Hauler Freight arranges refrigerated full truckload service across Canada and into the United States, using monitored reefer trailers matched to your product’s required temperature range. Other firms offer it too, but not all are equal. This guide explains which firms provide refrigerated transport, how to verify what they can deliver, and what to ask before you book a load.
What Does Refrigerated Full Truckload Transport Include?
Refrigerated full truckload (FTL) transport means one shipper’s temperature-sensitive freight rides alone in a trailer with an active cooling unit, from pickup to delivery, with no sharing and no terminal stops. A complete refrigerated transport service covers five things:
- A reefer trailer with a working refrigeration unit
- A setpoint agreed in writing before pickup
- Pre-cooling of the trailer before loading
- Temperature monitoring from pickup through delivery
- A named contact who reports problems early
How a reefer trailer supports refrigerated transport
A reefer trailer is an insulated box with a diesel-powered refrigeration unit mounted on the front. Industry practice is that the unit holds a temperature rather than cooling warm product down, so freight should be at the right temperature before it is loaded. Many shippers also choose between continuous and cycle modes. Continuous airflow is commonly used for produce and other goods that need steady air movement, but you should confirm the right mode for your product.
When full truckload beats refrigerated LTL
Refrigerated LTL shares trailer space with other shippers and works well for smaller loads. Full truckload suits larger or time-sensitive freight. Hauler Freight’s full truckload shipping services page describes a typical truckload as about 10,000 pounds or more, or 10 to 26 pallets. Choose FTL when you need exclusive trailer use, fewer touches, and a delivery window you control. Choose LTL shipping when you move only a few pallets and can accept a shared trailer.
Which Types of Firms Offer Refrigerated Transport?
Five kinds of firms offer refrigerated transport on full truckload lanes. The right fit depends on your lane, volume, and how much control you want.
| Firm type | What they offer | Best for | Watch for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asset-based reefer carriers | Own reefer trailers and employ the drivers | Steady lanes with predictable volume | Limited capacity outside their usual lanes |
| Freight brokers and 3PLs | Source reefer capacity through a carrier network | Changing lanes and surge volume | Ask who physically hauls the load |
| Full-service truckload providers | FTL, reefer, and cross-border moves under one contact | Shippers who want one point of contact | Confirm setpoint, monitoring, and insurance details in writing |
| Owner-operators | A single truck, often under another company’s authority | Small or flexible loads | Backup if the truck breaks down |
| Intermodal providers | Rail plus truck reefer moves | Very long distances | Longer transit and extra handoffs |
Where Hauler Freight fits in refrigerated transport
According to its refrigerated and temperature-controlled shipping page, Hauler Freight moves frozen, chilled, and refrigerated goods in monitored reefer trailers, with routes and equipment matched to the product’s required range. The company says it reports shipment status during transit and lists local, regional, and long-distance coverage across Canada, plus cross-border lanes. Ask for the specific setpoints, monitoring method, and insurance terms for your load in writing, because details differ by shipment.
Cross-border refrigerated transport lanes
Moving refrigerated freight between Canada and the United States adds paperwork and border waits, which matter for perishable goods. Hauler Freight’s truckload page mentions customs coordination for PARS, PAPS, and eManifest filings alongside the move. Learn more about cross-border shipping before you book, and confirm any food import license or permit requirements with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and your customs broker.
How Do You Verify a Firm’s Refrigerated Capability?
Do not rely on a website claim alone. Ask for proof of each item below before you tender your first refrigerated load.
Equipment and monitoring questions for refrigerated transport
| Ask this | A strong answer | A weak answer |
|---|---|---|
| What setpoint and mode will you use? | A specific setpoint and mode, confirmed in writing | “We’ll handle it” |
| Do you pre-cool the trailer? | Yes, to the setpoint before loading, with a pre-trip check | No process described |
| How do you monitor temperature in transit? | A named method, such as recorded temperature data you can request | Only a driver’s word |
| Who do I call if the unit alarms? | A named contact and a stated response plan | A general phone line |
| Can I get a temperature record at delivery? | Yes, on request | No record available |
Food safety documentation
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s preventive controls guidance under the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations says operators must maintain the temperature and humidity in a facility or conveyance at levels suitable for the food. Its examples include refrigerated storage at 4°C or less and frozen storage at -18°C or less. Requirements depend on your product and your role in the supply chain, so confirm what applies to you with the CFIA and your own food safety plan.
Insurance for refrigeration failure
Many cargo policies limit or exclude loss caused by refrigeration unit failure unless the policy includes a specific endorsement. Ask for the certificate of insurance, read the cargo limit and any exclusions, and confirm whether refrigeration breakdown is covered. Also check the liability terms on the bill of lading, since they can limit what a carrier owes for damaged freight. Ask your insurance broker or lawyer to confirm what applies to your shipment.
