Pros and Cons on running refer

Iestyn

Can anyone tell us the pros and cons on running a refer unit compared to dry van. We currently run dry and our company is looking for teams to run refer. Is it worth the switch? We're told more money, but how, by miles or by rate? What have you all experienced?

12 comments

Comments

Seamus

05.11.2024

Reefers can keep you rolling more regularly, but they’re not as simple as dry vans

Levi

12.10.2023

You’ll likely get more consistent loads since folks always need food and medicine

Eddie

11.24.2023

The rates are usually higher, but so is the responsibility.

Aidan

03.16.2023

It depends on what you’re looking for. Refer has its pros and cons, like anything else. The pros are that you get paid more, you have more variety in your loads, and you have less competition. The cons are that you have to deal with more maintenance, more paperwork, more inspections, and more stress.

Josef

03.10.2023

Running refer is a pain in the ass. You have to deal with loading and unloading times, temperature checks, spoiled cargo, noise, extra fuel costs, and more regulations. The only pro is that you get paid more per mile, but not enough to make up for the hassle. Stick with dry van if you can.

Magnus

03.06.2023

Reefer loads usually have more strict delivery times and temperature requirements. I also have to deal with the noise and maintenance of the reefer unit. Plus, reefer loads can be messy and smelly if something goes wrong or leaks.

Marni

02.25.2023

I run a reefer unit and I like it because it pays more than dry van. Reefer loads usually have higher rates because they are more in demand and require more care and attention. I also have more consistent freight and less competition because not many drivers want to deal with the hassle of reefer.

Moon

02.04.2023

A reefer is just another way to haul freight and you need to keep an eye on the temp and the door seal.

Benito

02.03.2023

+ In my experience reefer loads are more time sensitive. Companies are less inclined to try and use the trailers as storage boxes for that reason.

Mike

02.03.2023

I wouldn't worry about the reefer pro/con aspect of the potential switch, I'd be more concerned with the teaming aspect

Strickland

02.01.2023

Pro -1. a reefer can also be used for dry van loads.. Con 1. reefers are noisy and need to be watched after and maintained

Milo

01.29.2023

shippers seem more picky about reefers, as far as smell/cleanliness. You just about always live load/unload so say goodbye to drop and hook

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