The chance to transport fresh groceries, medical supplies and produce at lower temperatures is provided by special types of trucks – refrigerated trucks also known as reefers.
As the summer weather is already here, the best choice for hauling summer freight are reefer trucking jobs.
What is a reefer trucking?
Reefer is a shortcut for refrigerated.
If truck drivers are required to maintain a specific temperature during cargo transport, they are transporting it with reefer trucks.
The reefer trailers are 53 feet long with isolated floors, walls, roof and doors.
At the back of the trailer, they have temperature regulator and can be used to heat and cool shipments.
The 3 foremost categories of temperature-controlled freight come as frozen, refrigerated and maintained (heated).
The most common reefer freight is frozen meat and fresh produce.
History of Reefer Trucking
While talking about the history of reefer trucking, it first entered the trucking industry in 1842.
At the beginning, they hauled items on railroad cars during cold weather.
The first iced trucks started to transport in the early 1910`s.
In the trailer, they placed blocks of ice to cool down the items, which was not a useful idea for long hauls.
Frederick McKinley Jones is the creator of the refrigeration unit in 1940.
He invented the first transportable air-cooling unit, also referred to as the refrigeration unit.
Further reading: History of Trucking in America
Advantages of Reefer Trucking
High Demand
Even in difficult economic times, there is a constant need for fresh food, produce and medical supplies.
That means that the reefer trucks will always be in high demand providing job stability for truck drivers.
Better Pay
According to the Zip Recruiter site, the annual salaries for reefer trucking jobs vary from $260,000 to $52,000.
Reefer rates are averaging $3.22 per mile, which can be 2-3 cents more per mile than dry van and flatbed truck drivers.
Reefer truck drivers have 150-200 more miles per week which results in better pay.
The lowest reefer rates are in the Southeast region with an average of $2.99 per mile.
The highest reefer rates per mile are in the Midwest with an approximate of $3.77 per mile.
Less Deadhead Miles
When truck drivers drive without cargo, they lose money and time.
Because there is a high density of available reefer loads, truck drivers have less deadhead miles between loads.
Reefer units do not have to be just reefer units.
With turning off the generator and running the trailer dry, they can also be used as dry vans.
That ability allows drivers to haul refrigerated products one way and dry ones on the way back.
This advantage can expand the business and increase the revenue.
Disadvantages of Reefer Trucking
Cargo Requirements
Stricter requirements are needed when truck drivers are hauling perishable items.
They need to make sure the needed temperature is met before loading any type of cargo.
Dock managers are inspecting the temperature before loading.
Some groceries even need a more careful handling before loading the reefer trailers.
Additional Vehicle Maintenance
The refrigerated trailer should always be in good operating condition.
That means regular checkups for oil, Freon and other liquids that make the reefer trailer work correctly.
Expensive Insurance
Delivering a shipment in a reefer truck, require special insurance coverage to protect the expensive reefer freight.
REEFER TRUCKING DURING SUMMER SEASON
The refrigerated cargo during summer months is perishable and it has to be kept at a consistent temperature.
Generally, if the weather outside is too hot, the trailers can get up to 30 ºF warmer than the outside temperature.
That`s why the truck drivers need to monitor the trailer temperature at all times so the produce can arrive in good condition.
Frozen Food
Shipping frozen food requires continuous temperature to be held at 0 ºF.
Trailers ought to be pre-cooled to 20 ºF or lower and the product shouldn’t range more than 10 ºF.
The most important reason for keeping a specific temperature is the bacteria.
The longer the food is at a higher temperature than requested, the chance for bacteria growth is higher.
Medical Products
The US Food and Drug Administration requires that refrigerated medicines are stored and transported within 36ºF to 46ºF.
The heat may destroy the drugs effect and the recipients may experience some symptoms.
Fresh produce
The refrigeration system help maintain ideal conditions during transportation for fruits and vegetables.
For shipping vegetables, the ideal temperature for the reefer should be 30-55 degrees Fahrenheit.
Reefer trucks that transport fruits should have a temperature range 30-40 degrees Fahrenheit.
The products with same temperature requirements can be transported together.
During summer months these are the most frequent items that need transport and they are in high demand.
Final Words
When summer weather is finally here, the customers’ needs for fresh produce, frozen treats and cold beverages increases.
For truck drivers and trucking companies that means higher demand, more loads and better pay.
That’s why the best type for hauling summer freight are reefer trucking jobs.
If you are looking to work with refrigerated trailer, we invite you to check out our open truck driving job positions, where reefer units are available and apply.
