Reefer Dispatch in Georgia
Georgia's reefer market benefits from the Vidalia onion harvest, peach season, poultry processing, and Atlanta's massive food distribution network. The state serves as a Southeast cold-chain hub connecting Florida produce to northern markets.
Why Reefer Thrives in Georgia
Georgia is the top poultry-producing state in the US, with major processing plants in Gainesville, Dalton, and south Georgia generating daily reefer loads. Vidalia onions and Georgia peaches are premium seasonal freight. Atlanta's food distribution centers (Sysco, US Foods, Performance Food Group) create year-round demand.
Top Reefer Lanes in Georgia
Poultry and food distribution heading northeast via I-85/I-95. 870 miles at $3.00-$3.50/mile.
Poultry processing shipments heading west. 820 miles at $2.90-$3.30/mile with consistent weekly volume.
Frozen food imports from port heading to Midwest distribution. 800 miles at $3.10-$3.50/mile.
Food distribution heading south via I-75. 660 miles — good backhaul for Florida produce returning north.
Georgia reefer runs strong year-round due to poultry processing (365 days/year). Vidalia onion season (April-June) and peach season (May-August) add seasonal premium freight. Holiday food distribution peaks October-December. The slowest period is January-February, but poultry and food service loads maintain baseline volumes.
Reefer Freight in Georgia
Gainesville is the "Poultry Capital of the World" — arrive early for your appointment at processing plants or you will miss your slot.
Reefer Rates in Georgia
Gainesville, GA is the "Poultry Capital of the World" — there are more reefer loads per capita here than almost anywhere. But poultry plants run tight schedules: arrive early or miss your appointment. FF Dispatch coordinates with plant schedulers to ensure smooth pickups.
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 Georgia
- ✓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 Georgia & 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 Georgia
How big is Georgia's poultry freight market?
Georgia is the #1 poultry-producing state in the US. Major processors (Tyson, Pilgrim's, Perdue) run daily reefer shipments from north Georgia plants. Poultry loads run 365 days a year — this is the most consistent reefer freight source in the Southeast.
When is Vidalia onion and peach season?
Vidalia onions ship April through June — they are a premium product that pays above-market reefer rates. Georgia peaches ship May through August. Both are niche seasonal opportunities that add 15-20% rate premiums.
Can I combine Georgia and Florida reefer freight?
This is a great strategy. Run Georgia poultry loads year-round and add Florida produce from November through April. The Atlanta-to-Miami corridor works both directions — food distribution south, produce north. FF Dispatch optimizes these loops for maximum earnings.
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 Georgia Today
Join Georgia carriers earning $3.10/mile with FF Dispatch. No setup fees, no contracts, no hidden charges.