Freight Guides10 March 2026

Refrigerated Transport Guide: Temperature-Controlled Freight

What Is Refrigerated Transport?

Refrigerated (reefer) transport ensures temperature-controlled cargo travels without breaking the cold chain. From Turkey to Ireland, the following product categories are typically shipped via reefer vehicles:

  • Fresh fruit and vegetables (+2 °C to +10 °C)
  • Meat, fish, poultry (−1 °C to +4 °C)
  • Frozen products (−18 °C to −25 °C)
  • Dairy, yoghurt, cheese (+2 °C to +8 °C)
  • Chocolate, confectionery (+12 °C to +18 °C)
  • Pharmaceuticals, vaccines (+2 °C to +8 °C — special handling)
  • Cosmetics, perfume (+15 °C to +25 °C)
  • Cut flowers (+2 °C to +5 °C)

What Is the ATP Agreement?

ATP (Accord Transport Perishables) is a UN agreement regulating the international transport of perishable foods. ATP-certified vehicles must operate continuously at specified temperature ranges for 12 hours.

Vehicle certification classes:

  • FRA / FRB / FRC: Refrigerated insulated
  • FNA / FNB / FNC: Insulated
  • IR: Insulated, no refrigeration unit

For food exports to Ireland, FRC-class ATP-certified vehicles are the most common choice.

Temperature Monitoring and Recording

Digital temperature logging is mandatory in modern reefer vehicles:

  1. Pre-loading: Trailer interior is pre-cooled
  2. During loading: Product temperature measured and recorded
  3. During transit: Temperature digitally logged every 15 minutes
  4. At delivery: Temperature log delivered to recipient as PDF

Ireland's Department of Agriculture (DAFM) and UK DEFRA may request these logs during import.

Multi-Temperature (Multi-Temp) Vehicles

To transport two different product groups (e.g. frozen + chocolate) in the same vehicle, we offer multi-temperature (twin-compartment) trucks. A single vehicle has two separate temperature zones, each set to a different temperature.

Common Mistakes in Refrigerated Transport

❌ Transporting frozen and fresh products in the same compartment ❌ Skipping pre-cooling of the trailer before loading ❌ Delivering without a temperature log ❌ Stacking pallets in a way that blocks air circulation ❌ Leaving doors open (temperature fluctuation)

Refrigerated Shipping Process to Ireland

  1. Request collection: Product, quantity, temperature, loading/delivery date
  2. Vehicle allocation: ATP-certified vehicle in compatible temperature range
  3. Pre-cooling: Trailer brought to target temperature before loading
  4. Loading + temperature measurement: Digital logging begins
  5. Transit: Turkey → Bulgaria → Europe → Calais → Dover → Holyhead → Dublin
  6. Customs clearance: Fast crossing via our 24/7 Dover customs office
  7. Delivery + temperature report: Product and PDF log delivered at destination

İrlanda Nakliye Refrigerated Services

  • ATP FRC-certified modern refrigerated fleet
  • Multi-temperature vehicle options
  • Temperature monitoring + live GPS tracking
  • HACCP-trained drivers
  • DEFRA and DAFM compliant documentation support

Request a refrigerated transport quote — let us assign the most suitable vehicle for your cargo type and temperature requirement.