Temperature & run mode
Provide the product-specific set point, acceptable handling requirements, and continuous or start/stop instructions. Confirm them with the party responsible for the product specifications.
Forza Intelligence / Reefer & Produce
Refrigerated shipping starts with written product and handling requirements, the right carrier and equipment, and a delivery plan the receiver can accept. Use this guide to organize temperature instructions, trailer preparation, appointments, and exception records before loading produce, dairy, or fresh and frozen food.
Before you request capacity
Provide the product-specific set point, acceptable handling requirements, and continuous or start/stop instructions. Confirm them with the party responsible for the product specifications.
Define pre-cooling, inspection, cleanliness, prior-load restrictions, and seal procedures before dispatch. Confirm who records the condition at pickup.
Share the appointment, check-in instructions, unloading needs, and required records. Identify the contact who can resolve an exception.
There is no single setting for all produce, dairy, or frozen food. Use the written requirements for the specific commodity and shipment. Record the set point and operating mode, then confirm that the carrier has received them. Avoid substituting a generic temperature chart for the shipper’s product instructions.
For food requiring temperature control for safety, FDA guidance addresses written operating-temperature specifications and preparation of refrigerated compartments, including pre-cooling when necessary. Applicability and responsibilities depend on the operation; confirm the requirements for your shipment. Read FDA’s sanitary transportation FAQs →
A temperature instruction does not resolve a missed appointment. Confirm receiving hours, appointment requirements, check-in procedures, unloading arrangements, and who to contact if timing changes. Ask how delays and changes will be communicated before the delivery window is at risk.
Notify the responsible shipper, carrier, and receiver contacts promptly. Preserve the bill of lading, appointment records, delivery notes, seal information, photos, and available temperature records. Record what was observed and when. Obtain written instructions for the next step rather than assuming who may authorize a change, return, or disposal.
A rejection does not by itself determine liability. Product condition, instructions, records, contract terms, and the circumstances need to be reviewed.
See how Forza coordinates refrigerated full-truckload freight, equipment requirements, and receiver appointments.
Refrigerated freight services →Read why cold-chain execution depends on preparation, monitoring, and responsibility across handoffs.
Read the cold-chain perspective →Connect carrier commitments and daily execution with your production and receiving schedules.
Managed transportation →Share pickup and delivery locations, dates, commodity, weight, temperature instructions, and receiver requirements. We can work through the remaining details together.
PLAN MY REFRIGERATED SHIPMENT →Eight questions from a 30-year shipper turned broker. Written for VPs of Supply Chain running an RFP this quarter.
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