Is reefer worth it?

Are there less drop and hooks?
Is the noise from a reefer too loud at night?
Do you get more miles than a dry van?
How often do you need to add diesel to the reefer?
Any other thoughts would be appreciated.

 

As an oo or company guy ?

One of the greatest benefits to running with a reefer in consistency. Rates for food don't allways dip as much in a soft market because everyone still eats. Rates stay relatively hire and reefer drivers keep moving.
There is some drop and hook usually at shippers . Longer unload times are common
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A lot of apus are louder then newer reefer imo .
Ambient temp and reefer settings will affect fueling times on a reefer . Most times my guys just fill them when they fill truck.
Once you learn this segment I allways recommend working for a fair % the money can be very lucrative.

 

“Generally” less drop and hook as dryvan. Sound doesn’t bother me when I sleep unless the sound stops when I am running ice-cream or produce. Most get used to it quickly, I have about 5’ distance from truck to Reefer so it’s not bad. You add diesel “generally” when you fuel your truck. Reefer is “generally” more stable in economic down turns and “generally” longer hauls. I “generally” go to Cracker Barrel when I can.

 

My experience with reefer was very loud, couldn't sleep. Short runs with very long sitting times at customers. Would've liked more drop and hook. Always fueled them when I fueled the truck, you don't want to show up with one low on fuel at a customer or a drop. I did it for 3 months and went back to dry van (company OTR).

 

If you prefer to be a daytime operator it could be tough. A lot of reefer appointments can be late night or very early morning and sometimes you have to split the sleeper to make it work.

There are definite advantages to running at night (parking and traffic are two biggies) but if you are the type that needs a regular daytime schedule, I would say you'd have a tough time with reefer.

 

The one drawback is the load and unload times. One night you can be loading or unloading at 3 am and another time it can be late afternoon. It wreaks havoc on sleep patterns. You'll have to learn how to sleep in spurts and at any time of the day.

 

I think reefer is totally worth it. Like the other members said. You'll have to be flexible in terms of running hours and sleeping hours. I always get good sleep when the reefer was running, especially on continuous. It's the most steady money I've ever made in trucking. You'll have to learn how to deliver on your 10 hr break

 

He'll yes and Meat they don't wait for that they allways want us

 

If you're going company, I would make sure to go to an outfit that has a good detention policy, because it does happen in reefer. I believe @Chinatown has previously suggested Marten as one that is good about paying detention.

In a year's time, there were several occasions I was able to take a 10 hour break and bank detention at the same time.

 

When you fuel the truck, check the reefer fuel. If reefer fuel gets low, fuel the truck, then pull up a few feet and top of the reefer fuel.
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Pulling reefers you'll never have to worry about slow periods or sitting much waiting for the next load.
Some drivers not familiar with reefers think the driver has to pay someone to load the trailer. Not true, the trucking company pays that fee and recoups it through the billing process.