Refrigerated Freight Carriers Need Stability in 2025

What a time to work in the supply chain industry. From port strikes and rail strikes to environmental, social, governance (ESG) regulations, electrification mandates and natural disasters shutting down major roads and ports, it’s a wonder any food and beverage moves through the cold chain.

But have no fear, it’s not all doom and gloom.

Food Logistics talks exclusively with Alice DeBiasio, VP and general manager, truck trailer Americas and digital solutions, Carrier Global Corp., about the top trends to watch for in 2025.

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Food Logistics: From your perspective, what are considered the Top 5 trends to watch in 2025? And why?

Alice DeBiasio: The trend we all want to see in 2025 is stability in the overall health of refrigerated freight carriers. Our customers are telling us their long-term success depends on improving the bottom line through better utilization, fuel efficiency, uptime and technology that simplifies decision-making. They want to make life easier for their drivers, get help navigating changes to regulations and manage costs more effectively.

The second trend—related to the first—is the increasing role that telematics and digital services will play for carriers and shippers. If you haul food, pharmaceuticals and other high-value, high-demand perishable loads, you want to know when there’s a deviation from temperature setpoints or a low battery or fuel level. Telematics on the TRU can notify you when something is happening inside the vehicle, where the freight is. And it can take a step further by helping you proactively assess and schedule the service you need with a qualified dealer. Our most popular TRUs come factory-equipped with our Lynx Fleet telematics service ready to be activated.

The pace of the transition to electrification will only increase next year. The technology is there—our eCool family of all-electric refrigeration systems covers virtually all classes of commercial vehicles, and our Vector eCool refrigerated trailer system is the only all-electric refrigerated trailer system that fully regenerates while in motion. As a manufacturer, we need to be ready to guide customers as they consider substantial changes in how they specify and use their TRUs in 2025.

Finally, as we all head into a New Year, it’s good to step back and recognize the role the cold chain plays in our everyday lives. The positive impact on our well-being is always a trend to watch. If you’re looking for extra motivation when you change your calendar to 2025, remember that our industry moves the food, medicines and other perishables we need for healthy lives. We should feel inspired by that work every day.

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