What Affects the Cost of Refrigerated Transport by Full Truckload?
Refrigerated transport usually costs more than dry van freight because of the cooling unit, fuel, and tighter handling. Hauler Freight states that its truckload pricing depends on lane and volume rather than a flat rate card, which is common across the industry.
Main cost drivers
- Lane distance and direction, since some lanes have less reefer capacity coming back
- Season and demand, especially during harvest and holiday peaks
- Required setpoint and running mode
- Fuel for the refrigeration unit
- Number of stops and pickup or delivery windows
- Cross-border paperwork and border waits
Fees to ask about before booking
- Detention and layover charges if loading runs long
- Pre-cool or extra pre-trip charges
- Temperature recorder or reporting fees
- Rejected-load and re-delivery terms
- Fuel surcharge method
Request a written quote that lists every fee, then compare quotes on equal terms. For multi-drop loads, see multi-stop logistics.
Temperature Handling Protocol From Dock to Dock
Most refrigerated claims start with a small handoff gap, not a major breakdown. Follow this sequence on every load of refrigerated transport:
- Agree on the setpoint, mode, and delivery window in the rate confirmation.
- Ask the carrier to pre-cool the empty trailer to the setpoint before it arrives.
- Check product temperature at the dock before you load.
- Load with airflow space and record the seal number.
- Note the setpoint and mode on the bill of lading.
- Track the load and confirm check calls through transit.
- Check the temperature record and product at the receiving dock.
- Note any problem on the delivery receipt before the driver leaves.
What the bill of lading should state for refrigerated transport
State the product, required temperature, setpoint, running mode, seal number, and declared value. A clear bill of lading protects both sides and makes a claim easier to settle.
What to do if the temperature drifts
Call the carrier’s contact right away, keep dated records and photos, and ask the receiver whether to accept, hold, or reject the product. Follow your own food safety plan and report the claim in writing. Do not discard evidence until the claim is settled.
Request a Refrigerated Full Truckload Quote
Share your lane, product, and required temperature, and the Hauler Freight team will review refrigerated transport options with you across our freight shipping services.
Get a refrigerated quote | Contact our freight team
Frequently Asked Questions
Which firms offer refrigerated full truckload transport in Canada?
Asset-based reefer carriers, freight brokers, full-service truckload providers, owner-operators, and intermodal providers all offer it. Hauler Freight is one provider that arranges refrigerated transport across Canada and into the United States. Compare firms on lane experience, monitoring, insurance, and written terms rather than on price alone.
Does Hauler Freight offer refrigerated transport?
Yes. Its service pages list refrigerated trailers among its truckload options and describe monitored reefer trailers for frozen, chilled, and refrigerated goods. Coverage includes Canada and cross-border lanes. Contact the team with your lane and product so it can confirm setpoints, monitoring, and terms for your load.
What temperature range applies to refrigerated transport?
It depends on your product. The CFIA gives refrigerated storage at 4°C or less and frozen storage at -18°C or less as examples. Use your product specification or food safety plan to set the exact setpoint, and confirm it with the carrier in writing before pickup.
When should I choose refrigerated LTL instead of FTL?
Choose refrigerated LTL when you ship a few pallets and can share trailer space. Choose full truckload when you ship a larger load, need exclusive trailer use, or have a tight delivery window. Compare both options on handling, transit time, and total cost.
Can a reefer trailer cool warm freight?
Generally no. Reefer units are designed to hold a temperature, not cool warm product. Cool your product to the right temperature before loading, and ask the carrier to pre-cool the trailer so the unit only has to maintain the setpoint.
Who is responsible if the refrigeration unit fails?
It depends on the contract, the bill of lading, and the insurance in place. Do not assume full coverage. Ask each firm in writing what happens if the unit fails, and review the cargo policy for refrigeration breakdown cover before you ship.
Do I need special documents for cross-border refrigerated freight?
Often yes. Moves between Canada and the United States may involve customs filings such as PARS, PAPS, or eManifest, plus food-specific licenses or permits. Confirm requirements with your customs broker and the CFIA before booking, since rules depend on the product and the direction of travel.
How do I compare quotes for refrigerated transport?
Ask every firm to quote the same lane, setpoint, pickup window, and fee list. Then compare monitoring, insurance, claims terms, and communication, not only the rate. A lower rate with weak temperature records can cost more if the load is rejected.
Information in this article is general and for educational purposes only. It is not legal, insurance, food safety, or regulatory advice. Rules, limits, and requirements differ by product, province, and country and can change, so confirm details with the relevant authority, your insurer, or a qualified professional before you ship. Statements about Hauler Freight are based on its public service pages and are not a guarantee of any specific service, price, or outcome.
Sources: Hauler Freight, Refrigerated and temperature-controlled shipping | Hauler Freight, Full truckload shipping services | CFIA, Preventive controls requirements
