When shipping temperature-sensitive goods, such as pharmaceuticals, food, or medical supplies, it’s essential to ensure that the products are transported and stored at the appropriate temperature to maintain their quality and safety. Temperature-controlled less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping is a standard method for moving small to mid-sized shipments of these goods. However, not all temperature-controlled LTL carriers are created equal. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what to look for in a temperature-controlled LTL carrier.
Proper Equipment
The first thing to look for in a temperature-controlled LTL carrier is whether they have the proper equipment to transport and store your products. This includes refrigerated or heated trailers, temperature control systems, and monitoring equipment.
The carrier should also have equipment that meets your specific temperature requirements. For example, some products may require temperature control within a narrow range, while others may require a broader range. Ensure the carrier has the equipment and expertise to handle your specific requirements.
Carrier Experience
Experience and expertise are crucial when it comes to temperature-controlled LTL shipping. The carrier should have experience handling temperature-sensitive goods and be familiar with the regulatory requirements and best practices for transporting these products.
Look for a carrier with a proven track record of success in temperature-controlled LTL shipping and a team of experts who can provide guidance and support throughout the shipping process.
Comprehensive Insurance Coverage
Temperature-controlled LTL shipping involves a significant investment in time and resources, so ensuring your products are fully protected in case of damage or loss is essential. Look for a carrier that offers comprehensive insurance coverage that includes temperature-related damage.
Review the carrier’s insurance policy carefully and ask questions to ensure you understand what is covered and what is not.
Real-Time Tracking and Monitoring
Real-time tracking and monitoring are essential for temperature-controlled LTL shipping. The carrier should have a system that lets you track the location and temperature of your products.
Look for a carrier that provides real-time tracking and monitoring through a web-based portal or mobile app so that you can access this information from anywhere at any time.
Quality Control Processes
Quality control is crucial in temperature-controlled LTL shipping. The carrier should have robust quality control processes to ensure your products are handled and stored correctly throughout shipping.
Look for a carrier with a detailed quality control plan that includes regularly monitoring temperature and humidity levels, equipment maintenance and calibration, and employee training.
Transparent Pricing
Pricing is always important when choosing a carrier, but it’s especially important in temperature-controlled LTL shipping. Ensure you get a detailed quote from the page that includes all relevant fees and charges, including fuel surcharges, insurance costs, and other applicable fees.
Look for a carrier that offers transparent pricing and will work with you to find cost-effective solutions that meet your needs.
Exceptional Customer Service
Finally, exceptional customer service is essential for temperature-controlled LTL shipping. Look for a carrier that is responsive to your needs and can provide support and guidance throughout the shipping process.
Ask questions and assess the carrier’s customer service capabilities before deciding. Look for a page with a dedicated customer service team, multiple contact options, and a reputation for exceptional service.
Partner With PLS Logistics
Choosing a suitable temperature-controlled LTL carrier is essential for ensuring your temperature-sensitive goods’ safe and timely transportation. Look for a page with the proper equipment, experience, expertise, comprehensive insurance coverage, real-time tracking and monitoring, quality control processes, transparent pricing, and exceptional customer service. Considering these factors, you can find a carrier that meets your needs and provides high-quality service.
Partnering with PLS Logistics gives you access to our carrier network of over 55,000 regional and national carriers and our TMS, PLS PRO. PLS PRO enables companies to optimize their loads by highlighting the carrier terminal’s availability, origin, and destination. In addition, it provides accurate rates, along with the carrier’s contact information. It allows businesses to select a suitable carrier for their budget! So contact us today and let PLS Logistics be your next 3PL provider.
