Reefer trucking is essential for Kansas companies that sell perishable food products and other goods that require refrigeration in transit. After evaluating top Reefer shipping services on factors like cost, dependability, safety, and customer satisfaction, U S Road Freight ranks as the leading choice for moving temperature-sensitive freight.
Reefer Shipping Services & Transport in Kansas
Check out our top recommendations for the best reefer trucking companies to ensure your products arrive fresh and secure.
Why Trust FreightWaves Ratings?
There’s a reason we’re one of the world’s leading authorities on the global freight market. Our expert team has an in-depth understanding of the industry and is up-to-date on employment trends, regulations, and other insights into the trucking workforce.
We conduct thorough research and data analysis to develop our recommendations for the best trucking companies in Kansas. Every Kansas trucking firm is closely scrutinized based on its service range and capabilities. Our team also verifies companies’ safety records and regulatory compliance and looks at what real users have to say about their experience.
From there, we narrow our focus to select only those top-performing and highest-rated firms to give you an informed and up-to-date list of the best trucking companies in Kansas for your commercial shipping needs.
U S Road Freight
3655 South Maize Road, Wichita, KS, 67215- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Chemicals
- General
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
- Cross-border
U S Road Freight (DOT: 455406) is a prominent freight trucking company known for its extensive interstate operations, boasting a total fleet of 69 trucks. They specialize in a variety of services, including full truckload, less than truckload, and partial truckload shipments. The company focuses on specific cargo such as chemicals and general freight, providing reliable transportation solutions for business owners looking to ship products efficiently across state lines.
U S Road Freight demonstrates a strong commitment to safety with a “Satisfactory” safety rating and offers several benefits for drivers, including health insurance and flexible scheduling. Their services are enhanced by dedicated routes and team-driving opportunities. While they do not specialize in hazardous materials, they emphasize employee well-being with offerings such as paid time off, a retirement plan, and ongoing training and development programs. U S Road Freight is strategically positioned to support commercial shipments with guaranteed home time and a robust focus on customer satisfaction.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 1.68
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.77
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 1
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 85
- Revenue: $4,580,000
- Miles driven: 3,626,438
Nationwide Freight, LLC
16112 W 139th Terrace, Olathe, KS, 66062- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Produce
- General
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
Nationwide Freight, LLC (DOT: 2782308) is a dynamic freight trucking company founded in 2015. With a modern fleet of 42 units and a dedicated team of 19 drivers, it offers a variety of cargo services including full truckload, less-than-truckload, and parcel shipment. Specializing in the transportation of beverages, building materials, fresh produce, meat, paper products, and refrigerated foods, the company provides robust service options that suit diverse shipment needs.
Nationwide Freight prioritizes customer support with offerings such as direct deposit, life and health insurance, and guaranteed home time for its drivers. While the company actively ensures safety with no recorded crash injuries or fatalities, it is also committed to maintaining high service standards with its focus on interstate operations. Despite being relatively new, its firm commitment to efficiency and wide-ranging cargo capabilities makes it an attractive option for business owners seeking reliable freight transportation.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 2.25
- Driver fitness: 0.12
- Hours-of-service compliance: 1.07
- Vehicle maintenance: 7.1
- Controlled substances: 0.54
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 19
- Revenue: $559,000
- Miles driven: 1,453,448
International Express Trucking, Inc.
3359 Brinkerhoff Road, Kansas City, KS, 66115- Fleet size: 50-99 Corp Only
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Chemicals
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Liquids & gases
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
International Express Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 950297) has been a trusted name in the interstate trucking industry since 1993. With a fleet size of 54 trucks, they specialize in a wide range of freight, including general freight, chemicals, liquids, gases, and intermodal containers. Their fleet and services are geared toward providing reliable full and partial truckload solutions.
The company emphasizes employee well-being, offering comprehensive health insurance, retirement plans, and an ongoing training development program. As a carrier with a satisfactory safety rating, International Express Trucking is dedicated to maintaining high standards, ensuring their clients’ cargo arrives safely and on time. They also offer supportive working conditions, with an aim to cultivate long-term relationships with their clients through professional and efficient service delivery.
Safety
- Crashes: 7
- Unsafe driving: 0.63
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.53
- Vehicle maintenance: 6.35
- Controlled substances: 0.05
- Hazardous materials violations: 4
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 48
- Revenue: $1,931,000
- Miles driven: 3,419,621
Five Rivers Transport
4703 Roundtree Ct, Shawnee, KS, 66226- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Dry bulk commodities
- Produce
- General
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Five Rivers Transport (DOT: 2253646) is a prominent trucking company based in Kansas, distinguished by its diverse range of services and cargo capabilities. With a strong emphasis on transporting general freight, beverages, fresh produce, and refrigerated goods, this carrier excels in delivering essential products efficiently. Noteworthy is their specialization in dry bulk commodities and metal sheets, coils, and rolls, catering to various industry needs.
