Reefer Truck Driver Jobs
Reefer driving positions with O Trucking. Competitive pay at $2.94/mile, 24/7 support, choose your loads.
O TruckingReefer Market Snapshot
Spot Rate
$2.94/mi
Contract Rate
$3.15/mi
Avg Weekly Gross
$5,400
What It's Like to Drive Reefer
Reefer driving is dry van's higher-paying cousin — with a few extra responsibilities. Your trailer has a refrigeration unit that maintains temperatures from -20°F to 65°F, and you're hauling perishable cargo that spoils if the temperature drifts. Produce, dairy, frozen foods, pharmaceuticals, and floral shipments all require precise temperature control. Before loading, you pre-cool the trailer to the shipper's specified temperature. During transit, you monitor the reefer unit's readout and check pulp temperatures at delivery. The reefer unit burns about a gallon of diesel per hour ($0.08-0.15/mile in additional fuel cost), but the rate premium more than covers it. During produce season (April-July), California and Florida loads push reefer rates $0.15-0.34/mile above already-premium levels. The physical work is identical to dry van — the extra pay comes from the responsibility of keeping the cold chain intact.
What You'll Haul
Top Reefer Lanes
Reefer Requirements
- CDL-A license
- Temperature-controlled trailer with functioning reefer unit
- Reefer unit maintenance capability (or Thermo King/Carrier service agreement)
- Clean MVR and CSA record
- Insurance COI with $1M minimum liability
- Understanding of temperature compliance and pulp temp monitoring
Why Drive Reefer With O Trucking?
Premium Rates
Reefer averages $0.49/mile above dry van nationally. The reefer unit costs you $0.08-0.15/mile in fuel — net premium is still substantial.
Produce Season Upside
April through July, California and Florida produce push reefer rates $0.15-0.34/mile above already-premium levels. Your dispatcher positions you for the surge.
Recession-Resistant Freight
People eat in recessions. Reefer freight didn't drop during 2020 or 2023. When dry van and flatbed slow down, temperature-controlled freight holds steady.
Smart Load Matching
We match loads to your reefer unit's capabilities. Running a continuous-temp unit? We won't book you multi-temp loads that require equipment you don't have.
Reefer Jobs by State
Find reefer driving jobs in your state.
Northeast
Midwest
Southwest
Reefer Driver Jobs FAQ
Common questions about reefer driving jobs with O Trucking.
How much more do reefer drivers earn than dry van?
Reefer drivers earn a premium — averaging $0.49/mile above dry van nationally. Reefer fuel costs $0.08-0.15/mile, so the net premium is still significant. During produce season (April-July), rates jump another $0.15-0.34/mile.
Do I need reefer experience to get started?
Experience helps but isn't mandatory. If you're transitioning from dry van, the main things to learn are temperature settings, pre-cool procedures, and pulp temp monitoring. We can start you on easier reefer loads (frozen goods at a set temp) before moving to multi-temp produce.
When is reefer produce season?
California produce ramps up in April and runs through July. During peak season, reefer rates jump $0.15-0.34/mile above already-premium levels. Smart reefer drivers position themselves for produce lanes in late March.
What happens if my reefer unit breaks down mid-load?
Call us immediately. We coordinate with the broker, find the nearest Thermo King or Carrier dealer, and arrange a transload if necessary. We've handled reefer breakdowns at 2 AM — that's why 24/7 support matters.
What are the biggest reefer operating costs?
Reefer fuel runs $0.08-0.15/mile on top of tractor fuel. Reefer unit maintenance averages $2,000-4,000/year. A new Thermo King or Carrier unit costs $30,000-40,000 installed. Despite these extra costs, the rate premium ($0.49/mile above dry van nationally) more than covers them.
Can I haul dry van loads in my reefer trailer?
Yes — just turn off the reefer unit and run it as a dry van. Many drivers do this when reefer freight is slow or when a dry van load pays well on a lane they need. You lose the reefer premium but gain flexibility. Some drivers run reefer outbound and dry van on the backhaul.
What temperature certifications do I need for reefer?
No formal certification is required, but understanding FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act) requirements helps. You need to maintain temperature logs, know pre-cool procedures, and understand pulp temperature checks. We train new reefer drivers on these procedures during onboarding.
Apply in 60 Seconds
Most reefer drivers start within 48 hours. No long forms — just the basics.