Some companies call it “temperature-sensitive” or “temperature-controlled,” while others simply call it “refrigerated.” Often, it’s shortened to just “reefer.”
But, call it what you will, hauling cargo that needs to be in a temperature-controlled environment — usually produce, dairy and other foods and beverages — can be a rewarding type of trucking. It comes with its own special challenges — especially time constraints — but it also can mean consistent employment opportunities.
Each year Trucker’s News’ sister publication Commercial Carrier Journal reviews trucking companies and creates its Top 250 ranking. These are the leading firms specializing in refrigerated service on the list.
(Note: many other companies, especially some of the biggest, have refrigerated divisions, so you may wish to check those out as well.)
16. Prime, Springfield, Mo. 7,400 drivers, www.primeinc.com
21. C.R. England, West Valley City, Utah, 6,895 drivers, www.crengland.com
39. KLLM Transport Services, Richland, Miss. drivers NA, www.kllm.com
50. Marten Transport Ltd., Mondovi, Wisc., 2501 drivers, www.marten.com
54. Stevens Transport Inc., Dallas, Texas, 2,589 drivers, www.stevenstransport.com
92. Trans Am Trucking, Olathe, Kan., 1,148 drivers, www.transamtruck.com
102. May Trucking Co., Salem, Ore. 1,093 drivers, wwww.maytrucking.com
114. Hirschbach Motor Lines, East Dubuque, Ill., 830 drivers, www.hirschbach.com
122. John Christner Trucking, Sapulpa, Okla., 734 drivers, www.johnchristner.com
123. Navajo Express, Denver, Colo., 750 drivers, www.navajoexpress.com
137. National Carriers, Liberal, Kan., 680 drivers, www.nationalcarriers.com
148. K & B Transportation, South Sioux City, Neb. 658 drivers, www.kbtransportation.com
165. JBS Carriers, Greeley, Colo., 571 drivers, www.jbscarriers.com
176. J & R Schugel Trucking, New Ulm, Minn., 566 drivers, www.jrschugel.com
197. WEL Companies Inc., DePere, Wisc., 475 drivers, www.welcompanies.com
201. Pride Transport Inc., Salt Lake City, Utah, 471 drivers, www.pridetransport.com
204. R.E. Garrison Trucking, Cullman, Ala., 513 drivers, www.regarrison.com
214. Freymiller Inc., Oklahoma City, Okla., 489 drivers, www.freymiller.com
218. Heyl Truck Lines, Akron, Iowa, 435 drivers, www.heyl.net
239. Lessors Inc., Eagan, Minn., 416 drivers, www.lessorsinc.com
242. Earl Henderson Trucking, Salem, Ill., 450 drivers, www.hendersontrucking.com
243. H & R Transport Ltd., Lethbridge, Alberta, 450 drivers, www.hrtrans.com
