Reefer Dispatch in Texas
Texas is a reefer powerhouse thanks to cross-border produce from Mexico, massive food distribution networks, and growing cold-chain infrastructure in Dallas and Houston. Reefer carriers in Texas earn 15-20% more than dry van on comparable lanes.
Why Reefer Thrives in Texas
The Rio Grande Valley is a gateway for Mexican produce — avocados, tomatoes, peppers, and berries flow through McAllen and Laredo year-round. Houston and Dallas are home to major food distributors like Sysco, US Foods, and McLane. Texas also has a thriving meat processing industry in the Panhandle region.
Top Reefer Lanes in Texas
Fresh produce from Mexico heading to DFW distribution centers. 500 miles averaging $3.20-$3.60/mile during peak produce season (November-April).
Frozen foods, meat, and dairy via I-10/I-65. 790 miles with year-round demand from food service distributors.
Meat processing from Texas Panhandle to Colorado markets. 290 miles with consistent weekly volume from JBS and Tyson plants.
Cold-chain distribution freight via I-30. 450 miles feeding into Memphis distribution networks.
Texas reefer has an inverted peak compared to many states — the strongest months are November through April when Mexican produce season overlaps with holiday food distribution. Summer is steady with frozen foods and dairy but produce volume drops. Smart reefer operators in Texas can earn premium rates nearly year-round by following produce seasons.
Reefer Freight in Texas
The McAllen-to-Dallas produce lane is one of the most lucrative reefer runs in America during season — pre-cool your trailer before loading or shippers will reject it.
Reefer Rates in Texas
The McAllen-to-Dallas produce lane is one of the most lucrative reefer runs in America during season, but it requires pre-cooling your trailer before loading. Shippers in the Valley reject trailers that are not at temperature — FF Dispatch coordinates pre-cool timing so you never lose a load.
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 Texas
- ✓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 Texas & 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 Texas
When is produce season in Texas?
Mexican produce flows through Texas primarily November through April. The Rio Grande Valley (McAllen, Laredo) is the main entry point. Reefer rates spike 20-25% during this window. Summer brings some Texas-grown produce but volumes are much lower.
Do I need a newer reefer unit for Texas produce loads?
Most Texas produce shippers accept reefer units from 2015 or newer. Units must hold consistent temperature and have working data loggers. Some pharmaceutical loads out of Houston require 2018+ units. FF Dispatch matches your equipment to appropriate freight.
What happens when produce season ends?
We pivot to frozen foods, meat from the Panhandle, and dairy distribution — all year-round freight. Texas cold-chain infrastructure is expanding rapidly, so off-season reefer demand has improved significantly in recent years.
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 Texas Today
Join Texas carriers earning $3.15/mile with FF Dispatch. No setup fees, no contracts, no hidden charges.