Reefer Dispatch in Louisiana
Louisiana's reefer market is driven by seafood — crawfish, shrimp, oysters, and Gulf fish create unique temperature-controlled freight unlike any other state. Add sugar cane harvest, Cajun food processing, and port frozen food imports, and Louisiana offers diverse reefer opportunities.
Why Reefer Thrives in Louisiana
Louisiana is America's seafood capital — crawfish from the Atchafalaya Basin, shrimp from the Gulf, oysters from coastal waters, and catfish from aquaculture farms. The state also produces sugar cane (largest US producer), rice, and has a thriving Cajun/Creole food processing industry. Port of New Orleans handles frozen food imports from Latin America.
Top Reefer Lanes in Louisiana
Seafood and frozen food via I-10. 350 miles at $3.20-$3.60/mile with strong year-round demand for Gulf products.
Crawfish and Cajun food products heading to Texas markets. 430 miles at $3.00-$3.40/mile during season.
Seafood and food processing products heading east via I-59/I-20. 470 miles at $2.90-$3.30/mile.
Sugar products and food distribution heading north via I-55. 380 miles with steady demand.
Louisiana reefer peaks January through May for crawfish season and October-December for sugar cane harvest. Gulf shrimp season runs May through December. Oyster season is September through April. Port frozen food imports are year-round. The combination of these overlapping seasons means Louisiana reefer is productive nearly year-round.
Reefer Freight in Louisiana
Crawfish loads require precise 34-38F temperature control — too cold and they die, too warm and they spoil. These are live-product loads that require extra care and pay premium rates.
Reefer Rates in Louisiana
Crawfish season (January-May) creates some of the most unique reefer freight in America. Live crawfish loads from Henderson, Breaux Bridge, and the Atchafalaya Basin ship to restaurants nationwide. These loads require precise temperature control and fast delivery — they pay $3.30-$3.80/mile. FF Dispatch connects carriers with crawfish processors for seasonal opportunities.
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 Louisiana
- ✓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 Louisiana & 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 Louisiana
When is crawfish season in Louisiana?
Crawfish season runs January through May, with peak volumes March-April. Live crawfish loads ship from the Atchafalaya Basin to restaurants nationwide at $3.30-$3.80/mile. Temperature control must be precise at 34-38F — too cold kills them, too warm spoils them. It is unique, premium reefer freight.
What Gulf seafood freight is available year-round?
Shrimp (May-December), oysters (September-April), and catfish (year-round) provide overlapping seasons. Gulf seafood ships from New Orleans, Houma, and Morgan City at premium reefer rates. Loads are typically smaller but high per-mile. Strict 28-32F temperature control is required for most seafood.
How does sugar cane harvest affect reefer?
Louisiana is the largest US sugar cane producer. Harvest (October-December) creates reefer demand for sugar products and molasses. These loads head to food processing facilities across the Southeast. Rates average $2.80-$3.20/mile during harvest season.
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 Louisiana Today
Join Louisiana carriers earning $3.10/mile with FF Dispatch. No setup fees, no contracts, no hidden charges.