Reefer LTL
Refrigerated LTL & partial loads
Less-than-truckload (LTL) refrigerated freight is anything too small to fill a reefer trailer. We move 1–6 pallet partial loads in refrigerated vans and 16 ft box trucks, with pickups in San Diego and Los Angeles and delivery anywhere in the US.
Two ways to ship reefer LTL
Consolidated LTL or a right-sized truck
Refrigerated LTL carriers usually work as a network: your pallets share a trailer with other shippers’ freight, often pass through terminals, and move on the carrier’s schedule. That works well for many lanes.
The other option is a smaller refrigerated vehicle sized to your load. That is what ReeferBell runs. Your pallets go from your dock to your customer’s dock on one vehicle, at the setpoint you choose.
| Detail | Consolidated reefer LTL | Right-sized reefer truck |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle | Shared trailer | Van or 16 ft box truck for your load |
| Handling | Can include terminal transfers | Dock to dock on one vehicle |
| Timing | Carrier’s network schedule | Planned around your pickup and delivery windows |
| Temperature | Set for the whole trailer | Set for your freight |
| Good fit | Price-sensitive freight with flexible timing | Time-sensitive or temperature-sensitive loads |
Frozen LTL
Frozen, chilled, and cool partial loads
Frozen LTL carriers are harder to find than chilled ones, because frozen and fresh freight can’t share a trailer. Our vehicles hold down to −20°F, so a frozen partial load can travel on its own at the temperature it needs.
| Band | Range | Typical freight |
|---|---|---|
| Frozen | 0°F or below, down to −20°F | Frozen food, ice cream, frozen seafood and meat |
| Chilled | 33–40°F | Fresh meat, seafood, dairy, most produce, many pharma products |
| Cool | 41–60°F | Chill-sensitive produce, flowers, chocolate, some beverages |
What we need
Getting an LTL quote
- Pickup and delivery addresses, and any extra stops
- Pallet count, dimensions, and total weight
- Required temperature or range
- Pickup date and delivery window
- Whether this is a one-time load or a recurring lane
With those details, we can tell you whether a van or a box truck fits and what the run costs.
What is refrigerated LTL?
Refrigerated less-than-truckload shipping moves temperature-controlled freight that doesn’t fill a full trailer, typically from one pallet up to a partial load.
Are there LTL reefers?
Yes. Some carriers run consolidated refrigerated LTL networks; others, like ReeferBell, run smaller refrigerated vans and box trucks sized for partial loads.
Is a right-sized truck more expensive than consolidated LTL?
It depends on the lane. Consolidation spreads cost across many shippers, while a right-sized truck saves transfer time and handling. Compare quotes on your actual lane and timing.
Do you handle frozen LTL?
Yes. Our reefer vans and box trucks hold temperatures down to −20°F, which covers most frozen food and frozen seafood.
What is the smallest load you take?
Our vans are built for 1–3 pallets, and smaller shipments are welcome. Tell us what you have and we will confirm the fit.
Let’s get your freight moving
Tell us about
your shipment.
Four quick steps, about a minute. We’ll get back to you with availability and a price by the next business day.
- 01Share your route
What you move, where, and how often.
- 02Talk through the plan
We’ll review timing, capacity, and requirements.
- 03Start with a trial run
See how we handle your freight before you commit to a schedule.