2013 Top 5 Reefer Companies??

Discussion in 'Motor Carrier Questions - The Inside Scoop' started by JACC0811, Jan 26, 2014.

  1. JACC0811

    JACC0811 Light Load Member

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    I'm thinking of going back to OTR hauling reefers since I really enjoyed that type of freight when I was OTR. I haul auto parts short haul now. It's a good gig, but the pay is not where I need to be. So, I'm looking at OTR perishable haulers and I'm wondering what are the top 5, in your opinion. I used to run for CRE, so if anyone suggests them I will personally come to you and wash your mouth out with soap lol.

    I am in Dayton, OH near the cross hairs of I-70 and I-75, so I think I'm in a good spot freight-wise. Right now, I'm looking at Shaffer, Stevens and Central. Maybe Prime as well. I see Knight suggested often, but I'm kind of on the fence in considering them in fear they would turn out to be like their relative, CRE. My kids and ex may be moving to Cali, so I wont need to be home often when that happens.

    So, again, what companies would be your top 5?

    Thanks!
     
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  3. speedracer 1963

    speedracer 1963 Medium Load Member

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    good to see you have family values
     
    dude6710 Thanks this.
  4. RizenPhoenix

    RizenPhoenix Road Train Member

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    Santa Cruz, CA
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    I can assure you that Knight is no CRE. They are far from the best, but far from the worst too(CRE being one of the 3 worst without a doubt)

    Here's 5 I'd consider given your 1 year of experience.

    1. Pride
    2. JCT
    3. Decker
    4. Dynamic Transit
    5. Shaffer

    While in the past I would have recommended Central they are going through the process of being absorbed into Swift right now so I wouldn't go there till things settle out. Stevens is an okay choice for a driver with no experience but you can do better with some experience.
     
  5. JACC0811

    JACC0811 Light Load Member

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    Dayton, OH
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    Anything to get me where my kids are when possible.
     
  6. JACC0811

    JACC0811 Light Load Member

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    Jun 12, 2010
    Dayton, OH
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    JCT was one of my first thoughts in the past, but I hadn't seen any of their trucks lately, so I had not considered them. I have always heard a lot of good about them.

    Thanks for your suggestions!
     
  7. Blu_Ogre

    Blu_Ogre Road Train Member

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    Jul 14, 2013
    Out west
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    Company driver only or is o/o and l/o an option?
     
  8. speedracer 1963

    speedracer 1963 Medium Load Member

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    your better off moving out west because many of your decent jobs wont dispatch from ohio to California

    otherwise you might as well get your next job off craigslist and roll the dice.
     
  9. JACC0811

    JACC0811 Light Load Member

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    Jun 12, 2010
    Dayton, OH
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    Company for now. I did the lease with CRE and lost my butt lol. I wont lease or buy until I can either put 50-75% down at a dealer, pay cash for a good used rig or have 3-6 months operating expenses saved.
     
  10. JACC0811

    JACC0811 Light Load Member

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    Dayton, OH
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    I have considered a move. And it would be relativly easy since I live full-time in a motorhome. But I don't want to pull the trigger on that until I know the ex decided to stay in Cali perm.

    Funny thing about craigslist, that is where I found my current job lol. Ended up not being a sham or some bottom feeder lol.
     
  11. speedracer 1963

    speedracer 1963 Medium Load Member

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    Jan 12, 2008
    illinois
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    give it time, they haven't made big $$$$ off of you yet.
     
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