Effective Freeze Protection Shipping Suggestions & Techniques

Protecting your Freight from Freezing: Winter is Coming

The risk becomes more significant during adverse weather conditions. When severe storms or extreme cold hit, carriers may delay shipments until it is safe to travel. While this protects the freight from hazardous road conditions, it also increases the exposure to freezing temperatures. This situation can result in longer transit times and heightened risk for sensitive goods.

Understanding this vulnerability is essential if you’re shipping items like batteries, chemicals, alcohol, or perishable foods. These products require special attention to maintain their quality during transit. Taking the proper precautions can help safeguard your cargo from freezing, ensuring that it reaches its destination in optimal condition.

What Is Freezable Freight and How to Protect It?

Freezable freight refers to any product that freezes at or below 32°F (0°C). Common examples include liquids, foods, and specific chemicals that may lose their integrity or become unusable if frozen. Shipping these items during winter months poses unique challenges, especially without proper protection measures in place.

To protect your goods, start by identifying them as freezable freight on all shipping documents. Carriers need to know in advance if a shipment requires freeze protection, so you must clearly label the products and the bill of lading with the phrase "Protect from Freezing." Proper labeling ensures that the necessary precautions are taken during transit.

Besides clear labeling, it’s critical to communicate with the LTL carrier during the scheduling process. Inform them that your shipment requires freeze protection before tendering the load. Providing this information to TLI upfront ensures that your cargo gets the attention and care it needs during pickup, routing, and delivery.

Utilizing Freeze Protection Services for LTL Shipments

Many LTL carriers offer specialized freeze protection services during the colder months, typically from October through April. These services are designed to mitigate the risks of freezing by rerouting shipments, using temperature-controlled facilities, and even storing freight in heated rooms when necessary. It’s essential to review the tariff details of each carrier's freeze protection service, as costs and specific protections vary.

For example, when utilizing TLI's freeze protection service, your shipment may be rerouted through areas with less severe cold or stored temporarily in a warming room. These protective measures help maintain the temperature stability of your goods during transit. However, without proper labeling or clear instructions prior to booking the shipment, even carriers offering freeze protection may not apply these services effectively.

When choosing a freeze protection service, always confirm the specific steps required to protect your cargo. Proactive communication with your freight broker, clear labeling, and scheduling freeze protection can make all the difference in safeguarding your temperature-sensitive goods during the winter months.

How Shippers Often Protect Freezable LTL Freight During Cold Weather

Shipping temperature-sensitive goods in Less-than-Truckload (LTL) trailers during the winter requires careful planning. Without the right precautions, products can freeze during transit, potentially causing damage. To ensure your shipments arrive intact, consider using several techniques that add an extra layer of protection. These methods help you navigate the challenges of cold weather and safeguard your freezable freight.

Monitor the Weather and Communicate with Your Freight Broker

Stay informed about weather conditions across your shipment’s route. Your freight may pass through colder regions even if the origin and destination are warm. Many carriers notify Translogistics when freeze embargos are in place for certain locations. TLI provides this information to help you also monitor this information yourself. By keeping an eye on weather forecasts and communicating with your freight broker, you can make informed decisions about when and how to ship your freezable goods. With these strategies, you can protect your LTL freight from freezing during cold weather.

Add Temperature Monitoring

For even greater control over your shipment, attach temperature-monitoring sensors to your pallets. These sensors hold the carrier accountable and provide visibility if the freight experienced freezing temperatures. The system will alert you if conditions fall outside the acceptable limits. 

This allows you to take action quickly, whether that means requesting TLI to file a freight claim on the shipment. Or perhaps requesting the carrier to temporarily hold the freight until the weather improves. Temperature monitoring is an affordable, proactive way to ensure your freight stays within safe temperature limits.

Ship Your Freight Weekdays

Timing your shipment plays a big role in protecting freezable freight. LTL freight often gets cross-docked, meaning it could sit outside in trailers over the weekend. Likewise if you route a FTL load, it may get parked over the weekend if the mileage permits. To avoid extended exposure to freezing temperatures, ship your freight during the week when it has a better chance of staying in motion. Coordinate with your freight brokerage provider to schedule your shipments accordingly. Some carriers won’t pick up freezable freight on certain days just to avoid weekend delays.

Ask About Heating Solutions

Some LTL carriers offer portable heating options to protect freight from freezing during transit. While this isn't suitable for hazardous materials or flammable goods, it can be a good option for other temperature-sensitive products. Portable heaters help maintain a safe temperature for your shipment, reducing the risk of freezing. Additionally, some carriers may offload your freight to a heated dock or storage room during transit, providing another layer of protection.

Use Pallet Covers and Insulated Cargo Blankets

Pallet covers offer excellent protection for shipments during transit. Typically made from polyethylene plastic, these covers come in thicknesses ranging from 1 to 6 mils. The thicker the cover, the better the protection against moisture, dust, sunlight, and temperature swings. Pallet covers are available in a variety of pre-cut sizes, or you can custom order them to fit your specific freight dimensions. By using these covers, you create a barrier that helps protect your products from the cold.



Another effective solution is insulated cargo blankets. These blankets help regulate the temperature of your goods by forming a protective layer around the freight. They minimize the risk of freezing, especially for items that need a stable environment. Insulated cargo blankets come in different sizes, so you can find the right fit for your shipment, ensuring that your freezable freight stays protected during its journey.

Alternative Options for Cold Weather Protection

If you are not under a time crunch, consider delaying your shipment until weather conditions improve. While this isn’t always practical, it’s worth weighing the potential risks of product damage against the benefits of waiting. Pushing the shipment to a warmer period can be a safer option, especially for extremely sensitive products. Also be sure to coordinate with vendors appropriately. Years ago a vendor of a TLI customer did not communicate effectively that the shipment needed freeze protection, and it resulted in damaged freight, and this could have been alleviated with proper disclosure.

However, when time is of the essence, expedited shipping may be a better choice. Expedite services ensure non-stop transport, reducing the time your shipment spends in potentially harmful conditions. If your freight absolutely cannot freeze, consider using a refrigerated, temperature-controlled truck. These vehicles maintain a constant internal temperature, regardless of outside weather, ensuring your goods stay safe throughout the journey.