--- title: Cold Chain Logistics & Refrigerated Rate Negotiation | Trans-Solutions description: Qualified refrigerated carriers, negotiated rates, temperature-validated handling, and the active versus passive pallet decision settled on your lane data. image: https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/cold%20chain%20logistics.webp --- [![Trans-Solutions](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/ts-logo-white.svg)](https://trans-solutions.com/) [Services](https://trans-solutions.com/services) - [Freight Rate Negotiation](https://trans-solutions.com/services-freight-rate-negotiation) - [Parcel Rate Negotiation](https://trans-solutions.com/services-parcel-rate-negotiation) - [Carrier Sourcing & RFP](https://trans-solutions.com/services-carrier-sourcing-rfp) - [Vendor & TMS Selection](https://trans-solutions.com/services-vendor-tms-selection) - [Cold Chain Logistics](https://trans-solutions.com/services-cold-chain-logistics) - [Transportation Operations Audit](https://trans-solutions.com/services-transportation-audit) - [Freight Bills & Recovery](https://trans-solutions.com/services-freight-bill-audit-claims-recovery) - [Network Design](https://trans-solutions.com/services-network-design) [Case studies](https://trans-solutions.com/case-studies) How we work - [About Paul](https://trans-solutions.com/paul-brinkman) [Contact](https://trans-solutions.com/contact) [Savings Calculator](https://trans-solutions.com/savings-calculator#step1) [Book a call](https://trans-solutions.com/contact) # Cold Chain Logistics & Refrigerated Rates We qualify your carriers, negotiate the rates, and settle the active versus passive decision. [Calculate your savings potential](https://trans-solutions.com/savings-calculator#step1) [Book a call](https://trans-solutions.com/contact) ![Cold Chain Logistics](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/Cold%20Chain%20Logistics.webp) 30+ Years in business 600+ Shipping clients $800M+ Freight under contract Parcel, LTL, truckload, air, ocean, intermodal WHAT YOU GET ## Lower cold chain costs, with temperature control unchanged What we work on: ![Refrigerated carrier negotiation](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/8990bc85676b8bf72e43b2a66ad51a94bbaac751.webp) ### Qualified refrigerated carriers The pool is limited. We maintain a database of who they are and where each one is strong. ![Temperature-controlled logistics](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/4e62412a8b8a48bb3d7a1da9485e54615c616f44.webp) ### Temperature-validated trailers And whether the validation actually covers your lane and industry regulation. ![Active vs passive pallets](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/8f1fe003073eaa0e718a9ed53c727c55aa2ac214.webp) ### Active against passive pallets Active unites have their necessary use cases. Passive solutions are cheaper where transit time and cooling method allow it. ![Pharmaceutical cold chain consultant](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/ad273996cfb8fd09e2fd841b6afc548dac221cdf.webp) ### Regulated distribution PDMA-compliant sample distribution, and drug product held at 2 to 8°C. ![Cold chain asset tracking](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/8990bc85676b8bf72e43b2a66ad51a94bbaac751.webp) ### High-value asset tracking Where the container costs $200,000 and the contents cost more. ## Where we go deep for you Cost is not the main priority here, and we do not treat it as such. We model the temperature risk on every leg before we price anything, then negotiate against a carrier pool small enough to know by name. - ![](https://trans-solutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/sd-deep-arrow.png?width=30&height=30&name=sd-deep-arrow.png) Every leg, separately Storage and transport, method of cooling at each building, flight and truck, and the time each one takes. - ![](https://trans-solutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/sd-deep-arrow.png?width=30&height=30&name=sd-deep-arrow.png) Efficacy of holding temperature Tested, not assumed, before a cheaper method is recommended. - ![](https://trans-solutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/sd-deep-arrow.png?width=30&height=30&name=sd-deep-arrow.png) A rule rather than an answer Product type, origin, airport and transit time, so you can apply the decision on lanes we never looked at. - ![](https://trans-solutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/sd-deep-arrow.png?width=30&height=30&name=sd-deep-arrow.png) Carrier qualification Experience in your product category, before price is discussed. - ![](https://trans-solutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/sd-deep-arrow.png?width=30&height=30&name=sd-deep-arrow.png) Rate negotiation The same lever set as any other mode, against a much smaller carrier pool. - ![](https://trans-solutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/sd-deep-arrow.png?width=30&height=30&name=sd-deep-arrow.png) Compliance first PDMA and validated handling are constraints, not trade-offs. - ![](https://trans-solutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/sd-deep-arrow.png?width=30&height=30&name=sd-deep-arrow.png) Asset visibility Tanks and containers leave your ERP system the moment they