Reefer dispatch for owner-operators
Temperature-controlled freight takes more planning. Your dedicated dispatcher checks temperature, pre-cool and appointment terms before you accept, and you always have the final say.
Why carriers run reefers
Refrigerated trailers haul freight that must stay within a set temperature range: produce, meat, dairy, frozen food, beverages and pharmaceuticals. The demand is steady because people buy these products every week.
Reefer freight often pays more per mile than dry van, but the trailer costs more to run, with reefer fuel and unit maintenance, and it carries more responsibility if the temperature goes out of range. The number that matters is net profit after reefer costs, not the headline rate.
What a reefer dispatcher checks on every load
- Temperature range and mode (continuous or cycle) written clearly on the rate confirmation.
- Pre-cool instructions and who pays for the extra fuel and time.
- Appointment windows. Perishable freight is time-critical, and late arrival can mean rejection.
- Reefer fuel and who is responsible for it.
- Detention and layover terms, because a cooling trailer waiting at a dock costs money.
- Record requirements, such as temperature logs or photos of the unit display at pickup and delivery.
Protecting yourself on reefer loads
Most reefer disputes come from missing records. A good habit is to photograph the trailer temperature at pickup and delivery, keep the signed BOL and keep reefer unit downloads. If a receiver questions the temperature, tell your dispatcher immediately so the broker and shipper can be contacted before the load is rejected.
Food-grade freight can also require a clean, odor-free trailer, so confirm wash-out expectations before you accept.
How Sonex dispatches reefers
Tell us your setup
A short onboarding call covers your reefer, home time, preferred lanes and the weekly revenue you need. About 30 minutes.
We find and screen loads
Your dispatcher works load boards and broker relationships around the clock, screening for rate, deadhead and broker history, then sends you the load.
You approve, we handle the rest
You say yes or no to every load. We negotiate, send rate confirmations, track check calls and handle BOLs and invoicing. Dispatchers answer 24/7.
Reefer freight often pays more per mile than dry van, but the trailer costs more to run, so what matters is net profit per week after reefer fuel and maintenance. Your dispatcher should compare loads on that basis.
Requirements are set by the shipper and receiver and written on the rate confirmation. Many ask for the pre-cool temperature and periodic readings, so keep reefer unit downloads and photos of the display at pickup and delivery.
Responsibility depends on the contract and the cause. Keep temperature records and the signed BOL, and tell your dispatcher immediately so the broker and shipper can be contacted before the load is rejected.
No. Sonex never forces dispatch. Your dispatcher presents each load with its temperature and appointment terms, and you approve or decline it.
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