What does reefer mean in trucking?

Refrigerated trucking
Refrigerated trucking, (also referred to as “reefer”) is a freight shipping method that specializes in the transportation of foods and products that require a temperature-controlled means of transport.

What is a van reefer driver?

Reefer trucks primarily carry fresh food. As a result, no matter what else happens, reefer trucks will be on the roads. Job security is very good for reefer drivers. Most refrigerated truck drivers haul fresh food, and that will always be essential.

Do reefer loads pay more?

Refrigerated truck drivers typically average more per mile than dry van and flatbed drivers. At Knight Transportation, reefer drivers average 2-3 cents more per mile. Combined with averaging 150-200 more miles per week, reefer drivers create the opportunity to increase pay in two ways, helping each trip earn more.

Is hauling reefer hard?

Reefer transport is more complex to operate because the loads are sensitive to temperature changes and because it takes specialized equipment to maintain the right temperature. The types of cargo that require refrigeration are often more valuable than dry freight, impacting the cargo rates shippers are prepared to pay.

How much do reefer loads pay?

Reefer rates currently average $2.97 per mile at the national level, but this rate varies by region. In general, most shipping rates are trending upward these days. Reefer load rates are highest in the Midwest and lowest in the Southeast. Trucking reefer rates often vary by the growing season in a given area.

What is a reefer?

In trucking, “reefer” or “reefer trailer” are slang terms for a refrigerated container. These refrigerated trailers have insulated walls and self-powered refrigeration units. Reefers are commonly used to transport food and other temperature-sensitive goods.

What pays more flatbed or reefer?

Reefer Trucker Average Pay. When comparing the earnings of a flatbed driver with that of a reefer driver, it is important to note that a reefer driver usually earns a few cents more per mile on average. The average pay of a flatbed trucker is $53,163 while that of a reefer is $58,748.

Can you haul dry freight in a reefer trailer?

The answer to that question is, yes, of course. Dry freight shippers don’t often remember that they can actually make good use of reefer trailers to ship their goods. This is a huge mistake. If the freight is moving to active produce-shipping markets, shippers can save 6-17% on their freight shipments.

What pays more reefer or flatbed?

How much can I make on a reefer trailer?

Owner Operator Reefer Salary

Annual Salary Monthly Pay
Top Earners $293,000 $24,416
75th Percentile $210,000 $17,500
Average $147,085 $12,257
25th Percentile $61,000 $5,083

How much money can you make with a reefer box truck?

While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $293,000 and as low as $23,500, the majority of Reefer Box Truck Owner Operator salaries currently range between $52,000 (25th percentile) to $143,500 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $260,000 annually across the United States.

What do reefer trucks carry?

Reefers are used to move any freight requiring temperature control. This fact, coupled with their insulated walls makes them the only type of trailer that’s properly-suited to haul perishable items. Products like fruit, pharmaceuticals and ice cream are commonly moved using these trailers.

Which is better dry van or reefer?

If you need to move goods such as clothing, furniture, appliances or any pallet-based commodities not requiring temperature control, the dry van trailer is right for you. If you need to transport any type of goods requiring temperature control the reefer trailer will perfectly address your needs.

How much can I make with a reefer truck?

While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $92,000 and as low as $26,000, the majority of Reefer Truck Driver salaries currently range between $45,000 (25th percentile) to $70,000 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $82,000 annually across the United States.

What type of trailer pays the most?

The 6 most profitable types of trailers

  • Car Hauler Trailers. The demand for this type of trailer has really increased lately: moving cars from one side to another could mean great profits.
  • Refrigerated Trailers.
  • Tanker trailers.
  • Enclosed Trailer.
  • Flatbed Trailers.

How do you get reefer loads?

The best way to get reefer loads is to contact shippers directly to let them know about your services. If you take the time to do this step, you will build a client list. These clients will become the lifeline of your trucking business, providing you with loads frequently.

How cold do reefer trucks get?

The average reefer maintains temperatures within a range of about -13 degrees to 77 degrees Fahrenheit. However, there are highly specialized refrigeration units that go as low as -85 degrees Fahrenheit. These reefers are typically used for the transport of items in the medical and chemical industries.

What is dry van vs reefer?

What Are The Differences Between Reefer and Dry Van Trailers?

Dry Van Reefer
Maximum Weight Capacity 45,000 Pounds 42,500 Pounds
Maximum Height Capacity 108 – 110 Inches 92 – 98 Inches
Maximum Deck Length 53 Feet 53 Feet
Temperature Controlled

Who makes more flatbed or reefer?

How much can you make with a reefer truck?

While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $91,000 and as low as $25,000, the majority of Reefer Truck Driver salaries currently range between $42,000 (25th percentile) to $69,000 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $80,000 annually across the United States.