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

Finding Top Reefer Transportation Companies in the US

Securing reliable reefer transportation companies is crucial for businesses shipping temperature-sensitive goods across America. The refrigerated trucking industry has grown 18% since 2020 (ATA, 2023), creating excellent opportunities for shippers and drivers alike. For those new to freight logistics, understanding how refrigerated trucking integrates with overall supply chain networks is essential—discover more in our guide to the basics of refrigerated shipping. This guide explores the leading reefer carriers nationwide, their service areas, and how to partner with them effectively.

What Are Reefer Transportation Companies?

Reefer transportation companies specialize in moving perishable goods using temperature-controlled trailers. These carriers maintain strict temperature ranges (typically -20°F to 75°F) to protect:

Pharmaceuticals and medical supplies
Fresh produce and frozen foods
Dairy products and beverages
Floral and chemical shipments

Key Term: Reefer trucks use advanced refrigeration units (typically Thermo King or Carrier) that can maintain precise temperatures for days, even in extreme weather conditions. Explore real-time innovations in reefer trailers through the Thermo King Connected Solutions platform.

Top National Reefer Transportation Companies

The US market features several dominant reefer carriers with nationwide networks:

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	Pharmaceutical	3,500+ trucks
US Foods	Rosemont, IL	Restaurant supply	6,000+ trucks
McLane Foodservice	Temple, TX	Grocery distribution	2,800+ trucks

For a deeper dive into these companies and their national reach, see the Top 500 Fleets ranking.

Regional Reefer Transportation Specialists

Many quality reefer carriers operate in specific geographic areas:

Northeast

New England Motor Freight
Burke Trucking
Wright Transportation

Midwest

Smith Transport
Baylor Trucking
J&R Schugel

South

Southern Refrigerated Transport
Covenant Transport
Stevens Transport

West

Western Express
Hirschbach Motor Lines
Kenan Advantage Group

Discover state-by-state directories of specialty carriers at the Transportation Intermediaries Association directory.

How to Choose a Reefer Transportation Company

Selecting the right reefer carrier requires evaluating several key factors:

Essential Selection Criteria

Temperature control accuracy (±1°F variance preferred)
On-time performance (95%+ delivery accuracy)
Equipment maintenance (average trailer age under 3 years)
Insurance coverage ($1M+ cargo liability minimum)
Technology capabilities (real-time temperature monitoring)

Not sure what to check when vetting carriers? Use the Carrier Vetting Checklist for step-by-step guidance.

Working With Reefer Transportation Companies

Best practices for successful partnerships with reefer carriers:

5 Steps to Effective Reefer Shipping

Specify requirements clearly – Provide exact temperature ranges and any special handling needs
Book in advance – Reefer capacity is often tight, especially during peak seasons
Verify credentials – Check FMCSA safety ratings and insurance certificates
Implement monitoring – Use IoT temperature trackers for critical shipments
Build relationships – Consistent volume earns better rates and priority service

Learn how leading brands ensure flawless cold chain logistics by reading success stories at Cold Chain Technologies Resources.

FAQs About Reefer Transportation Companies

What’s the average cost of reefer transportation?

Reefer rates average $2.80-$3.25 per mile, depending on distance, temperature requirements, and market conditions. Pharmaceutical shipments often command 20-30% premiums. Stay current with live rate data at the DAT Reefer Market Update.

How do I verify a reefer company’s reliability?

Check these three resources:

FMCSA SAFER System for safety ratings
Carrier411 for insurance and inspection history
Online reviews from other shippers

Reference this transport company safety research portal for comprehensive background checks.

What certifications should reefer carriers have?

Look for carriers with:

FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) compliance
AIHA-certified sanitary transportation practices
USDA approval for meat/poultry transport

Read more on compliance in the FSMA rules & guidance section from the FDA.