Read This Before Choosing a Refrigerated Trucking Service

It almost makes sense. You have cold deliveries. You have a camping cooler. You have a minivan. You’re a courier! Right?

Wrong.

In fact, a refrigerated trucking service is much more than an ice pack and a personal vehicle. Refrigerated trucking is one of the most complex delivery services, which means there’s a lot of room for error.

Whether your business has weekly cold chain routes or a one-time frozen delivery, when you’re selecting a refrigerated trucking service, it pays to be picky.

Before selecting your cold transportation courier, see how they measure up in these points of service:

Focus on Transportation Technology

 What do transportation and technology have to do with one another? Everything. From knowing where your items are in route to keeping tabs on your cargo to ensure it remains at just the right temperature for the duration of travel, transportation and tracking technology should be a requirement for your refrigerated trucking service.

We’ll be honest, though. This isn’t an easy feat. Staying ahead of the technological curve is expensive, and it requires constant upgrade training for dispatch and drivers. But it’s worth it. Technologically savvy transportation companies can serve their clients better, providing up to date information and the option for online services. It also makes it easier for the transport company to track and store client information for easy changes in route and quick set up for future urgent deliveries.

Versatile, Certified Drivers

 Did you know many of the items out for transport on a refrigerated truck require certified handlers? Medical deliveries require HIPAA and OSHA training. Food distribution deliveries must adhere to FDA standards. Not to mention, there are basic federal regulations about cargo placement, regulation, and vehicle licenses to consider.

Are your employees suited for this service? Chances are unlikely. Is your courier of choice certified in these areas? If you’re unsure, just ask!

24/7 Service

 Refrigerated trucking services generally don’t have time to spare. When you have a temperature sensitive delivery, you need assurance that your truck team is ready when you are. It’s time to get picky about your courier’s office hours.

If your transportation professional doesn’t offer 24/7 service, they aren’t suited for your cold chain deliveries. What happens if a freezer goes out in the middle of the night? Or a client requires an emergency shipment of frozen food? Waiting on your courier could have monetary consequences like loss of product or even loss of business. Find a refrigerated trucking service that operates 24/7 at your convenience.

Commitment to Sanitary Transportation Practices

 These days, there’s no choice but to commit to safe and sanitary transportation practices. Because of COVID-19, we’ve all taken a closer look at the way we sanitize our work spaces. When you’re in the business of operating a refrigerated trucking service, though, sanitization has to be taken to a whole new level.

In order to transport food and medication, vehicles and handlers must practice proper hygiene. That means truck washouts between deliveries, wiping down frequently touched surfaces, and, when possible, contactless delivery methods. For drivers it means wearing a face covering, gloves, and hand washing between every delivery. Adhering to safe handling practices isn’t just a standard, and it’s not just a COVID-19 trend. It’s the law! And failure to do so could result in fines or creating life threatening hazards for your clients or their end users.

Bonded and Insured Delivery Teams

 Most importantly, you need your cargo to arrive. Your refrigerated trucking service can and should do everything in their power to ensure an on time and secure delivery. But sometimes the unexpected occurs. It’s for those reasons that your courier should carry a full suite of insurance, backed by A-rated providers.

Coverage for your cargo, the couriers, and the vehicles gives confidence to all parties involved. If the unexpected does occur, your refrigerated trucking service of choice can make amends, protecting your cargo and your reputation with your clients. If you aren’t sure about the status of your courier’s coverage, just ask! They should be able to provide proof of their policies.

Before you hire your next refrigerated trucking service in DFW or around the country, find out the details about the topics listed here. Your cargo is too important to leave to just anyone with a truck! It’s definitely too important to transport in your camping cooler or to let your employees move it with their POV.

With temperature sensitive items, failure to adhere to any one of these important points of service could mean stiff fines, loss of business, jail time, and, in the most egregious cases, injury or loss of life.

Be selective with your refrigerated trucking service. There’s more on the line than just late cargo.

We’re confident that your cargo is in great hands when it’s moved by Dallas Courier. Our team of drivers are trained and certified to carry all types of temperature sensitive cargo. We’re backed by A-rated providers, and we carry a full suite of insurance. We also have nearly 40 years of longevity in the transportation and logistics business.

Don’t take our word for it, though! See what our satisfied customers have to say about our service. Or give us a call and try us out for yourself! Quotes are always free and satisfaction is guaranteed.

Consider Dallas Courier for your next refrigerated trucking service. You won’t be disappointed!