Reefer Dispatch in Florida
Florida is one of the best reefer markets in the US, with citrus, strawberries, tomatoes, and tropical fruits creating massive demand for temperature-controlled transport from November through April. Seafood from the Gulf and Atlantic adds year-round opportunity.
Why Reefer Thrives in Florida
Florida grows 70% of US citrus and is a major producer of strawberries, tomatoes, and tropical fruits. The produce season runs November through April — perfectly complementing California's summer harvest. Gulf seafood (shrimp, grouper, oysters) ships year-round. Miami also handles frozen food imports from Latin America.
Top Reefer Lanes in Florida
Strawberries from the "Strawberry Capital" heading north. 475 miles at $3.10-$3.50/mile during peak season (January-March).
Tropical fruits and winter vegetables to Northeast markets. 1,280 miles at $3.20-$3.80/mile with strong demand November-April.
Citrus and juice concentrate heading to Midwest distribution. 1,100 miles at $3.00-$3.40/mile.
Seafood and frozen foods via I-10. 1,000 miles with consistent demand from food service distributors.
Florida reefer peaks November through April — this is when citrus, strawberries, and winter vegetables ship north in massive volumes. Rates surge 20-25% above annual averages. May through September is slower for produce but frozen foods and seafood keep reefer operators busy. Smart operators run Florida in winter and California in summer.
Reefer Freight in Florida
Plant City strawberry loads pay premium rates but require precise 32-34F temperature control — a single excursion means a rejected load.
Reefer Rates in Florida
Plant City strawberry loads are some of the highest-paying reefer freight in the Southeast during January-March, but they require precise temperature control at 32-34F. A single temperature excursion means rejected load. FF Dispatch only books strawberry loads for carriers with reliable reefer units.
Best Reefer Lanes Nationwide
Fresh produce from California growing regions to eastern population centers. Extremely high volume in spring/summer. Rates: $3.20-4.00/mile.
Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas to major metros. Consistent meat and poultry freight year-round. Rates: $2.80-3.40/mile.
Dallas, Houston to Atlanta, Florida. Strong produce, meat, and dairy flows. Rates: $2.90-3.50/mile.
Washington, Oregon to California and Southwest. Apples, berries, and potatoes. Rates: $3.00-3.60/mile.
Reefer Equipment for Florida
- ✓53-foot refrigerated trailer with working reefer unit
- ✓Temperature monitoring and recording capability
- ✓Reefer fuel tank (separate from truck fuel)
- ✓Recent reefer maintenance records
Reefer Challenges in Florida & How We Solve Them
Higher Operating Costs
Reefer fuel, maintenance, and repairs add $8,000-15,000 annually compared to dry van.
We target premium-paying loads that more than compensate for higher costs. Our carriers net 20-30% more than dry van after expenses, earning an extra $30,000-50,000 annually.
Temperature Management
Equipment failures, temperature excursions, and load rejections due to temperature issues can be costly.
We only book loads with your equipment's proven temperature range. We also negotiate protection clauses and coordinate preventive maintenance schedules to minimize breakdown risk.
Seasonal Demand Swings
Produce season peaks in spring/summer, while holiday foods peak in Q4. Some months are significantly slower.
We diversify your freight mix with year-round products (frozen foods, pharmaceuticals) and position you in consistent lanes during off-seasons. We also leverage seasonal peaks for maximum earnings.
Strict Pickup/Delivery Windows
Perishable freight has tight schedules. Missing windows can result in rejected loads or detention without pay.
Our route planning accounts for product shelf life and delivery windows. We negotiate buffer time and detention protection upfront, reducing your stress and protecting your revenue.
Reefer Dispatch FAQs for Florida
When is Florida produce season?
November through April for most produce. Citrus peaks December-February. Strawberries peak January-March (especially from Plant City). Tomatoes ship November-April from Homestead and Immokalee. This window is the most lucrative for Florida reefer operators.
Can I combine California and Florida reefer seasons?
This is the ideal reefer strategy — Florida from November through April, then California from May through October. FF Dispatch helps carriers transition between markets, booking repositioning loads between seasons.
What about Florida seafood loads?
Gulf Coast seafood (Tampa, Apalachicola, Key West) ships year-round and pays premium reefer rates. Loads are typically smaller but higher per-mile. Seafood requires strict 28-32F temperature control. This is excellent off-season freight.
How much more can I earn with reefer vs dry van?
Reefer rates are typically 20-30% higher than dry van on comparable lanes. Our reefer carriers average $3.10/mile vs $2.85/mile for dry van. After accounting for higher reefer operating costs ($10,000-15,000 annually), reefer carriers net an additional $30,000-50,000 per year compared to dry van.
What if my reefer unit breaks down on a load?
We help you establish relationships with nationwide reefer repair services (Thermo King, Carrier dealers) and negotiate emergency service terms. For critical loads, we assist in coordinating transfer to another truck. We also advise on preventive maintenance schedules to minimize breakdown risk and can help negotiate breakdown protection clauses with brokers.
Start Reefer Dispatching in Florida Today
Join Florida carriers earning $3.15/mile with FF Dispatch. No setup fees, no contracts, no hidden charges.