Fresh solutions: TQL has your produce shipments covered
Proven expertise, technology & unmatched capacity in the toughest of lanes
By Shannon Russell
Moving produce has been a Total Quality Logistics specialty since our 1997 founding.
We have built a reputation for exceptional service and industry expertise and today we have the most refrigerated capacity in North America. We moved 135,000+ produce loads in 2024 alone.
From cold chain logistics and temperature-controlled freight to perishable goods transportation, our expertise in refrigerated and temperature-sensitive shipments remains a core strength. Backed by extensive resources, we ensure seamless transportation for all types of produce through:
- Unmatched Capacity: Reliable coverage for even the toughest lanes.
- Diverse Equipment Options: Reefer, dry van, box truck, vented vans and refrigerated containers.
- Comprehensive Handling: Capability to transport all produce types with care.
- Strategic Warehousing: Access to temperature-controlled and USDA-certified warehouses.
- Port Accessibility: Connections to all domestic ports for efficient distribution.
- End-to-End Solutions: Our comprehensive modes and services meet every shipping need.
Award-winning strategies set TQL apart
Produce transportation requires great attention to detail, and we don’t leave our processes to chance.
Our Logistic Account Executives (LAEs) are required to complete 15 weeks of account management and logistics training before being eligible to train to become TQL Produce Certified. Our produce certification includes eight courses created by in-house experts with a combined 70 years of produce experience.
TQL’s commitment to doing things right is essential for sensitive produce shipments. Our ability to provide solutions for customers year after year has solidified our elite reputation in the logistics industry and allowed us to earn the following prestigious honors.
- We have the highest possible Produce Blue Book rating (50,000 XXXX AA), a testament to our exceptional financial stability, strong business practices and quality reputation in fresh and frozen produce.
- We are a 13-time winner of the Food Logistics Top 100 3PL & Cold Storage Providers award. This honor recognizes excellence in third-party logistics and cold storage services for the food and beverage industry.
- We earned a 2024 Top Food Chain Provider distinction by Food Shippers of America. This elite award, given annually to just 25 providers, highlights our commitment to efficiency, reliability and innovation in transporting food and beverage products across the country.
Tech solutions simplify produce shipping
At TQL, we combine world-class customer service with technology to ensure shipment visibility and security. Whether tracking real-time location, monitoring temperature, or responding to unexpected events, our comprehensive tools and dedicated teams ensure your cargo stays safe, on time and on track.
TQL TRAX, our web portal and mobile app, empowers shippers with real-time load tracking, temperature monitoring, and instant status updates to ensure your produce arrives on time and in peak condition. TRAX simplifies the shipping process with 24/7/265 access to quote generation, load documents, custom reporting capabilities and more.
Covert trackers add a layer of security for high-value or temperature-sensitive produce loads. The devices, offered by TQL as part of its security solutions and embedded in cargo by shippers, provide real-time GPS tracking and temperature alerts. The trackers ensure additional coverage and peace of mind for loads that are high value, high theft, cross-border, temperature-controlled and/or time-sensitive.
More: How TQL ships fresh fruits and vegetables during produce season
In the event of unexpected delays or disruptions in produce shipping, our Distressed Loads Assistance (DLA) Team, Cargo Risk Team and Claims Management Team work together to provide immediate support, risk mitigation and fast resolution.
DLA handles rapid responses for distressed or damaged loads. Fresh produce is fragile and highly perishable, so even minor disruptions can cause major shipping issues. Our DLA Team takes prompt action if a produce load is delayed, rejected or compromised due to temperatures. If part of a produce shipment retains its quality, DLA acts quickly to salvage the product and mitigate loss by restacking it, repacking it or redirecting it to a new buyer.
The Cargo Risk Team has 60+ dedicated personnel with 24/7/365 staffing and auditing. This team performs over 30 daily audits with constant data capturing and provides trend analysis and risk management across 3.3M+ loads each year. TQL also maintains direct relationships with law enforcement members nationwide.
Our Claims Management Team ensures all parties’ compliance with claims regulations and industry standards, acts as a liaison between carrier parties and impacted parties, and works with insurance companies for a fast and hassle-free claims process.
Talk to your dedicated account rep today to learn more about TQL’s produce solutions or visit TQL.com.
