minute orders or seasonal surges. Otherwise, if you need to make urgent shipments or specific delivery schedules, you could have more difficulty getting your products to market.
Value vs. Cost
While cost is important, a carrier’s value should be judged by their ability to deliver a reliable service. Considering the long-term benefits of choosing a quality frozen LTL carrier—such as reduced spoilage and reliable delivery—helps you make a decision based on total value rather than just cost.
How Mulder Brothers Can Help
Finding the right frozen LTL carrier is no small task, but Mulder Brothers can streamline the process. Our years of experience and strong network of trusted carriers allow us to connect you with top providers who meet our high standards for reliability, communication, and quality. We handle the logistics, from temperature monitoring to timely communication, so you can focus on your business.
In addition to coordinating frozen LTL shipments, our services include:
- Walmart Consolidation Pool Program
- Multi-vendor consolidation
- Refrigerated transportation services
- Cross-docking services
- Frozen warehousing
Talk to Our Team
If you’re ready to simplify your frozen LTL logistics, reach out to Mulder Brothers today. Our team can answer your questions, provide a detailed quote, and match you with a carrier that meets all your needs for safe, efficient frozen transport.