Reefer or Dry Van

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by spearhead, Jun 11, 2013.

  1. spearhead

    spearhead Bobtail Member

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    May 30, 2013
    Iowa
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    I have been driving a dry van too long and looking to possibly make a change. I have thought about maybe pulling a reefer van instead. What are some pros and cons to pulling a reefer from your experiences?
     
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  3. Boka

    Boka Light Load Member

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    Nov 6, 2012
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    For me the worst part of driving a reefer was waiting to load/unload since they always had some weird appointment times, especially produce... but i did get paid more for hauling a reefer over a dry van...
     
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  4. spearhead

    spearhead Bobtail Member

    6
    3
    May 30, 2013
    Iowa
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    A while back I had someone tell me that they unload all of the dry vans first before they even touch any of the reefers. is there any truth to this?
     
  5. pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

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    Jul 19, 2008
    Sioux City,ia
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    Pro you I think get paid extra.Con is you get late night delivery appts like midnight.Many of the loads are live/unload and appt only.You have weekends loads.You could be sitting for hrs/days waiting for your load.Lot of the unloading is done by lumpers.You deliver to alot of dumpy tight warehouses.I would say the cons outweigh the pay.
     
  6. pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

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    Jul 19, 2008
    Sioux City,ia
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    Whos they?Maybe that receiver did'nt like that piticular someone.I never heard of that happening an ive hauled both.
     
  7. Boka

    Boka Light Load Member

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    Nov 6, 2012
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    This again depends on a consignee, they usually unload what they need first. I used to run a dedicated run which had recieving hours from 9pm till 6am and they always started unloading at 2am and be done around 4am however as soon as they bring you your paperwork you have to leave their yard. Yea dry van is easier but reefer paid better at least for me when i drove...
     
  8. HwyPrsnr

    HwyPrsnr Medium Load Member

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    Apr 22, 2012
    Anywhere, USA
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    And you think that doesnt happen pulling a dry van? Dream on. Kroger, International Paper, G.P., Bowater, ... Shall I go on with the LONG delays for dry vans and "dumpy" warehouses? East coast is filled with them. Only difference is "To each their own, Different strokes for different folks". Be safe out there drivers.
     
  9. pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

    22,474
    20,134
    Jul 19, 2008
    Sioux City,ia
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    I know it happens hauling dryBut have'nt been thru that for a few yrs for the most part..My last company was dry and cust got me unloaded/lded right awayI have delivered to a few DCS that played the hurry up and wait game..Now what I haul is all drp/hook
     
  10. Casual Trucker

    Casual Trucker Medium Load Member

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    Sep 7, 2012
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    The pay and the loads availability may be better but wait until you meet the people you pickup from or deliver to and reefer loads are seasonal so during winter time's after the Christmas Trees get ready to twiggle your thumbs why waiting on a load until APR,MAY and damaged freight will increase when hauling reefer loads lumpers are going to have a Fiesta with your Freight if it came from stouffer's or a Beef Plant and so on and like somebody said the appointment's you get 6 am appointment only to find out that they didn't start unloading until 3 pm ON a FRI Afternoon so they can Really Stick it to Yah
     
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  11. Johny41

    Johny41 Road Train Member

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    Feb 10, 2011
    Ontario, Canada
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    I used to pull reefer, 10-11 years ago, mostly produce from west coast;
    Cons;
    -if you pull reefer, most likely you'll need to go to California, buy newer truck and reefer updated with emission bs;
    -the old cooling units used to noisy, I couldn't sleep properly; even today I don't park in TS next to reefers.
    -most of reefer loads are heavy, produce, meats, frozen foods; I blown my motor with only 400k miles, pulling on I-80 in Utah, and a couple of radiators on I-15 N, Baker CA.
    - wash the reefer before loading;
    -watch the reefer temp on the road , check temperature.
    - clients complaining about temperature recorders out of range; I paid skids of lettuce and apples from my pocket.
    - the diesel for reefer expenses, plus extra problems related with cooling units malfunction;

    pros;
    the produce loads used to be paid better 3-4 month/year from April to July;
     
    Last edited: Jun 12, 2013
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