Why Toronto needs deep reefer capacity
The Greater Toronto Area is one of the largest concentrations of food distribution, beverage production, and pharmaceutical logistics in Canada. That density means a constant flow of freight that can't tolerate temperature swings — produce, dairy, frozen goods, beverages, chocolate and confectionery, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals all move through the GTA every day on temperature-controlled (reefer) trailers.
For a shipper, that concentration of demand is an advantage: because so many carriers run reefer equipment through Toronto daily, capacity is deeper and more competitively priced here than in smaller markets. This guide covers how reefer freight actually works, when you need it, and how to get an accurate quote.
How temperature-controlled freight is actually handled
A reefer trailer is a refrigerated unit that maintains a set temperature range from pickup to delivery — anywhere from deep-frozen (around -18°C) to controlled cool (2–8°C for pharma) to protective heated service in winter (keeping freight above freezing). The trailer is pre-cooled or pre-heated to the target temperature before loading, and many carriers log temperature continuously through transit so you have a record if a receiver ever questions product condition on arrival.
This is different from a dry van with a blanket thrown over pallets — reefer is active climate control, not passive insulation. That's why it costs more than standard dry van freight: the equipment, the fuel to run the unit, and the driver protocols around loading and unloading (minimizing door-open time, sequencing multi-stop deliveries by temperature zone) all add real cost, but they're what keeps your product in spec.
When you need reefer, not dry van
The obvious cases are perishables — fresh or frozen food, dairy, and beverages. Less obvious is how much non-food freight also needs temperature control: pharmaceuticals and medical supplies with strict storage requirements, cosmetics and personal care products that can separate or degrade in heat, adhesives, paints and certain chemicals, electronics sensitive to condensation, and even chocolate or confectionery that will melt or bloom in a hot trailer during a summer haul.
And it isn't just a summer problem. Ontario winters bring the opposite risk — freight that's fine at room temperature can freeze and be ruined in an unheated trailer overnight. Heated reefer service protects freeze-sensitive goods (beverages, canned products, certain adhesives and coatings) from November through March just as much as refrigeration protects perishables in July.
Getting an accurate Toronto reefer quote
To price a reefer shipment accurately, have your required temperature range, pickup and delivery locations, weight and skid count, and any regulatory requirements (food safety certifications, pharma chain-of-custody documentation) ready when you request a quote. Reefer capacity moves fast out of the GTA, so a little lead time helps secure the right truck for your ship date.
Shipmate Logistics is a Toronto-based freight brokerage arranging temperature-controlled FTL and LTL capacity across Canada and into the US daily, with same-day GTA pickup and a dedicated account manager tracking every load from dock to delivery.
Ready to price your next load? Request a free estimate and a Shipmate specialist will respond with exact rates during business hours, or call (905) 508-6632.
Frequently asked questions
How much more does reefer freight cost than dry van?
Reefer typically carries a premium over dry van because of the equipment and fuel needed to run continuous refrigeration, but the exact difference depends on lane, season, and how much of the trailer you're filling. Request a quote with your temperature requirements for an exact number.
Do I need reefer service in winter if my freight isn't perishable?
Often yes. Many non-perishable goods — beverages, certain adhesives, coatings, and canned products — can freeze and be ruined in an unheated trailer during an Ontario winter. Heated reefer service protects freeze-sensitive freight the same way refrigeration protects perishables in summer.
Can reefer trucks handle multi-stop deliveries?
Yes, though it takes more planning than a single-stop dry van run. Stops are typically sequenced to minimize door-open time and temperature loss, and some freight may need to be zoned within the trailer by required temperature. Tell us your stop sequence at quoting time so we can match the right equipment and routing.