The refrigerated freight industry, which some may know as “reefer freight”, is a very big industry right now, especially in the US and Canada. This is due to a number of reasons, such as the ongoing globalizationof the refrigerated freight industry. As more and more countries around the world become economically developed, the demand for perishable food products and other temperature-controlled goods rises.

Healthcare concerns are also to blame for the cold chain’s growth, with consumers around the world becoming increasingly concerned about their weight, health, and general lifestyle. More and more fitness enthusiasts are choosing to forgo processed foods in favorof fresh produce – perishable fruits, vegetables, and meats which require refrigerated transportation in order to maximize their shelf life.

Safety regulations also continue to strengthen around the world, something which lends itself well to the growth of the refrigerated freight industry. In the US, Canada, and many other nations, safety regulations stipulate that perishable foods must be transported under strict temperature-controlled conditions so as to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria. Without refrigerated trucks, this would simply not be possible. The FDA is known for its strict enforcement of refrigeration policies which aim to prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses.

However, it’s not just perishable foods which are creating a demand for refrigerated trucks – there are many goods which need to be transported in sensitive temperature-controlled conditions. For example, high-grade pharmaceuticals, precious works of art, valuable chemicals, personal care products, and medical specimens all need to be transported in strictly monitored conditions so as to preserve their value.

Demands are rising both here in North America and overseas, with the refrigerated freight industry seeing growth both locally and internationally. This is partially due to the economic development opportunities which the refrigerated freight industry offers to strugglingcountries. For instance, second-world countries have less red tape in their way when it comes to producing and consuming perishable goods, making it easier for them to develop financially.

So what’s happening in the industry?

As a result of all this, the refrigerated freight industry is booming. The industry is projected to grow in the US with a compound annualgrowth rate of 12.44% between 2014 and 2019. Similarly, the cold chain market is estimated to reach 3.25 billion tons of goods by 2022, indicating huge increases in demand.

Pharmaceuticals are continually playing a large part in this growth, with the Pharmaceutical cold chain logistics industry being valued beyond $13.4 billion dollars across the world. Temperature-sensitive pharma products are being developed at twice the rate of regular pharma products, helping to drive even more refrigeration demands. According to estimates from Pharmaceutical Commerce, the pharmaceutical cold chain logistics industry will be worth $16.6 billion by 2021.

The refrigerated freight industry has shown impressive growth recently, and these numbers don’t show any sign of slowing down. If you’re looking to get involved with an industry which is growing exponentially by the day, the refrigerated freight industry might be for you!