Are reefer dock times bad?

Do not miss refrig at all, 2-4am deliveries all the time, waiting days for product to be made. Then wait in line for a trailer washout or go out of way for one, nah uh. Lazy dry van dropper n hook easy peasy.

 

It all depends on ones tastes. I like the 24 hour nature of being a OTR reefer jockey.

In my case, I like puzzles, there is a certain satisfaction that comes from coordinating things together logistically with many varying and constantly changing variables. I imagine it's the same sort of satisfaction a DJ might get from mixing records or a air traffic controller might get from working ATC at a busy airport. It is full of surprises, challenges, moments of extreme frustration and aggravation, etc. It is IMO a skilled position to do it well and meet all the constraints, while also having the ability to get a good rest in a 10 hour off period that could literally occur at any part of the day. I'm blessed with being able to sleep like that, and sleep well.

The only schedule I personally really truly have trouble with is when the day begins in the evening. I just don't think the human body is geared to be fully awake and alert from 4-6 am if that's towards the end of ones day.

If I can start even as early as say 1am it's soooo much better than starting the day at like 7-9 pm and going 12+ hours. Could just be my body, but any schedule besides that one is not a problem for me.

Good times.

 

Just started running reefer two weeks ago. Here’s my experience so far at a company that’s about 50/50 drop and hook versus live unload:

The length of haul in general for OTR reefer vs dry van is way different. I averaged 6-700 miles doing dry van. Picking up a 2600 mile load right now after I just finished delivering a 1600 mile load. Yeah, it sucks having longer loading/unload times, but averaged out per day, I’m spending less time in a door with way more interesting lanes. Obviously that can change by company, but generally seems to be the case. Delivery/PU appointments are scheduled a lot more strict and less convenient than dry van. I’ve showed up a few hours early and been told to come back twice now compared to dry van where they work you in a lot more.

I’m the type that can nap and shift my sleep schedule pretty much on command. If they wanna take 6 hours to load me, oh well, time to catch some sleep and roll out on a split sleeper afterwards. I’m still new to reefer, so might change my mind, but the longer hauls and running true 48 is worth it to me. I’ve noticed a lot of dry van companies are ‘all 48’, but will run a part of the country 90% of the time.

 

It depends on the company for whom you drive, as well. After my home time in DFW I drop and hook near Dallas and go 2000+ miles to the NW, unload or drop and hook and head for the Midwest for another 2000+ miles. And so it goes. Sometimes I even have refrigerated cargo. After 3 weeks go home for 4 days and start again.

 

I've pulled a reefer for the last ten years. Money has been good but there's a lot of headaches. I've had a lot of early morning appointments that wasn't so bad. What killed me was waiting times it seems like the product is never ready. Rejected products and rude receivers. I'm looking to do something new.