Temperature Controlled Shipping Services

Refrigerated shipping uses insulated packaging materials — such as foam liners, gel packs, dry ice, or phase-change materials — combined with expedited carrier services to maintain a product's required temperature range during transit. The packaging is engineered to hold the target temperature for the full estimated delivery window, and carriers like FedEx and UPS offer express services specifically designed to minimize transit time for temperature-sensitive shipments.

Cold chain shipping refers to the end-to-end logistics process of transporting temperature-sensitive products within a specific, controlled temperature range from origin to final destination. It encompasses proper packaging, carrier selection, routing, and handling protocols to ensure there is no break in temperature control at any point — critical for pharmaceuticals, biological samples, fresh food, and other perishable goods.

Refrigerated freight, often called reefer freight, involves transporting large quantities of temperature-sensitive goods using refrigerated trucks, containers, or air cargo equipped with active cooling systems. It is used for bulk perishable shipments — such as food products, vaccines, or medical supplies — where standard parcel-sized insulated packaging is not sufficient to handle the volume or weight of the cargo.

Temperature-controlled shipping is suitable for a wide range of products including fresh and frozen foods, floral arrangements, chocolates and confections, pharmaceuticals and medications, biological and laboratory samples, vaccines, medical devices, cosmetics, and certain chemicals. The correct packaging solution depends on the required temperature range — refrigerated (2–8°C), frozen (below -20°C), or ambient — and the transit duration.

Insulated packaging performance depends on the materials used, the quantity of coolant (gel packs or dry ice), and the ambient conditions during transit. Standard gel pack solutions typically maintain refrigerated temperatures for 24–48 hours, while dry ice configurations can maintain frozen conditions for 48–72 hours or longer. Our team selects packaging rated for the full estimated transit time, including buffer time for potential delays.

FedEx and UPS both offer services suitable for perishable and temperature-sensitive shipments, including FedEx Priority Overnight, UPS Next Day Air, and specialized cold chain programs. For larger freight volumes, refrigerated (reefer) LTL and FTL carriers provide active temperature control. ShipMate+ has access to all these carriers and can recommend the best option based on your product, destination, and required temperature range.

Gel packs are ideal for refrigerated products that must stay between 2–8°C, as they keep contents cool without freezing them. Dry ice is used for products that must remain frozen, as it maintains temperatures well below 0°C. The right choice depends on your product's required temperature range, transit time, and carrier regulations — dry ice shipments require specific labeling and carrier compliance. Our team will advise you on the best option.

Bring your perishable product to our Vista, CA location and our team will assess the temperature requirements and transit time, then select the appropriate insulated packaging, coolant type, and carrier service. We handle all packaging, labeling, and carrier documentation to ensure your shipment is compliant and dispatched on the same day. We recommend shipping perishables early in the week to avoid weekend delivery delays.