What is better Dry Van or Reefer?

Hello, I have been reading the forms about dry van vs. reefer and want to know why would drivers pick reefer over Dry van? The negative side of reefer from what I understand is the wait and wash the reefer out, so with this in mind why would drivers pick this over dry van? Do reefer drivers make more money or am missing something?

 

Some companies reefer will pay a little better, trailers are usually in better shape, food is always in demand.

 

Reefers have many more options for loads. I keep a $60 blower in my truck, takes about 5 min to thoroughly blow trailer out, which I do after every unload. Every now and then I will get a washout if customer requires a receipt or blood, other substances on floors. Most just check to make sure it is free of debris and doesn't reek. I have had dry runs that have a load/unload wait time similar to reefer runs, the time difference for that is mainly in flatbed.

 

I drive reefer. And I’ve hauled everything. Meat, produce, mail and packages, hazmat and everything that goes in your fridge and pantry. You will always have work because the reefer can be shut off and you can do a dry run. And produce season is the best. Runs from California to the east coast.

 

Was told in truck driving school that the driver barely has the time to make Reefer trips because they want you to be there at the certain time but things can come up like traffic etc that can make it harder vs dry van. I am not sure how true this is so would want to know thanks

 

reefer can be a pain as some customers don't like to load a reefer. (due to load shifts and such) Weight can also be an issue as reefer (empty) weights more than dry van. Generally speaking, dry van loads will take less time to unload. Reefer (generally food items) take longer, as customers want to count/verify load first before releasing you from door. I will also premise this by saying I do have limited experience with different loads in reefer OTHER than food stuffs.

So I guess it boils down to what do you want to run?

 

In your opinion what makes more money?

 

What makes money will depend on a lot of things. What is your situation? (I.E. what company are you with?)
Are you a company driver or O/O? If company (small or otherwise) will you make a paycheck on miles only or will load drive your pay?

Personally I am a company driver and go where the miles are... The added wait is part of the job unless it goes over a certain amount of time, then I let said company know about what has happened (why I sent 6 hours at a dock) and usually I am compensated by detention pay. So for me, it may not be the best thing in life, but it's a win/win for me.

Yes I get detention with dry van as well, but that's why I was asking about your company... pay is better (for me) in reefer, than dry van.

 

To me dry van is mindless, I get bored running them things with everything that goes into them.

Reefer has a better situation, better equipment. Washouts are not a big deal most of the time. A can of coffee grounds and a sweep takes care of the most common problems very cheaply. And a reefer can play dry van when needed. As well as keeping paint warm in winter etc. Its not just for keeping things cold.

I found the best situation with a reefer hauling medicines out of Memphis, they have to be kept at a certain temperature and are usually valued in excess of a million, that's enough to keep me from getting careless or bored. The payroll takes care of itself. And my old nemesis, the weights are not applicable here.

 

DRY BOX. At least for beginners.