At the core, the goal is always clear: your freight needs to stay above freezing. The path to achieving that requires planning, communication, and real-time visibility. Once the temperature drops, freeze protection is non-negotiable. Trying to move sensitive freight below 32 degrees F is a fast way to end up with damaged goods, rejected deliveries, and costly claims. LDi treats winter as an operational reality, leveraging technology and a strong carrier network to keep your LTL freight moving safely, whether that means a Reefer, a Dry Van, or using PFF blankets.
Freeze protection involves specific strategies designed to maintain the temperature of sensitive freight above freezing (32 degrees F or 0 degrees C) during transit. This is critical for any product that can be damaged, spoiled, or rendered ineffective by exposure to freezing temperatures, such as specific chemicals, paints, electronics, or perishable food items.
This protection is frequently required for both full truckload and less-than-truckload shipments. Modern logistics systems use sophisticated TMS platforms and real-time tracking to manage this requirement, often flagging potential weather issues along the route proactively.
The importance of proactive planning goes beyond avoiding an insurance claim. A rejected shipment damages more than just the product; it impacts inventory cycles, customer relationships, and operational speed.
Risk Mitigation: Proper freeze protection prevents damage to goods and avoids costly delays or the hassle of rejected shipments.
Carrier Buying Power: A logistics partner with consistent freight volume often has stronger buying power with carriers, which is key to securing reliable temperature-controlled or insulated services when they're in high demand.
Operational Agility: When you're dealing with time-sensitive, weather-dependent freight, the support system behind your move needs to be fast. Waiting for rate approvals or support tickets to move slowly can cause service failures. The best systems are modern and allow answers to come without red tape.
Successfully executing freeze protection starts with clear communication from the shipper. Here are the four non-negotiable steps to ensure your sensitive freight is protected, especially during the cold months:
1. Labeling: Clearly label the exterior of your shipment as "Protect From Freezing" and ensure this instruction is detailed on the bill of lading (BOL). This eliminates ambiguity for everyone handling the freight.
2. Communication: Inform your broker or agent about the sensitive nature of the freight and any specific temperature requirements when scheduling pickups. Don't assume the carrier knows.
3. Planning: Consider the entire shipment route. Extreme temperature fluctuations are common, and winter in the South is not the same as winter in the Northeast. Effective partners analyze the route for potential cold spots.
4. Partner System Check: Ensure your brokerage partner has the internal support and systems to handle weather-related exceptions quickly. Things that were once simple, like onboarding a customer or asking for support, should not turn into long tickets or complex systems. You need a structure that stays agile.
When these best practices are followed, your product is protected, and your inventory arrives clean, season after season.