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Reefer Dispatch Services
Reefer
Premium Freight, Premium Rates

Reefer Dispatch Services

Maximize your refrigerated trailer's earning potential. We specialize in high-paying reefer loads with temperature-controlled freight that keeps you earning 15-25% more than dry van.

Per Mile
$3.10
Weekly
$4,800 - $6,500
Annual
$250,000 - $338,000

Common Reefer Freight

Typical loads we find for reefer carriers

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Fresh produce (fruits, vegetables)

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Frozen foods and ice cream

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Fresh and frozen meat/poultry

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Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt)

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Pharmaceuticals and medical supplies

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Fresh flowers and plants

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Seafood

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Chocolate and confections

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Bakery products

Best Lanes for Reefer

High-paying lanes where we consistently find profitable freight

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California to East Coast

Fresh produce from California growing regions to eastern population centers. Extremely high volume in spring/summer. Rates: $3.20-4.00/mile.

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Midwest Meat Corridor

Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas to major metros. Consistent meat and poultry freight year-round. Rates: $2.80-3.40/mile.

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Texas to Southeast

Dallas, Houston to Atlanta, Florida. Strong produce, meat, and dairy flows. Rates: $2.90-3.50/mile.

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Pacific Northwest Produce

Washington, Oregon to California and Southwest. Apples, berries, and potatoes. Rates: $3.00-3.60/mile.

Reefer Challenges We Solve

Common obstacles for reefer operators — and how we help you overcome them

⚠️Higher Operating Costs

The Problem: Reefer fuel, maintenance, and repairs add $8,000-15,000 annually compared to dry van.

Our Solution: 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

The Problem: Equipment failures, temperature excursions, and load rejections due to temperature issues can be costly.

Our Solution: 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

The Problem: Produce season peaks in spring/summer, while holiday foods peak in Q4. Some months are significantly slower.

Our Solution: 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

The Problem: Perishable freight has tight schedules. Missing windows can result in rejected loads or detention without pay.

Our Solution: 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.

Why Choose FF Dispatch for Reefer

Real benefits that impact your bottom line

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20-30% Higher Rates

Reefer consistently pays 20-30% more than dry van on the same lanes. Our carriers average $3.10/mile vs $2.85/mile for dry van.

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Premium Freight Access

We have exclusive relationships with produce shippers, meat packers, and pharmaceutical companies who pay premium rates for reliable service.

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Year-Round Demand

While produce is seasonal, frozen foods, meat, dairy, and pharma loads provide consistent opportunities throughout the year.

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Less Competition

Only 15-20% of trucks are reefer-equipped, meaning less competition and stronger negotiating position than dry van.

Equipment Requirements

What you need to run reefer freight successfully

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53-foot refrigerated trailer with working reefer unit

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Temperature monitoring and recording capability

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Reefer fuel tank (separate from truck fuel)

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Recent reefer maintenance records

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Multi-temp capability preferred for premium loads

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Clean, sanitary interior for food-grade freight

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Air-ride suspension for sensitive products

Reefer Dispatch FAQ

Common questions about reefer dispatch services

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.
Do I need special certifications for reefer loads?+
For most reefer freight, no special certifications are required beyond your CDL and operating authority. However, FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act) training is highly recommended and some brokers require it. We can guide you to free FSMA training. For pharmaceutical loads, some shippers require additional temperature monitoring training, which we help facilitate.
How do you handle produce season vs off-season?+
During peak produce season (April-October), we maximize your earnings with high-paying produce loads from California, Northwest, and Mexico. During off-season, we pivot to frozen foods, meat, dairy, and pharmaceutical loads which have consistent year-round demand. We also leverage holiday peaks (Thanksgiving, Christmas) for frozen goods. This strategy keeps you busy and profitable year-round.
What are typical reefer fuel costs?+
Reefer fuel adds approximately $150-250 per week depending on temperature setting, runtime, and fuel prices. Our load planning accounts for reefer fuel costs when negotiating rates, and we target loads that justify the expense. Premium temperature-controlled loads typically pay $0.30-0.50/mile more than ambient freight, easily covering reefer fuel costs.
Can I run reefer loads with an older reefer unit?+
It depends on the unit's condition and age. Well-maintained units from 2010s are acceptable for most freight. However, pharmaceutical and high-value food products often require units newer than 5-7 years with advanced temperature monitoring. We assess your equipment and match you with appropriate freight. Older units can still access profitable produce and frozen food loads.
How do you prevent load rejections due to temperature issues?+
We only book loads within your reefer unit's proven capability. We verify temperature requirements before booking and negotiate buffer zones when appropriate. We also educate carriers on proper pre-cooling, temperature logging, and communication with receivers. Our proactive approach has resulted in a load rejection rate under 1% for our reefer carriers.
Is reefer freight available nationwide or only certain regions?+
Reefer freight is available nationwide, but concentration varies. Highest volumes are in California (produce), Midwest (meat/dairy), Florida (produce), Texas (distribution), and major metro areas (all cold chain products). We find profitable reefer loads in all 48 states, though some regions require strategic positioning for best rates.

Ready to Maximize Your Reefer Revenue?

Join hundreds of reefer carriers earning more with FF Dispatch

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Our Services for Reefer

Comprehensive dispatch solutions designed for reefer operators

Load Matching & Negotiation

Better Loads. Better Rates.

Route Planning & Optimization

Less Deadhead. Less Fuel. More Money.

Rate Negotiation Services

We Argue With Brokers So You Don't Have To

Safety & DOT Compliance

Don't Get Fined. Don't Get Parked.

Other Truck Types We Dispatch

Dry Van

Dry Van Dispatch

The Most Versatile Freight, Expertly Dispatched

Avg: $2.85/mile
Flatbed & Step Deck

Flatbed & Step Deck Dispatch

Heavy Loads, Heavy Pay

Avg: $3.25/mile
Hotshot

Hotshot Dispatch

Fast Freight, Fast Pay

Avg: $2.60/mile