Reefer Box Truck Owner Operator Jobs (2024)

FAQs

Can you make money with a Reefer truck? ›

Reefer truckloads do tend to pay more per load and per mile. However, reefer drivers can lose money due to spoilage and more waiting time when the receiver takes longer than expected to unload the trailer. Being an owner operator in this field falls into the category of more risk, more reward.

Better paying loads

Reefer loads tend to pay better than their dry freight counterparts for several reasons. The main factor is that certain cargo, like pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and even the food and drink we eat every day, must be kept at precise temperatures to avoid spoiling.

Done right, starting a business with a box truck can be profitable. However, jumping into a business idea typically means no return on investment for at least a year. But at the same time, if your services seriously satisfy a need in your community, you might just make it BIG TIME.

Owner/Operator best companies. The best companies for owner/operators to work for in 2024 are Landstar System and FedEx. If you are looking for the best-paying companies for owner/operators, you should consider Reddy Ice with a median owner/operator salary of $198,613 or Clean Harbors with a median salary of $195,707.

Reefer loads pay better than dry van freight. Goods transported this way often require sensitive temperature control. Most food and beverage companies ship their goods in a refrigerated trailer kept at 32-36°F, like your fridge at home. Most frozen trucks operate at -10°F.

Since reefers were designed for loads that require a temperature-controlled environment and reefer loads generally pay more than dry ones, it's best to only use reefers to haul dry freight when absolutely necessary.

With the box truck market valued at $42 billion as of 2024 and expected to grow to $67 billion by 2031, box trucks can help you earn a sizable income. Whether you own a box truck or are thinking of owning a box truck, to make money with a box truck, you'll need to first do some research.

Unfortunately, 90% of new small trucking companies are unable to succeed due to common mistakes made by inexperienced business owners. In this article, we'll discuss the reasons trucking companies fail and how you can avoid making the same mistakes with your new business.

You can make money with a 26ft box truck by offering delivery services, moving services, advertising, hauling services, towing services, junk removal, and working as an independent contractor.

What is the highest paying CDL job? ›

Some truckers swear by a Peterbilt, while others prefer Kenworth, Freightliner, or Volvo. Your best bet for long-haul trucks is to look at companies that have built an extensive dealership network across the nation. Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks have the smoothest ride and handle well in inclement weather.

Reefer freight rates are averaging $2.39 per mile, ¢8 lower than in July. Reefer rates are highest in the Midwest, averaging $2.59 per mile. The lowest rates are in the Northeast, with an average of $2.06 per mile. National reefer capacity is at 6.32 loads-to-truck, compared to the July average of 6.52 loads-to-truck.

Refrigerated shipments typically pay more than dry van freight because the items being transported often require sensitive temperature control. For example, most food and beverage companies ship their goods in a refrigerated trailer kept at 32-36°F, which is about the same temperature as your fridge at home.

In cold weather, a reefer trailer can work like a heater to keep cargo warm during transit. This will prevent freezing and temperature damage to various products. These products include sensitive electronics. They also include chemicals, alcohol, and some foods.