What reefer work is
Reefer drivers haul temperature-controlled freight in refrigerated trailers: produce, meat, dairy, frozen food, medicine. People eat every day, so reefer freight tends to stay steady year-round.
What's different
- Temperature matters. You'll pre-cool the trailer, check settings and keep records. A load out of temperature can be rejected.
- Appointments and waiting. Grocery warehouses and distribution centers run tight, often overnight, schedules, and waiting at docks is common. That's why detention pay matters (see our detention guide).
- The reefer unit runs while you sleep, which takes some getting used to.
Pay
Usually cents per mile, often a bit above dry van. Ask about detention, stop pay and how often you'll run produce season surges.
Questions drivers ask
Is reefer trucking good for new drivers?
Many carriers hire new drivers for reefer. It's steady freight, but expect overnight appointments and more dock waiting than some van work.
Do reefer drivers unload the trailer?
Usually not. Most reefer freight is unloaded by the receiver, sometimes with a lumper fee the carrier covers. Ask about any touch freight.