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What Shippers Should Consider When Looking For a Carrier This Winter

A. Duie Pyle

Shippers are likely to face additional challenges protecting vulnerable products from freezing this winter, as predictions call for a cold, snowy winter in the northern half of the continent. Combined with additional disruptions from the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, this puts greater pressure on shippers to proactively seek transportation partners capable of ensuring the smooth delivery of water-based goods, especially in freezing temperatures. Water-based goods such as beverages, grocery items, paint thinners, wood stains, pharmaceutical products and more can all potentially be damaged or destroyed if not properly stored and transported throughout the winter.

While a carrier’s service territory, solutions, and ability to deliver on-time are crucial, shippers also need consider asset-based freeze protection when looking for a provider during the winter months. Not only should their provider offer shipment freeze protection, they should also provide the necessary infrastructure, technology, and training for handling vulnerable commodities and harsh conditions effectively.