Temperature is closely tied to product integrity and safety when it comes to transporting perishable or sensitive products. That’s one of the reasons why reefer trailers are so widely used in the shipping industry. Are you exploring options for temperature-controlled shipping on your own terms? Being in charge of how and when to move goods can be a big asset. In fact, you should be looking into how a used reefer trailer could be the most convenient and economical option for shipping goods.
What Is Temperature-Controlled Shipping?
Temperature-controlled shipping simply means that you’re transporting goods in a setting that offers a controlled climate. The process is built around using a truck that allows you to consistently keep the temperature within a certain window. In addition, temperature-controlled shipping typically involves special steps for maintaining temperature prior to, during and following the loading process.
How Do You Perform the Task of Temperature-Controlled Shipping?
The most common way to carry out temperature-controlled shipping is through the use of a reefer truck. A reefer truck is generally a semi-truck that contains a refrigerated trailer. These refrigerated trailers are specially designed for carrying perishable cargo at specific, consistent temperatures. They achieve this through a cooling apparatus. It’s important to note that a reefer truck differs from a transport truck or van that simply uses insulation and ventilation systems.
What Goods Are Best for a Refrigerated Truck?
There’s essentially no limit to the types of goods that you can transport using a reefer truck. The most common category is perishable foods. That includes any type of cold or frozen dairy product, meat product, seafood product, fruit or vegetable. In addition, fresh flowers are often transported using reefer trucks. Refrigerated trucks are also commonly used to transport biomedical products, medications and other temperature-sensitive items used in the medical world. Even certain paintings or pieces of art need to be transferred using reefer trucks to preserve integrity. Generally, a product is considered perishable if its contents will deteriorate over a period of time when exposed to higher temperatures or humidity.
Buying Your Own Reefer Trailer
Purchasing your own used reefer trailer is attractive for a number of reasons. According to the experts at Hales Trailer, “Purchasing a trailer is often the best decision from a long-term investment standpoint. Factors like ROI, trailer availability, maintenance options, and tax advantages are all good reasons to seriously consider buying a trailer. Let’s dig in a little deeper to find out why a trailer purchase may be your best bet.” In other words, many business owners find that the long-term cost of owning a refrigerated truck is simply lower than contracting shipping services through a third-party shipping company. This can be especially true if you’re using a delivery route that is somewhat local to your business. Of course, someone who is getting into the delivery business may find that a refrigerated truck is essential for staying competitive. There’s a very high likelihood that you will get transport requests involving items that are perishable or delicate. Unfortunately, not having a refrigerated truck that meets the temperature standards needed can place you at a serious competitive disadvantage against other companies in your area that accepts bids. You’re likely to find that the used reefer trailers on the market today offer a way to make a very smart investment that will expand your earning potential on a long-term basis.
Finals Thoughts on Using a Reefer Truck
There’s simply no way around the fact that perishable goods require refrigerated shipping. A reefer trailer ensures that you’re never cutting corners or taking chances when it comes to product integrity!