I never have pulled a reefer but have a job opp. to do so.What should i expect.Will be hauling produce and plants??

 

Only the company can tell you what types of cargo they haul, but yes, reefer cargo CAN include produce and plants. Anything which requires being kept within a given temperature range is fair game for reefers -- in addition, reefers can also haul dry-van loads, so you may actually haul anything that will fit in a 53' trailer.

 

its not always what you haul with a reefer, thats really not all that bad. its the waiting to load or unload. i have been with marten transport since 4/07 not all that bad a co to run for but the wait times can be pathetic. the lumpers dont care how long it takes because they are paid by the hr. now as far as running the reefer just keep a eye on your temps and ck reefer tank when you stop for the day. with marten i just always filled the tank when it hit the half mark. the last post was right there were times i never had to run the unit. some people say when the unit is running they cant sleep i never had that problem was always to tired to care. if i can help any further let me know.

 

The worst part is the waiting. I worked for some folks down in Florida hauling Produce and they said they also haul plants, but I never got a load of it. Would stayed with them if I made decent money, but I was not...

 

I will ditto the waiting experience. Your company detention / layover policy matters a heckuva lot more as a reefer driver than dry van.

That being said, there is very little difference in the way you operate. Yes, you have to fill your reefer tank every few days and monitor the temps but it isn't that big of a deal.

I've never been bothered by other people idling or my reefer running. The ones that get me are the idling trucks near me whose air overpressure valves go off intermittently. Those times I move if I can.

Jim

 

You wait alot but you get the detention 99% of the time.