who owns their own reefer unit ?

I have my own reefer. Yes, more maintenence, yada yada, but still worth it. Prices are not bad on used reefers. You can get a decent used reefer for 'about' the same price as a new drybox, year and condition depentant obviously.

There will alway be something needing done - starter, water pump, alternater, belts, oil/filter change. Just the same as owning another small truck diesel engine, essentialy. A compressor replacement will cost some buck$.

You can get by with a 48 or 50 ft reefer, more than ya can with a 48/50 drybox. There are some 53' only reefer loads out there, but they're just not as common as 53' dry loads. However, a 53 would make the most sense. Every once in a great while I wish mine was 53, but I can't stand the look of them.

2 cents..

 

Allow me to shed some light: The most common reefers you see are 48ft or 53ft reefers. As Winchester said, their are some 53ft reefer loads but if you have a 53ft you can haul extra should the shipper need to do it plus its more money for you. All have their perks and quirks.

KH

 

Reefer freight pays about .10/mile better than dry freight. I would go with a 53' because you have the best odds of getting loaded. Im out here to make money, not to look good. A good used reefer will cost about $20k. I beleive reefers in California will require a DPF,Diesel Particulate Filter in 2010.