Refrigerated (Reefer) Transportation & Trucking Companies: What Are the Characteristics of Best in Class?

adam • February 7, 2022

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Refrigerated (Reefer) Transportation & Trucking Companies: What Are the Characteristics of Best in Class?

Trucking reefer rates have always been among the more volatile transportation expenses that freight shipping partners must contend with. The type of cargo hauled and the destination of each shipment can influence these rates. Reefer fees often vary by the growing season in a given area. Reefer transportation and trucking companies set rates based on regions, such as where the shipment of products and goods originates and the location of the destination. As reported by Truckstop.com, reefer rates were averaging around $3 per mile in Spring 2021 at the national level, but those rates are always subject to change. They will also start to increase as the warmer months return to the country too, and it will be interesting to see what the year-over-year growth turns into by April 2022.

It is important to note that this rate can also greatly vary by region and that, in general, reefer rates are trending upward. Finding the best-in-class trucking companies can make it easier to secure the best reefer shipping services at the best possible price. The following characteristics can help you find the best trucking company today to handle your cargo with the highest degree of professional care and specification possible.

1. Absolute Transparency Throughout Shipping Services

Finding the best-in-class trucking companies that can provide optimized reefer services means looking past the basics such as on-time deliveries, fees rates, and driver safety. The best reefer trucking companies offer a transparent and inclusive view of all shipping services and processes from start to finish. The approach includes clarity about rates and reefer services that are available at any given time and insight into anticipated changes in freight rates and surcharges for reefer cargo.

2. Collaboration Through Real-Time Communications

Reefer transportation and trucking companies provide the best services when fast, reliable, and frequent communications are a priority. Utilizing collaborative platforms and dashboards and maintaining open lines of communication make it easier to plan, coordinate, and collaborate in real-time. Accurate communications make it easier to track shipments and deal with issues that may arise, which will help ensure completed deliveries and satisfied customers.

3. Traceability of Temperature-Sensitive and Specialty Freight

Perishable and refrigerated goods can include everything from perishable goods, food, and drinks to medical supplies to flowers. Each will require different packaging, loading, care, and handling requirements. Added to this complexity is the fact that each transport might also have very different needs as far as temperature regulations are concerned. Understanding which companies offer services applicable to the particular cargo that needs to be shipped will help ensure the success of any reefer cargo that gets loaded.

4. Reliable On-Time Pickup and Delivery of Goods

On-time pickup and delivery are critical services that any shipper must guarantee. There is little point in choosing a trucking company that cannot make good on their promise for on time in full delivery. Working with the best-in-class trucking companies will provide shippers with the guarantees they need to deliver reliable ETAs and delivery services. Team members who do not have to worry about missed pickups and late deliveries can focus on more critical services.

5. Enhanced Understanding of Trucking Rates and Fees

Understanding trends that affect trucking rates and fees and adjusting to those changes is an area where experienced reefer transportation and trucking companies must excel. As highlighted by Commercial Carrier Journal, reefer rates increased 4 cents in late August 2021, with more than 50 weeks above $2.40, and with a spring 2021 reference of around $3.00, shippers need to start planning for higher reefer rates in 2022 as well.

Planning for and accommodating these ever-changing rates are paramount to food services. Also, understanding the rate data is a crucial factor that any reputable trucking company will take into account.

6. Access to a Diverse Pool of Transportation Network Partners

Reliable shipping services rely heavily on shippers’ access to network partners and carriers who can handle specialty loads and complete reefer cargo deliveries. The ability to tap into talent pools and access pre-vetted carriers and drivers is paramount to providing exceptional reefers services. This helps keep services current, rates low, and logistics accurate across the board for all food and beverage cargo and other refrigerated products or goods.

7. Certifications in Moving Alcohol-Related Products and Reefer Liquids

Reefer trucks can carry a wide range of products, including a host of alcoholic beverages. However, shipping alcohol across state borders requires special permits. The ability to quickly and easily find trucking companies that have drivers certified to haul this sort of freight can help keep rates low and services high. Having truckers on hand to pick up these specialty loads can ensure they’re delivered as quickly and affordably as possible.

8. Compliant With All HOS Requirements and Regulations

Supply chain managers and logistics directors must work closely with their carriers or brokers to determine if any special Hours of Service requirements and regulatory guidelines apply. The best reefer transportation and trucking companies will coordinate specialty shipments with the necessary trailer or packaging arrangements to protect cargo and adhere to all safety protocols. They will also ensure all legal requirements are addressed and carried out appropriately.

9. Excellent Ratings and Certified Shipper of Choice Status

Business ratings and certifications are worth considering when looking for the best-in-class trucking companies to handle specialty temperature-controlled freight and shipments. The reputation of the company and its drivers, as well as their track record with similar loads and cargo, can help shippers narrow down the choice. Knowing you are working with the best of the best makes it easier overall to find shippers of choice who are available and who can be trusted with any cargo currently available.

