Refrigerated (Reefer) Freight Shipping
Temperature-controlled carriers for cold chain integrity from pickup to delivery
Reefer (refrigerated) trailers maintain precise temperature control throughout transit — critical for perishable food, frozen goods, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and any commodity that degrades outside a specific temperature range. Modern reefer units provide continuous temperature monitoring, pre-cooling capabilities, and multi-zone temperature settings from -20°F to 65°F. All our reefer carriers comply with FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act) requirements and can provide temperature logs for your records.
Up to 43,000 lbs (slightly less than dry van due to reefer unit weight)
Weight Capacity
15–30% premium over dry van FTL rates for temperature control equipment and fuel for the reefer unit
Typical Rates
Same as FTL transit times. Pre-cooling adds 1–2 hours at pickup. Expedited reefer available for time-sensitive perishables.
Transit Time
53' L × 8'2" W × 8'9" H interior (slightly smaller than dry van due to insulation and reefer unit). ~2,700 cubic feet.
Dimensions
Key Features
Everything you get with our Reefer freight service.
Temperature control from -20°F to 65°F with multi-zone capability
Continuous temperature monitoring with electronic logging
Pre-cooling capability — trailer cooled to spec before loading
FSMA and FDA food safety compliance documentation
GDP (Good Distribution Practice) compliance for pharmaceutical freight
Real-time temperature alerts and exception notifications
Pulpable temperature readings at delivery for produce
Expedited reefer options for time-sensitive perishable shipments
Common Commodities
Freight types most commonly shipped via Reefer.
Fresh produce (fruits, vegetables)
Frozen food products
Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt)
Meat and poultry
Seafood
Beverages (beer, wine, juice)
Pharmaceuticals and vaccines
Biological samples and lab specimens
Chemicals and adhesives
Floral products
When to Choose Reefer
Ideal For
Fresh produce, frozen food, dairy products, beverages, pharmaceuticals, vaccines, biological samples, chemicals, adhesives, paint, and any commodity requiring temperature control between -20°F and 65°F during transit.
Equipment Comparison
How Reefer compares to other freight options.
Reefer vs. Dry Van
Dry van has no temperature control. If your commodity can tolerate ambient temperatures (typically 30°F–120°F depending on season and route), dry van saves 15–30%. Any perishable, pharmaceutical, or temperature-sensitive commodity requires reefer.
Reefer vs. Expedited Reefer
Standard reefer FTL follows single-driver HOS rules (~500 mi/day). Expedited reefer uses team drivers (~1,000 mi/day) for produce and other commodities where every hour of freshness matters. Costs 40–60% more than standard reefer.
States We Serve with Reefer
View detailed Reefer freight information for each state, including local industries, key lanes, and regulations.
Reefer Shipping FAQs
What temperature can a reefer trailer maintain?
Standard reefer trailers can maintain temperatures from -20°F to 65°F. Multi-zone reefer trailers can maintain different temperatures in separate compartments simultaneously. The reefer unit runs on diesel fuel independent of the truck's engine.
What is FSMA compliance for reefer shipments?
The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Sanitary Transportation Rule requires that food shipments be transported under conditions that prevent contamination. This includes proper temperature settings, clean trailer interiors, and documentation of temperature maintenance. Our reefer carriers maintain FSMA compliance records.
How much more does reefer shipping cost vs. dry van?
Reefer rates typically run 15–30% higher than dry van FTL on the same lane. The premium covers the reefer unit fuel cost, specialized equipment maintenance, and compliance documentation. During produce season (April–October), reefer rates can spike due to high demand.
What is produce season and how does it affect reefer rates?
Produce season runs roughly April through October when fruits and vegetables are harvested across the US. During this period, reefer trailer demand surges — especially in California, Florida, Georgia, Texas, and Washington — driving rates up 20–40% above winter levels. Plan ahead and book early during produce season.
Can reefer trailers be used for non-food freight?
Yes. Reefer trailers are used for any temperature-sensitive commodity — pharmaceuticals, chemicals, paint, adhesives, candles, cosmetics, and biological samples. The temperature-controlled environment protects against both freezing and overheating during transit.
Need a Reefer Carrier?
Tell us about your Reefer freight — origin, destination, weight, and timeline — and we will match you with a vetted, FMCSA-verified carrier. Usually within hours.
Mon–Fri 7AM–7PM CT | No obligation, no contracts