What is Refrigerated STL (Small Truckload)?

Refrigerated Small Truckload (STL) is a highly flexible transportation option designed for mid-sized shipments that require faster transit and greater control than traditional LTL.

Typically moving between 8 and 14 pallets (under 6 feet in height), STL shipments are commonly transported using 26-foot refrigerated straight trucks.

Key Advantages of STL

• Faster, more direct transit compared to LTL

• Reduced handling, improving product integrity

• Greater flexibility for scheduling and urgent shipments

STL is especially effective for “hot shot” freight or time-sensitive deliveries where delays are not an option.

Considerations

• Higher cost than LTL

• Limited capacity compared to PTL or full truckload

Best Use Cases

STL is ideal when a shipment is too large for efficient LTL but does not require a full trailer. It provides a strong balance between speed, service, and cost for mid-sized refrigerated freight.

At Minuteman Transport, our fleet of refrigerated straight trucks is designed to support high-service STL shipments across California, and Nevada.