Refrigerated transport

Refrigerated transport, also known as temperature-controlled transport, is used for goods that must remain within a defined temperature range during transit. It can include fresh and frozen food, certain pharmaceutical products and other temperature-sensitive goods. The required temperature always depends on the product, its packaging and the applicable storage instructions.

Refrigerated trucks can carry many temperature-sensitive goods, including meat, fish, dairy products, fresh food, prepared food, frozen products, ice cream, certain fruit and vegetables, some flowers, pharmaceutical products and other thermosensitive goods. Product compatibility and temperature requirements must be checked before loading.

There is no single temperature for every refrigerated shipment. The set point depends on the goods and their storage requirements. Frozen products may require -18 °C or colder, while fresh food, dairy, pharmaceuticals and other sensitive goods may require different positive temperature ranges. The product specification remains the reference.

Chilled transport generally maintains goods at a controlled positive temperature suited to fresh or cold-sensitive products. Frozen transport is used for goods that must remain frozen at lower negative temperatures. The vehicle, loading preparation and temperature set point must match the type of goods being carried.

Yes. Depending on the required temperature, destination, volume and available lanes, refrigerated transport can cover a few parcels, one or several pallets, part loads or full truckloads. Refrigerated groupage may be considered for smaller volumes when the goods and temperature requirements are compatible.

A dedicated refrigerated vehicle can be appropriate for larger volumes, highly sensitive goods, specific temperature requirements, strict collection or delivery times, or when handling needs to be minimised. The choice between groupage, part load and full load depends on volume, transit time, temperature, destination and operational constraints.

Refrigerated transport is used by restaurants, hotels, caterers, butchers, delicatessens, fishmongers, supermarkets, food retailers, wholesalers, purchasing centres, producers, food manufacturers, farms and certain healthcare businesses. The need depends on the products being moved and their storage conditions.

Maintaining the cold chain requires suitable preparation of the vehicle and goods, compliance with the requested temperature, limited door openings and appropriate monitoring of transport conditions. The refrigeration unit is designed to maintain temperature, so the goods should be prepared in accordance with the required set point before loading.

Yes. Drivet Transport International can review refrigerated shipments within France and on European routes. Planning depends on origin, destination, number of pallets or parcels, required temperature, transit time, site access and any constraints specific to the international route.

Useful information includes collection and delivery addresses, required dates and times, exact description of the goods, required transport temperature, number of parcels or pallets, weight, dimensions, packaging type, site access constraints and any need for a tail lift, appointment or handling equipment.

Yes. Certain medicines and healthcare products must be transported within a defined temperature range. These shipments require an organisation suited to the product requirements, packaging and instructions supplied by the manufacturer or customer. The requested temperature and storage conditions should be clearly specified before transport is arranged.