Hire Reefer Drivers
Reefer drivers in our network understand the critical importance of maintaining cold chain integrity. From produce season hauls out of Florida and California to pharmaceutical shipments requiring precise temperature logs, our drivers deliver with zero tolerance for deviation.
Reefer Driver Requirements
CDL Class
Class A
Endorsements
None required
Min. Experience
1+ years OTR with temperature-controlled experience
Wage Range
$0.58-$0.78/mile
Special Requirements
- Knowledge of reefer unit operation (Carrier, Thermo King)
- Pre-trip temp monitoring and documentation experience
- FSMA food safety compliance awareness
- Ability to manage multi-stop temperature-sensitive deliveries
Our Reefer Driver Pool
9,500+ nationwide
Qualified Drivers
48-96 hours
Avg. Placement Time
$0.58-$0.78/mile
Avg. Wage Range
Reefer Hiring Challenges We Solve
Smaller qualified driver pool compared to dry van
Temperature compliance failures carry significant liability
Produce season demand spikes create staffing shortfalls
Drivers must understand food safety regulations (FSMA)
Reefer unit breakdown knowledge reduces roadside delays
What Our Reefer Drivers Bring
Higher per-mile rates than dry van — $0.05-$0.10/mile premium
Strong seasonal demand creates overtime opportunities
Less competition for loads due to specialized skill set
Produce season (Oct-May) offers premium-paying lanes
Growing pharmaceutical cold chain opens new high-value freight
Hire Reefer Drivers by State
Select a state to see reefer driver availability, wages, and market conditions.
ALAlabamamoderateAKAlaskamoderateAZArizonahighARArkansasvery highCACaliforniavery highCOColoradomoderateCTConnecticutmoderateDEDelawaremoderateFLFloridavery highGAGeorgiavery highHIHawaiilowIDIdahomoderateILIllinoisvery highINIndianavery highIAIowavery highKSKansasmoderateKYKentuckyvery highLALouisianahighMEMainelowMDMarylandhighMAMassachusettsmoderateMIMichiganhighMNMinnesotavery highMSMississippimoderateMOMissourihighMTMontanamoderateNENebraskamoderateNVNevadamoderateNHNew HampshirelowNJNew Jerseyvery highNMNew MexicomoderateNYNew Yorkvery highNCNorth CarolinahighNDNorth DakotamoderateOHOhiovery highOKOklahomamoderateOROregonmoderatePAPennsylvaniavery highRIRhode IslandlowSCSouth CarolinahighSDSouth DakotalowTNTennesseevery highTXTexasvery highUTUtahmoderateVTVermontlowVAVirginiavery highWAWashingtonhighWVWest VirginiamoderateDCWashington DCmoderateWIWisconsinvery highWYWyominglow
Other Equipment Types
Reefer Driver Staffing FAQ
Absolutely. Every reefer driver in our pool is trained on FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act) compliance, including proper temperature monitoring, documentation procedures, and sanitary transportation practices. This is non-negotiable for any food-grade freight.
Yes, but we recommend booking early. Produce season (October through May) creates intense demand for reefer drivers, especially on lanes out of Florida, California, Arizona, and Texas. Companies that submit staffing requests 2-4 weeks before their season starts get priority placement.
Our reefer drivers are trained on both major reefer unit manufacturers — Carrier Transicold and Thermo King. They can perform pre-trip inspections, monitor temperature settings, troubleshoot common alarm codes, and document temperature logs throughout the haul.
We verify reefer experience through employment verification with previous carriers, checking for documented temperature-controlled loads on their DAC report, and conducting a practical assessment of reefer unit operation during our screening process.
Our drivers are trained to immediately document any temperature excursions, contact dispatch, and follow the shipper's protocol for load rejection or salvage. Our screening process specifically filters for drivers with zero temperature-related claims in their recent history.