10. Personalized Shipping Services Tailored to Specific Freight Loads

Specialization within the refer freight shipping service market applies to more than just cargo that has to stay chilled. Some cold-freight cargo must remain at a precise temperature to prevent ruining the product. Other products must not be allowed to freeze, and some must remain frozen during shipment. The best trucking companies will have the ability to tailor transport services to meet these needs in a much more personal and impactful manner than other shippers can.

11. Innovative and Up-to-Date Technology and Automation

Best-in-class trucking companies also know how to utilize technology and innovative tools to provide accurate and reliable shipping services. With goods that need to maintain a specific temperature, shippers and carriers must work collaboratively to monitor reefer trucks and control precise temperatures. This monitoring becomes much easier with the latest technology and automation already in place and operational without requiring a lot of additional expenses or onboarding to make it applicable.

12. Cloud-Based Data Collection, Analytics, and Sharing Capabilities

Data is king in the industry these days, and companies that make the most of available data and statistics are better poised to succeed. The best reefer transportation and trucking companies utilize real-time tracking and insight to monitor logistic planning and processes. Knowing when issues arise that might cause delays or other problems with cargo can make it easier to plan mitigation steps accordingly. Immediate access to reliable data and reports makes it easy to adjust and implement alternate plans.

13. Focus on Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Processes

Even if sustainability is not paramount for a shipping company, chances are their customers do care. According to a recent survey from Convoy, freight transport makes over 72 million metric tons of CO2 emissions, and empty trailers account for over 35% of total miles driven. Companies that do not take sustainability seriously are losing more and more of their customer base every year. Whether management believes in it or not, eco-friendly initiatives are a must in today’s competitive market.

Choose a Company That Aligns With All These Characteristics to Move Reefer Freight Efficiently

Finding available reliable trucker services can feel like an impossible task. On top of economic and general market uncertainties, the specific needs associated with reefer shipping can make it even more challenging to find reliable reefer transportation and trucking companies. Shippers must get affordable refrigerated freight shipping quotes and reliable services every time with the right freight transportation partner.

Also, shippers can find the right logistics carrier to transport all of their reefer freight with the right insight and guidance. With this handy list of characteristics to look for, the process of securing drivers to handle all of your refrigerated transportation needs is easier than ever. Finding the best-in-class trucking companies is easier than ever with the right partnership in place. Contact Entourage Freight Solutions today to get started.

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Tariffs, Trade Policy, and the Great Freight Fallout

