In today’s world of temperature-sensitive logistics, food and beverage brands face a dramatically evolving playing field. New regulatory demands, heightened customer expectations, and razor-thin margins mean that working with just any cold chain provider is no longer sufficient.

To stay competitive and compliant, brands will do well to rely on integrated cold chain 3PLs that offer seamless coordination across drayage, warehouse distribution, and final-mile transportation.

In this article, we preview our latest eBook, “Rely on an Integrated 3PL to Orchestrate Your Cold Chain,” with a focus on one key aspect of the cold chain – drayage.

Drayage with an Integrated 3PL

The complexities of refrigerated port drayage are frequently underestimated. Managing appointments, ensuring reefers remain powered while waiting in congested yards, and coordinating swift handoffs from ocean to inland transportation are all critical tasks—and any misstep can lead to costly temperature deviations, detention charges, or even spoiled product.

These complexities are magnified at the major California ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Oakland. The Golden State introduces its own unique set of operational challenges that many national 3PLs are simply not equipped to navigate. These include congestion, environmental regulations, and labor laws. California’s Assembly Bill 5 (AB5), for example, has dramatically reshaped the trucking landscape by limiting the use of independent owner-operators. As a result, non-compliant or unprepared carriers may suddenly face capacity shortages or hefty fines—jeopardizing your freight and your wallet in the process.

Port-specific expertise is no longer optional for temperature-sensitive cargo entering California. A qualified 3PL must understand not only the physical logistics of working in and around marine terminals, but also the regulatory frameworks governing access, equipment, and labor. This includes navigating California’s strict emissions requirements (such as CARB rules on reefer units), chassis availability issues, and compliance with union labor practices at the ports.

An integrated 3PL with its own reefer drayage capacity and regulatory experience ensures your cargo moves efficiently from ship to shore, stays powered, and avoids detention—even in one of the most complex logistics environments in the country.

A Critical Distinction: Asset vs. Non-Asset 3PLs

The integration of services is even stronger with 3PL providers who have their own trucks and equipment. The logistics world often draws a line between asset-based and non-asset-based providers. But for cold chain logistics, this distinction has real consequences.

• Asset-Based 3PLs (like Weber Logistics) own and operate temperature-controlled warehouses and fleets. That ownership equates to more control, accountability, and response speed in the event of temperature excursions or service disruptions.
• Non-Asset-Based 3PLs (brokers or pure network managers) often outsource to third parties for every leg of the journey. While this can offer flexibility, it can also lead to finger-pointing, communication breakdowns, and increased risk of product loss due to poor cold chain integrity.

With cold chain product margins so tight — and FDA enforcement so aggressive — you can’t afford those risks.

Integration = Resilience and Real-Time Visibility

By working with a single 3PL partner that orchestrates drayage, warehousing and final mile services, you can enjoy the following benefits as your product journeys from port to store shelf.

• Faster issue resolution when temperature thresholds are breached

• Streamlined visibility through shared systems and coordinated teams
• Operational efficiency through standardized handling and SOPs
• Higher customer satisfaction with on-time, safe deliveries

The Bottom Line

The cold chain stakes have changed. Today’s brands need more than just “trucks and docks” — they need partnership, control, and end-to-end execution. If your current 3PL isn’t built for cold chain integration, your supply chain might be more exposed than you realize.

Check out the full eBook to learn what an integrated cold chain model really looks like — and how it can strengthen your bottom line.