What is refrigerated shipping? Refrigerated (or reefer) shipping and trucking is the transportation method of moving temperature-controlled goods. In reefer shipping, freight is loaded and transported in trailers with built-in refrigeration systems and climate control. Refrigerated shipping plays an important role in the global economy since it’s the only way to prevent product deterioration in transit. Fresh produce, dairy, meat products, and pharmaceutics rely on refrigerated transportation every day.