Confectionary products are sensitive to heat and humidity, but with the right motor carrier, shipping candy is a hassle-free experience. In the candy industry, different products require diverse solutions. At ABCO, we have expertise in temperature-controlled and dry van services to ship your valuable freight anywhere within our regional network.this
Whether you’re a small business owner or artisan treat maker, this guide covers everything you need to know about shipping candy products.
Meet the Average Candy Consumer
A September 2025 study by Euromonitor International found total candy sales are projected to rise to $5.4 billion by 2030, becoming a $27.8 billion dollar industry. This largely pertains to chewy candy, gummies, hard candy, licorice and lollipops and doesn’t even account for the projection of chocolate sales, expected to reach $37.6 billion by 2029.
The National Confectioner’s Association (NCA) finds supercenters to be the largest retailer in the candy space, followed by smaller club stores and e-commerce sales as well. Peak times for candy purchases include Easter, winter holidays, and of course, the all-important Halloween.
Fortunately, ABCO provides our clients with seasonal pop-up solutions to accommodate changing holiday volumes throughout the year, especially during surges in product demand. Also, if you’re shipping candy to U.S. markets or importing items from overseas, ABCO can work with your team to get products straight to your customers.
How Much Does it Cost to Ship Candy?
Most candies will use some form of refrigerated trucks, also known as reefers, when shipping candy across roadways. This is slightly more expensive to account for extra fuel use, but it’s well worth the cost to get your customer’s freight to its final destination without damage. As one of ABCO’s specialty services, reefers transport perishable goods throughout our network, with drivers ensuring the internal temperature remains consistent from pickup through delivery.
However, dry van services can be more cost-effective during colder months, especially if the outdoor temperature is above 15 degrees Fahrenheit. For example, shipping candy inside an insulated van and covering the product with blankets, especially for shorter routes, is a safe and efficient practice. It all depends on the specific confectionary product: Gummies, lollipops and licorice have different variables to account for during distribution.
With the varied nature of U.S. tariffs, many importers have been asking, “Am I allowed to ship candy to the U.S.?” Yes, confectionery products are still permissible. ABCO maintains several active drayage contacts on the Eastern seaboard and can walk your team through the delicate nature of U.S. customs, as well as the import/export process. We even maintain our own fleet of chassis to make shipping candy via intermodal transit an easy process.
Final Notes for Shipping Candy
ABCO is among the most experienced trucking providers for shipping bulk candy items and our customers trust our commitment to quality service from pickup through delivery. What’s more, we have expertise in delivering various products in the same load. Separating different items, even different candies at times, is essential to maintaining the integrity of an assortment of products in a multi-temp trailer.
At ABCO, we continuously monitor reefer temperature conditions throughout the delivery process and limit the escape of cold air when opening each trailer. If you’re shipping candy across multiple states, find a carrier who succeeds without compromising the temperature-sensitive nature of a customer’s candy products.
Contact Us Today
Call 800.464.2226 to speak with a company representative or email info@shipabco.com to get started shipping candy or other perishable items with ABCO Transportation. Also check out our Contact page where you can leave your name, email address and submit an inquiry for our team. Make shipping candy easier by partnering with a trusted provider in refrigerated trucking services.