ship. - ![](https://trans-solutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/sd-deep-arrow.png?width=30&height=30&name=sd-deep-arrow.png) Inventory that follows from visibility Knowing where the assets are is what lets the fleet shrink. ## What the service has produced for our clients ![Pharmaceutical cold chain case study](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/15a34acf6f6918670302d7a1377bd58bd036d33cc-1.webp) Cold Chain Logistics Parcel and ground Pharmaceutical ### [$1M+ saved per year — Global pharmaceutical company](https://trans-solutions.com/case-studies-pharmaceutical-sample-distribution) Sample distribution to practitioners and sales reps, rebuilt to be PDMA-compliant while cutting cost and inventory. [Read the full case study](https://trans-solutions.com/case-studies-pharmaceutical-sample-distribution) ![Active vs passive pallets case study](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/67664138193805fa627dbd932cc9ba339c10b5bb.webp) Tags: Cold Chain Logistics International air Pharmaceutical ### [$500K+ saved per year — Multi-billion-dollar pharmaceutical manufacturer](https://trans-solutions.com/case-studies-active-vs-passive-pallets-cold-chain) International air shipments shifted from active to passive pallets, with 100% temperature control maintained. [Read the full case study](https://trans-solutions.com/case-studies-active-vs-passive-pallets-cold-chain) ![Freezer tank fleet case study](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/4f2e52ea62d02b4c35e2906ed279f708694f5757.webp) Cold Chain Logistics Cold chain Pharmaceutical ### [Freezer tank fleet cut 15 to 20% — Genentech](https://trans-solutions.com/case-studies-pharmaceutical-asset-temperature-tracking) A physical count across three continents came up five tanks short at $200,000 to $250,000 each. No off-the-shelf tracking solution existed, so we had one built. [Read the full case study](https://trans-solutions.com/case-studies-pharmaceutical-asset-temperature-tracking) ## Defined SOW or Gainshare Method and compliance analysis, such as the active versus passive decision, runs on a project fee against a scope of work and timeline we define with you. Rate negotiation with refrigerated carriers runs on gainshare. Free assessment first, then we are paid only if we deliver results, as an agreed percent of the total savings. What we charge ![Gainshare pricing chart: 15-25% savings, client keeps the savings, our share](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/Group%2045-1.svg) Example savings. Actual range can be 10–35% ## Is this the service for you? - ![](https://trans-solutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/sd-foryou-check.png?width=28&height=28&name=sd-foryou-check.png) You spend $1M or more a year moving refrigerated freight - ![](https://trans-solutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/sd-foryou-check.png?width=28&height=28&name=sd-foryou-check.png) Your product ships temperature-controlled and cost is not the only priority - ![](https://trans-solutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/sd-foryou-check.png?width=28&height=28&name=sd-foryou-check.png) You may be paying for active units on lanes that may not need them - ![](https://trans-solutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/sd-foryou-check.png?width=28&height=28&name=sd-foryou-check.png) You ship under PDMA or your handling rules come before the rate - ![](https://trans-solutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/sd-foryou-check.png?width=28&height=28&name=sd-foryou-check.png) Your high-value containers leave your systems the moment they ship RELATED SERVICES - [Freight beyond cold chain? Freight Rate Negotiation](https://trans-solutions.com/services-freight-rate-negotiation) - [Need to rebid your carrier base? Carrier Sourcing & RFP](https://trans-solutions.com/services-carrier-sourcing-rfp) - [Is the network itself right? Network Design](https://trans-solutions.com/services-network-design) ## Who does the work **Paul Brinkman**, the President, participates in every engagement himself. He reviews every analysis, sits in the negotiations, and stays through implementation. No junior consultant individually inherits your account after the sale. Behind Paul is a bench of analysts and engineers who build the data and the models, plus founder Giles Taylor, who started the firm in 1997 and still weighs in. Meet the Team ![Paul Brinkman, President of Trans-Solutions](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/159884cbbf32b02a7030c6ec1c41ab39d676dad1.webp) ![](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/cta-bg.jpg) ## How much are you leaving on the table? Instant estimate based on data from 600+ clients we have helped Calculate your savings potential ### Ready to get started? [Book a call with Paul](https://trans-solutions.com/contact) ![Trans-Solutions](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/ts-logo-white.svg) Trans-Solutions, Inc. Independent transportation consultants since 1997. We are not affiliated with, compensated by, or acting as an agent for any carrier. [![](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/linkedin.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/trans-solutions-consulting/) © 2026 Trans-Solutions, Inc., Ladera Ranch HQ