CRST International, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is offering a a new expedited Transcontinental Temperature Controlled Team Service.

This service will operate as a division of CRST Expedited, the largest operating company of CRST International. Initial service, which includes both chilled and frozen products, already has begun.

"CRST will be the only transportation company in the U.S. offering an exclusive temperature controlled service supported by team drivers," said Dave Rusch, president and CEO of CRST International. "We will be providing transcontinental transportation of perishable products in less than 60 hours at a price that is competitive with single drivers. Typical single-driver perishable deliveries take about five and a half days."

TCTS will cater to cold chain retailers and producers looking for high quality service to deliver products such as fruits and vegetables, dairy, meats, fish and shellfish, confections, ice cream, pharmaceuticals, wine, beer and health and beauty aids. Rusch also noted that produce is the fastest-growing market for temperature controlled transportation, with organic products not far behind.

"The value in our new service is not just our team drivers and the speed with which they can deliver goods, but also added security for the contents since at least one driver is always with the tractor," said Rusch. "With our team approach, the vehicle is virtually in constant motion moving toward its destination."

CRST says it is able to offer the flexibility to increase or decrease capacity based on peak seasons or individual retailer or producer needs, through the cross utilization of CRST Expedited's fleet of approximately 2,000 team tractors.

Currently, a majority of temperature-controlled carriers are independent drivers or firms with fewer than 10 trucks, says CRST.

TCTS will use CRST drivers and equipment, including new Thermo King Refrigerated units and insulated Utility Trailers that can maintain temperatures as low as minus 20 degrees.

The company says it is the largest expedited team carrier in the nation and has one of the newest tractor fleets in the industry.