Refrigerated hauling (also referred to as “reefer”) is a freight hauling that specializes in the transportation of foods and other products that require a temperature-controlled environment during transport. Drivers of reefers may operation within a region, or they may travel cross-country routes in performing their jobs.

More information about frigerated hauling
Refrigerated trailers are those most often hauling food products that must be kept at low temperatures to prevent perishing. Drivers of reefers may operation within a region, or they may travel cross-country routes in performing their jobs.

Driving a reefer, as opposed to a dry van, requires additional skills and responsibilities. Monitoring temperatures within the trailer is a vital task of reefer drivers, as if they vary from a specific range as determined by the product carried. Drivers should be skilled in identifying problems with equipment and making minor repairs as well as calling and waiting for repair help. A reefer driver may make several stops along a route to offload products at grocery stores, convenience stores, and other retail locations.

Aside from dry vans, reefers may be the most utilized type of equipment in the trucking industry. Major carriers hire reefer drivers, especially those specializing in moving refrigerated products. Likewise, companies processing such product may hire their own drivers. And owner operators with the appropriate skills frequently contract to haul refrigerated products.

Depending on the product, a reefer may carry products with a total value of hundreds of thousands of dollars to retailers that rely on a steady supply of refrigerated items to meet consumer demand. Delays in shipments hurt the carriers as well as the retailers. Also, reefer drivers must be aware that problems with refrigeration must be acted upon quickly to prevent spoilage.

Often, reefer drivers will be responsible for offloading a certain number of boxes or cargo at various locations. A level of strength and endurance is necessary, as is a conscious effort to protect the product from breaking, being crush, or otherwise damaged.

Reefer drivers can typically perform their jobs with a CDL appropriate for the truck being driven. No specific endorsements are normally required unless the trailers use atypical refrigeration systems involving hazardous materials.

When employed by a carrier or company typical per mile wages are often paid to refrigerated drivers, with additional payment for times spent inspecting and maintaining equipment and offloading products at various locations during the day.

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GoTruckers.com’s job search functionality is designed to be simple and easy to use, and allows truck drivers and diesel mechanics to search for jobs by state, by carrier and various other search criteria. When searching for jobs, you may set the search criteria to be as specific or general as you want to find the job that is best for you.

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A commercial driver's license (CDL) is a driver's license required to operate large, heavy, or hazardous material vehicles in the US. The “class” of CDL a truck driver needs depends on the type of commercial motor vehicle operated. A truck driver may hold a CDL in one of three classes: Class A, Class B, and Class C.

For a detailed explanation of the different classes of CDLs, visit Truck Driving Job Resources.

Driver Type refers to the employment arrangement a driver operates. The most common truck driver arrangements include:

  • Company Driver: Drivers employed by a specific carrier with its own fleet of trucks. “Companies” can be carriers that contract to transport other individuals' or companies' freight, or companies that carry their own freight.
  • Lease-Purchase: Drivers hired by carriers where the truck is leased to the individual driver.
  • Owner Operator (OO): Drivers who own the truck and operate as an independent business (also referred to as an "independent contractor").
  • Team Driver: Drivers operating with a partner who shares driving duties.

For a detailed explanation of Driver Types, visit Truck Driving Job Resources.

Hauling Type (or trailer type, or equipment type) refers to the type of cargo being hauled. Different types of cargo materials require different types of trailers, and each type of trailer requires unique driver experience.

For a detailed explanation of Hauling Types, visit Truck Driving Job Resources.

Endorsements are required certifications for CDL holders hauling various types of equipment and freight. The most common endorsements for long haul truck drivers include:

  • Doubles/Triples: required for drivers hauling double or triple trailers.
  • HazMat: required for transporting hazardous materials.
  • Tanker: required for operating a vehicles designed with a permanent or temporary tank attached.

For a detailed explanation of the different types of endorsements, visit Truck Driving Job Resources.

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Finding the right diesel mechanic job requires careful consideration of various factors. Research potential employers’ reputation and culture, evaluate compensation packages, and confirm that long-term growth and advancement opportunities fit with your career goals. Other factors to consider include: your own level of experience, skill and industry specialization vs the job requirements; CDL license requirements; tool requirements; location; training and professional development opportunity; work schedule, flexibility and work-life balance. For key considerations for finding a job as a heavy-duty truck diesel mechanic or technician, visit our Diesel Mechanic Job Resources.

Diesel mechanic certifications represent an industry recognized level of knowledge and expertise in a particular area of diesel engine diagnosis, repair or maintenance. These advanced certifications are offered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and enhance a mechanic’s skill set and positively impact their qualifications and salary. Certifications may be obtained in specific areas such as gasoline and diesel engines, drive trains, brakes, suspension and steering, electronics, HVAC and preventative maintenance. For a listing of ASE certifications available specifically for heavy-duty truck mechanics, visit our Diesel Mechanic Job Resources.

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