How to Find Reefer Owner Operator Jobs in Michigan: A Complete Guide

Finding Top Reefer Transportation Companies in the US

Securing a reliable reefer transportation partner is essential for businesses that move temperature‑sensitive goods across the United States. The refrigerated trucking sector has grown notably since 2020, creating expanded capacity and new options for shippers and drivers. If you’re new to cold‑chain logistics, start with our primer on the basics of refrigerated shipping. Below we highlight leading reefer carriers, where they operate, and practical tips for working with them.

What Are Reefer Transportation Companies?

Reefer transportation companies specialize in moving perishable or temperature‑controlled goods using refrigerated trailers. These carriers maintain strict temperature ranges (commonly from about −20°F to 75°F, depending on product) and protect shipments such as:

Pharmaceuticals and medical supplies
Fresh produce and frozen foods
Dairy products and beverages
Floral shipments and certain temperature‑sensitive chemicals

Modern reefer fleets typically offer multi‑temperature compartments, humidity control, door‑open alerts, and automated data logging to support regulatory compliance and quality assurance. Multi‑temp trailers and independent compartment control allow a single trailer to carry mixed loads safely, improving utilization and flexibility.

Key term: Reefer trailers use diesel or electric refrigeration units (commonly Thermo King or Carrier) to maintain precise temperatures for hours or days and to record temperature history for audits. Learn about connected monitoring and telematics on the Thermo King Connected Solutions page.

Top National Reefer Transportation Companies

The US market includes several large, nationally capable reefer carriers:

Company	Headquarters	Specialties	Fleet Size
Prime Inc.	Springfield, MO	Food‑grade reefer	5,800+ trucks
C.R. England	Salt Lake City, UT	Multi‑temp loads	4,200+ trucks
KLLM Transport	Jackson, MS	Pharmaceuticals and food	3,500+ trucks
US Foods	Rosemont, IL	Restaurant and foodservice distribution	6,000+ trucks
McLane Foodservice	Temple, TX	Grocery and foodservice distribution	2,800+ trucks

For more detail on fleet rankings and capabilities, consult industry listings such as the Top 500 Fleets. Note that fleet sizes and service footprints change frequently—always verify current capabilities directly with the carrier.

Regional Reefer Transportation Specialists

Many high‑quality reefer carriers concentrate on specific regions, offering greater density, faster turn times, and local expertise:

Northeast

A. Duie Pyle (temperature‑assured LTL)
Boyle Transportation (pharmaceutical and high‑security shipments)
RLS Logistics (mid‑Atlantic refrigerated LTL and warehousing)

Midwest

Shaffer Trucking (Crete Carrier’s refrigerated division)
Hirschbach Motor Lines
Marten Transport

South

Stevens Transport
FFE Transportation (Frozen Food Express)
Averitt (temperature‑controlled LTL and TL solutions)

West

Knight Refrigerated
Navajo Express
Kool Pak (West Coast refrigerated LTL)

For state‑by‑state directories and brokerage partners, see the Transportation Intermediaries Association directory.

How to Choose a Reefer Transportation Company

Choosing the right reefer carrier requires evaluating performance, equipment, compliance, and how well the carrier fits your product and network.

Essential Selection Criteria

Temperature control accuracy: Look for systems that maintain narrow tolerances (±1°F where required) and provide documented temperature logs.
On‑time performance: Target carriers with strong on‑time delivery records (many shippers aim for 95%+).
Equipment condition: Well‑maintained units and a relatively young trailer fleet reduce risk—average trailer age under three years is desirable.
Insurance: Confirm auto and cargo liability limits that match your product value and risk profile.
Technology: Real‑time temperature and location visibility, electronic data access, and proactive alerts simplify exception management.
Regulatory compliance: Confirm adherence to FSMA Sanitary Transportation, Good Distribution Practices (GDP) for pharmaceuticals, and California CARB TRU rules when operating in regulated jurisdictions.

If you need a structured onboarding process, use a carrier vetting checklist such as the one at ShippersList. For meat and poultry transport requirements, consult the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service guidance at USDA FSIS.

Working With Reefer Transportation Companies

Best practices that improve cold‑chain outcomes and reduce claims:

5 Steps to Effective Reefer Shipping

Specify requirements clearly – Provide exact temperature set points and acceptable ranges, pre‑cooling needs, loading and pallet‑spacing instructions to preserve airflow, seal and documentation requirements, and any special handling notes.
Book in advance – Refrigerated capacity tightens seasonally (produce, holidays). Early tendering helps secure capacity and better rates.
Verify credentials – Check FMCSA safety ratings, operating authority, and insurance certificates; confirm food safety procedures and sanitary practices.
Implement monitoring – Use real‑time temperature and location tracking for critical loads and to manage exceptions. Enterprise visibility platforms such as project44 or FourKites, plus shipment‑level devices from providers like Sensitech, help ensure continuous visibility.
Build relationships – Consistent volume, flexible pickup windows, and clear communication earn better service levels, capacity prioritization, and more competitive pricing.

See practical cold‑chain case studies and solutions at Cold Chain Technologies.

FAQs About Reefer Transportation Companies

What’s the average cost of reefer transportation?

Reefer spot rates commonly range around $2.80–$3.25 per mile, though actual rates vary by lane, seasonality, dwell time, temperature requirements, and current market conditions. High‑value or pharmaceutical shipments often carry 20–30% premiums. Also budget for accessorials such as reefer fuel, detention, multi‑stop charges, and lumper fees. Keep an eye on market updates such as the DAT Reefer Market Update and diesel price trends via the U.S. EIA diesel index.

How do I verify a reefer company’s reliability?

Start with these resources and checks:

FMCSA SAFER Company Snapshot for safety records, authority, and inspection history
Carrier411 or similar services for insurance, inspection history, and performance trends
Peer references and online reviews from other shippers

The U.S. Department of Transportation also provides a transport company safety research portal that outlines background checks and best practices.

What certifications should reefer carriers have?

Look for carriers that can demonstrate:

Compliance with the FDA’s FSMA Sanitary Transportation Rule and documented sanitary transportation practices
Standard operating procedures for washouts, temperature logs, and staff training
USDA requirements for meat/poultry transport when applicable (see USDA FSIS)
Good Distribution Practices (GDP) for pharmaceutical distribution where required

Consult the FDA’s FSMA rules & guidance, WHO’s Good Distribution Practices (GDP), and CDC guidance for vaccine cold‑chain handling at CDC Cold Storage & Handling.