The terms frozen and chilled are used loosely in logistics, but the difference matters when it comes to choosing the right carrier and vehicle.
Temperature Ranges
Chilled freight generally operates between 0 and 8 degrees Celsius. This covers dairy products, fresh meat, seafood, produce, and beverages that need to stay cold but not frozen.
Frozen freight is maintained at or below minus 18 degrees Celsius. Some products, such as ice cream and certain seafood, require minus 25 or below throughout transit.
Ambient freight covers a broader range, typically 10 to 25 degrees, and applies to products that need temperature regulation but not refrigeration. This includes some confectionery, dry goods, and wines.
Vehicle Requirements
Not every refrigerated vehicle can handle frozen freight. Vehicles designed for chilled transport have different insulation and cooling unit specifications to those used for frozen. Multi-temperature vehicles exist, but they require careful loading to maintain zone separation.
Cold Courier Services operates vehicles across minus 30 to plus 15 degrees Celsius, which covers all four categories: dry, ambient, chilled, and frozen.
Delivery Windows
Frozen product typically has more flexibility in transit time than chilled. A chilled product at plus 4 degrees has a shorter window before it risks entering the temperature danger zone. Frozen freight, once locked at temperature, is more tolerant of delays provided the vehicle’s cooling system is maintained.
What to Tell Your Carrier
When booking a temperature controlled delivery, give your carrier:
- The required temperature range at pickup and delivery
- Any pre-conditioning requirements (e.g. product must be loaded at minus 18 or below)
- Whether the load is mixed temperature types
- Your required delivery window
Clear instructions at booking reduce the risk of handling errors.
For chilled or frozen freight on the NSW South Coast corridor, contact Cold Courier Services or request a quote.