What is LTL freeze protection?

Countless businesses use less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping to transport goods throughout the year — even on the coldest days. 

But LTL shipping can be more complicated in the colder months than in others — if temperatures drop low enough, your cargo can freeze. 

Fortunately, freeze protection services can stop this. 

What do they involve, and what benefits do they offer? Keep reading to learn all about LTL freeze protection. 

What is freeze protection in LTL shipping?

Many LTL carriers offer a freeze protection service during winter. The goal is to protect freight from potential damage that may occur when it’s exposed to low temperatures. 

Why is freeze damage such a hazard for LTL shipments? LTL shipments often move through multiple terminals, which makes them more likely to be exposed to the cold. 

You can think of LTL freeze protection as the other side of the coin to refrigerated trucking. 

Freeze protection is designed to keep goods warm and safe during short-term exposure to low temperatures. Meanwhile, refrigerated transport (AKA reefer trucking) keeps freight cool to prevent overheating during transportation. 

Both types of temperature control are essential to ensure cargo arrives in good condition.

How does freeze protection work?

Carriers providing LTL freeze protection services may use the following methods to keep goods safe. 

• Heated trailers: Trailers with temperature controls allow drivers to keep freight above freezing in cold weather. 
• Heated storage at terminals: Companies can store freight in heated facilities at terminals instead of leaving it exposed on loading docks. This is a simple and effective way to prevent cold-related damage.
• Temperature monitoring: Carriers may monitor upcoming weather conditions when planning routes and storage methods. Regular monitoring is crucial to make adjustments as needed. 
• Expedited handling: Expedited shipping reduces the amount of time that freight spends outdoors in unheated environments. 

However, never expect carriers to use freeze protection automatically. As it’s an accessorial service, shippers typically need to request freeze protection as an added service from LTL carriers. 

What types of products need LTL freeze protection?

Many temperature-sensitive goods need freeze protection while in transit, including:

• Beverages: Fruit juice, soda, beer, wine
• Food: Produce such as fruit and vegetables, dairy, condiments, and sauces
• Pharmaceutical and healthcare: Pills, oral medications, creams
• Construction materials: Paint, coatings, adhesives, and chemicals
• Cosmetics: Beauty products, lotions, creams
• Electronics: Televisions, computer monitors, smartphones

Why LTL freeze protection matters

Businesses of all sizes can benefit from a freeze protection service when using LTL shipping. If freight gets so cold that it freezes while on the road, that can have a negative impact on your goods, the customer experience, and your reputation. 

Let’s take a closer look at the potential fallout of frozen cargo. 

Product damage and destruction

Many products can be damaged if they freeze. For example, liquids expand when frozen, causing packaging failures, contaminating other products, and leading to spoilage. 

As a result, your business (and others with goods in the same LTL trailer) can lose valuable inventory. 

Financial loss 

When items are damaged by exposure to low temperatures, shippers lose out on sales and must replace damaged stock. This can make cargo transportation more expensive than businesses expect, and it can take a bigger bite out of their budget. 

Liability issues

If you don’t request LTL freeze protection from a carrier, your insurance may not cover any cold-related damages that occur. In this case, you would need to pay for the cost of replacing the goods out of pocket. 

Customer trust

Retailers and customers trust businesses to deliver products in good condition, ready to sell or use. However, if items are damaged upon arrival, others may lose trust in your brand and look elsewhere. 

While all shipping comes with the risk of damage, freeze protection is a simple way to mitigate temperature-related risks. 

Work with shipping experts for help with freeze protection and other freight services

Freeze protection is crucial for businesses sending LTL shipments during the winter months. Forgoing freeze protection can lead to damaged products, unexpected costs, and potential reputation damage. 

However, choosing the right LTL carrier to transport freight during the winter can be challenging — unless you work with shipping experts, like DTS.

Our experienced team can help you find reliable freeze protection services to fit your budget and expectations. We have the knowledge, expertise and network to help create a smooth shipping process for your business. 

To learn how DTS can help your business, get in touch today.