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Refrigerated and frozen transport (reefer)

Refrigerated and frozen transport (reefer)

Refrigerated (reefer) transport is road freight in a vehicle with an active cooling unit that holds a set temperature for the whole journey: chilled goods +2 to +8 °C, frozen −18 °C, temperature-kept +15 to +25 °C. Knapek Spedition, based in Břeclav (Czech Republic), arranges it through carriers whose vehicles are approved under the ATP agreement, from reefer vans to 33-pallet reefer trailers, with temperature records on request. Quote within 30 minutes on +420 722 311 499.

Chilled+2 to +8 °C
Frozen−18 °C and below
Temperature-kept+15 to +25 °C
VehiclesATP-approved carriers
Quotewithin 30 minutes
Temperature-controlled road freight – chilled, frozen and temperature-kept shipments in ATP-approved refrigerated vehicles, within the Czech Republic and across Europe.

Chilled and frozen freight in the Czech Republic and Europe

Refrigerated transport means carrying goods in a vehicle with an active cooling unit that holds the set temperature for the whole journey. We arrange it through contracted carriers whose vehicles are approved under the ATP agreement, which is mandatory for the international carriage of perishable foodstuffs. Typical loads are dairy products, meat and sausages, fruit and vegetables, cut flowers, pharmaceuticals and, in summer, chocolate or cosmetics that cannot take the heat.

Which temperature for which goods

ModeTemperatureExamples
Chilled+2 to +8 °Cmilk, cheese, meat, sausages
Frozen−18 °C and belowfrozen food, fish, ice cream
Temperature-kept+15 to +25 °Cpharmaceuticals, chocolate, cosmetics
Insulated (isothermal)no active coolingshort routes, protection from frost or heat

The exact set temperature is always specified by the shipper and recorded in the order and on the consignment note.

Which reefer vehicle

  • Reefer van – for a few pallets and urgent shipments, often the same day.
  • Reefer rigid truck 7.5–12 t – for city distribution, with a tail lift on request.
  • Reefer trailer 13.6 m – for full loads of up to 33 pallets, also with several temperature compartments.

Pre-cooling and correct loading

A reefer holds the temperature but cools warm goods down only slowly. The load space is therefore pre-cooled before loading, and the goods must already be at the target temperature. Space is left between pallets and walls so that air can circulate. Goods at different temperatures travel together only in a multi-compartment vehicle.

Temperature records

The cooling units record the temperature throughout the journey. On request we send you the printout or data from the temperature recorder after delivery – important especially for food and pharmaceuticals.

Chilled imports into the Czech Republic

A large share of refrigerated transport runs from Western Europe to the Czech Republic: vegetables and flowers from the Netherlands, citrus fruit from Valencia and fruit from Italy. See freight from the Netherlands, from Spain and from Italy.

What we need for a quote

Loading and delivery address, type of goods, required temperature, number of pallets and weight, and the date. Refrigerated transport costs more than standard freight because it includes the cooling unit and its operation. The calculator shows an indicative price and we send a binding quote within 30 minutes.

Regular transport of chilled goods? We agree fixed loading days, rates for a longer period and transport there and back if needed — regular transport or get in touch.

How to prepare and book refrigerated transport: Refrigerated transport — temperatures, preparation and booking

Related guides: Food transport — clean vehicles, separation from other goods and temperature

Frequently asked questions

Which temperatures can you provide?
Chilled goods +2 to +8 °C, frozen −18 °C and below, and temperature-kept +15 to +25 °C. Please state the exact temperature in your enquiry.
What is the ATP certificate?
ATP is the international agreement on the carriage of perishable foodstuffs. The reefer vehicles of the carriers we work with are approved under it.
Do you ship frozen goods?
Yes, frozen goods travel at −18 °C or below in freezer vehicles.
Do you ship pharmaceuticals and cosmetics?
Yes, temperature-kept at +15 to +25 °C or chilled at +2 to +8 °C, as the shipper requires.
Will I get a temperature record?
Yes, on request we send a printout or data from the temperature recorder after delivery.
Must the goods be cooled before loading?
Yes. A reefer holds the temperature but cools warm goods down only slowly, so goods should be at the target temperature when loaded.
Can goods at different temperatures travel together?
Yes, in a vehicle with several temperature compartments. In a single-compartment vehicle everything travels at one temperature.
Will you take a single chilled pallet?
Yes, single pallets travel by reefer van or as groupage in a reefer heading the same way.
Which reefer vehicles can you arrange?
A reefer van, a reefer rigid truck of 7.5–12 t (also with tail lift) and a reefer trailer for 33 pallets.
Do you ship chilled goods from abroad to the Czech Republic?
Yes, mainly vegetables and flowers from the Netherlands, fruit from Italy and citrus fruit from Spain.
Can refrigerated transport run as express?
Yes, a reefer van often the same day, direct without transhipment.
How long do chilled goods take across Europe?
Within the Czech Republic usually the same or next day, to neighbouring countries 1–2 days, from Spain or Italy 2–4 days.
Which documents do I need for refrigerated transport?
For international transport a CMR consignment note, which we issue ourselves, plus any documents the consignee requires for food. The temperature is recorded on the consignment note.
Is a refrigerated shipment insured?
Yes. A refrigerated shipment is covered by carrier liability under the CMR Convention, or the Czech Civil Code domestically. For expensive temperature-sensitive goods we recommend additional cargo insurance.
How do I get a price for refrigerated transport?
Choose a refrigerated vehicle in the calculator and enter the route to see an indicative range. We send a binding quote within 30 minutes.
Can you arrange regular transport of chilled goods, there and back?
Yes. We arrange regular transport of chilled goods on fixed days and, if you like, there and back: the vehicle delivers your goods and loads the next consignment on the way back, such as returnable packaging or goods for your warehouse. The rate is agreed for a longer period.
Knapek Spedition Freight forwarding and road transport, Břeclav · Updated 29. 9. 2026