By Nick Terry • April 28, 2025

In 2025, trade policy is no longer something that the freight industry can leave on the back burner. Trade policy today is shaping strategy at every level. From tariff escalations and retaliatory duties to sweeping regulatory changes and targeted maritime fees, supply chain leaders are navigating a freight market in which unpredictability is the only constant. Sourcing decisions are shifting, pricing dynamics are unstable, and long-standing operational models are being rewritten in real time. This edition brings together key stories highlighting the growing pressure across logistics channels. Each development points to an industry moving fast, and often reactively, to keep pace with volatile policy decisions. Tariffs Stall US Freight Recovery as Shippers Pause Orders The recent move by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to impose entrance fees on Chinese-built ships calling U.S. ports has only added to the confusion and uncertainty gripping global supply chains and freight operations. Shippers are pausing plans and slashing orders, with truckload volumes, containerized imports, and manufacturing output all showing signs of contraction. Ocean freight spot rates have collapsed: Asia-U.S. West Coast rates have fallen 61% since January to $2,050 per FEU, while East Coast rates have dropped 53.7% to $3,100 per FEU . Blank sailings are rising, with vessels leaving Asia half-empty. Amazon and Five Below are among the major retailers reducing orders from Asia. Container imports jumped 15.3% in 2024, but forecasts now predict a 20-27% decline through the summer. Exporters, particularly agriculture and forestry suppliers, are also squeezed, facing 125% retaliatory tariffs from China. Truckload and intermodal rates remain stagnant, while U.S. factory output fell sharply in March. US Apparel Importers Brace for Long-Term Volume Declines According to Trade Partnership Worldwide, a 124.1% tariff on Chinese clothing and footwear is expected to reduce U.S. apparel imports by 1.6% annually . China still accounts for 41.7% of apparel shipments, leaving limited flexibility for diversion. The American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) is warning of price hikes and mounting infrastructure stress as sourcing pivots toward Vietnam, India, and Indonesia. A looming May 2 deadline for de minimis exemptions could further complicate flows and delay deliveries. Even with a temporary 90-day pause in reciprocal tariffs, the policy uncertainty already affects long-term planning. AAFA CEO Steve Lamar calls the shifting policies “chaotic,” and warned that high tariff pressure will hit both importers and U.S. manufacturers reliant on Chinese components. Port and rail capacity limitations at larger gateways are adding to concerns. Retailers now face rising costs, shrinking margins, and operational delays — all while consumer demand continues to shift rapidly. Freight Pricing Gains Lose Momentum According to the TD Cowen/AFS Freight Index, Q1 truckload rates rose 5.9% above the 2018 baseline, but are expected to decline slightly in Q2. Shippers are responding to tariff threats with aggressive front-loading and shorter-haul routes, driving per-shipment costs to three-year lows. LTL carriers remain focused on profitable lanes and high-quality freight rather than chasing volume. The index forecasts a 0.7% year-over-year increase in LTL rate per pound for Q2 , despite sustained demand softness and macro uncertainty. A key driver behind the softening spot market conditions is a shift to shorter hauls and regionalized distribution, pushing per-shipment costs to their lowest point in more than three years. This trend reflects how retailers and manufacturers are repositioning inventory in response to tariff volatility, as NRF’s Jonathan Gold and DAT analyst Dean Croke noted. Meanwhile, the LTL sector is seeing a 4% rise in fuel surcharges, offsetting lower weights and shorter hauls. With the freight market still under pressure after 26 months of contraction, optimism remains subdued as we enter the midyear period. US Truckload Freight Spot Rates Continue to Fluctuate National benchmark rates have experienced a decline across all categories. As of April 18, dry van decreased by 4 cents to $1.62, reefer by 2 cents to $1.88 , and flatbed by 3 cents to $2.16. This marked the first overall decrease since late January, signaling potential shifts in market dynamics. These changes can be attributed to factors such as tariff uncertainties and tighter capacity, especially affecting the flatbed market. Flatbed rates rely heavily on manufacturing activity in the country, which has been particularly hard-hit by the ongoing trade war with China, and to some extent, with the rest of the world. US Finalizes Tiered Fee Plan Targeting Chinese Ships The U.S. is moving forward with a revised plan to levy voyage-based fees on Chinese-owned and Chinese-built ships calling at American ports. The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced the measure as part of a broader Trump administration effort to counter China’s dominance in shipbuilding and logistics while reigniting domestic ship construction and port infrastructure investment. Starting in six months, Chinese operators will be charged $50 per net ton, with an annual increase of $30 for three years . Non-Chinese carriers using Chinese-built vessels will face lower rates, beginning at $18 per ton or $120 per container, with annual increases. The USTR capped fee applications at five voyages per vessel annually, scaling back its original, more punitive per-port-call proposal after intense industry pushback. The fees are tied to findings from a USTR investigation, which concluded that China’s shipbuilding dominance — producing 29% of global fleet capacity and 70% of all container ships on order — stemmed from unfair trade practices. Exemptions apply to ships arriving empty, those in the Great Lakes or U.S. territories, and some bulk exports. LNG vessel transport restrictions will phase in over 22 years to support U.S. production. China’s largest container carrier, Cosco Shipping Lines, has sharply criticized the USTR’s plan. In a strongly worded statement, Cosco labeled the move as “discriminatory,” and warned it would disrupt global industrial and supply chain stability. Cosco denied allegations from that USTR investigation that claimed China manipulated its shipping and shipbuilding sectors to gain an unfair advantage. The carrier said it upholds “integrity, transparency, and compliance” in global competition and remains committed to ensuring the resilience of international trade. Walmart Investing $6B in Mexico, Central America Store Expansion Walmart of Mexico and Central America will invest $6 billion to open new stores across the region , reinforcing its long-term commitment to growth in Latin America. The expansion will include Bodega Aurrera, Walmart Supercenters, Sam’s Club, and Walmart Express formats, building on a robust network of 3,200 stores across all 32 Mexican states. This latest move echoes Walmart’s earlier $1.3 billion investment in 2016 for regional distribution and operational upgrades. The retailer entered the Mexican market in 1991 with a Sam’s Club in Mexico City. In a statement, Walmart said the new expansion reflects confidence in the region’s economic potential and consumer demand. Globally, Walmart continues to invest aggressively in infrastructure and store development. The company has pledged about $4.5 billion for its Canadian operations and $1.3 billion in Chile to build 70 new stores and a distribution center. In the U.S., Walmart is executing a five-year plan to build or convert more than 150 stores while modernizing 650 existing locations under its “Store of the Future” initiative. Experience Seamless Shipping with Entourage Freight Solutions Entourage Freight Solutions believes in total transparency in the shipping process. That is why we invest in tech solutions that track every shipment extensively, monitor every driver, and extract every bit of efficiency without sacrificing quality. Our state-of-the-art platform utilizes cloud-based GPS tracking to keep you informed, reroutes shipments on the fly to avoid delays, and even responds to real-time market changes to ensure you receive your shipment on time and as soon as possible. Our Services Full Truck Load (FTL): When you need a truck all to yourself. Less-Than-Truckload (LTL): Efficient solutions for multi-stop shipments or combining smaller loads to save on costs. Refrigerated Trucking: Keeping your temperature-sensitive products fresh and safe. Cross-Docking: Strategically located facilities in Shelby, Ohio, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Romulus, Michigan, for streamlined consolidation, storage, and distribution. Ready to experience a new level of service and control in your freight shipping? Request a quote today to see how Entourage Freight Solutions can help with your freight movement and other supply chain needs.