The company supports commercial shipments with reliable full truckload (FTL) and less than truckload (LTL) services. It boasts a modern fleet and prioritizes driver safety, reflected in its commitment to benefits like health, dental, and vision insurance. This well-rounded approach makes Five Rivers Transport a viable choice for businesses seeking dependable logistics solutions. Furthermore, the company offers flexible employment opportunities, including opportunities for local and over-the-road (OTR) drivers, ensuring they can meet a wide array of shipping requirements.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 2.0
- Driver fitness: 0.25
- Hours-of-service compliance: 1.07
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.68
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 21
- Revenue: $489,000
- Miles driven: 2,369,584
NTS Trucking
801 Armourdale Pkwy, Kansas City, KS, 66105- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Meat
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
NTS Trucking (DOT: 623172) is a Kansas-based trucking company with a total fleet size of 123 vehicles and 16 trucks, operating since 1995. They offer a range of services, including full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) options, specializing in carrying beverages, dry bulk commodities, general freight, and intermodal containers. They are adept at handling various types of cargo and are known for their commitment to reliable and efficient transportation solutions.
NTS Trucking provides comprehensive support for commercial shipments, ensuring flexible service with guaranteed home time and dedicated local drivers. They prioritize employee well-being with benefits like health, dental, vision, and disability insurance, along with a 401(k) retirement plan and paid time off. Their strong safety record, with reported crash injuries and fatalities at zero, underscores their dedication to maintaining high safety standards in their operations.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.83
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 6.05
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 16
- Revenue: $966,000
- Miles driven: 355,661
Boswell & Lee Trucking, Inc.
414 N 80th St, Kansas City, KS, 66112- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Construction equipment
- General
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
Boswell & Lee Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 691520) is a reputable trucking company operating out of Kansas, known for its solid reputation and specialized freight services. They manage a fleet of 9 trucks and focus on interstate operations, delivering general freight and construction materials. With active operations and satisfactory safety ratings, Boswell & Lee Trucking is equipped to handle various cargo types, backed by a Google rating of 4.5.
The company provides services such as full and partial truckloads, less-than-truckload (LTL), and reefer services, accommodating diverse shipping needs efficiently. Despite not offering specialized services like hazardous materials transportation or oversized loads, the company ensures safety with no crash fatalities or injuries reported. Supportive of their workforce, they offer health, dental, vision, and disability insurance, alongside a 401(k) retirement plan, making them a reliable and employee-friendly choice for business owners seeking dependable freight solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 6.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 5
- Revenue: $483,000
- Miles driven: 89,310
Midwest Bulk, Inc.
3404 N Emporia St, Wichita, KS, 67219- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Dry bulk commodities
- Livestock feed
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Tanker
Midwest Bulk, Inc. (DOT: 1332081) operates as a well-regarded trucking company based in Kansas, emphasizing specialized services including dry bulk commodities and grain transportation. Their fleet comprises up to 40 trucks, focusing on full truckload and partial truckload shipping, utilizing reefer and tanker trailers to handle various types of cargo efficiently.
With a commitment to service excellence, Midwest Bulk offers competitive incentives for drivers like sign-on and safety bonuses, backed by a satisfactory safety rating. Their drivers benefit from comprehensive health benefits including dental, vision, and life insurance, alongside a sound retirement plan. Despite a minor incident record, with only one reported crash, Midwest Bulk maintains a strong safety focus, making them a reliable partner for commercial shipments.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 1.67
- Driver fitness: 0.01
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.29
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.02
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 35
- Revenue: $1,145,000
- Miles driven: 2,377,943
Redguard, LLC
4340 S West St, Wichita, KS, 67217- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $2,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
- Oilfield equipment
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
Redguard, LLC (DOT: 855213) is a reputable trucking company established in 1998, based in Kansas. Known for its satisfactory safety record, Redguard operates a versatile fleet of 36 trucks, specializing in full-truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) services. They handle a diverse range of cargo, including building materials, metal sheets, construction equipment, motor vehicles, intermodal containers, and oilfield equipment.
Redguard provides essential support for commercial shipments with their authorized interstate operations. Although they do not offer hot-shot or refrigerated services, they maintain competitive advantages through guaranteed home time and comprehensive employee benefits, such as health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as 401(k) plans. With an attentive focus on driver fitness and vehicle maintenance, Redguard remains a reliable choice for businesses seeking secure and efficient freight transportation solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 1.49
- Driver fitness: 0.17
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.6
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 24
- Revenue: $43,494,000
- Miles driven: 1,114,454
H.X. Delivery
14632 W 79th Terrace, Lenexa, KS, 66215- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- General
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
H.X. Delivery (DOT: 1254850) operates as a dedicated carrier service in Kansas, noted for its commitment to the transport of diverse cargos such as building materials, machinery, metal sheets, and paper products. With a fleet of 11 trucks, including box trucks and flatbed trailers, the company covers a range of transportation needs, from partial truckload to full truckload services, catering to businesses seeking efficient logistics solutions.
H.X. Delivery provides comprehensive support for commercial shipments with its local driver operations and a satisfactory safety rating. Clients benefit from health insurance, direct deposit, and paid time off for drivers, which underscores their dedication to maintaining a content workforce. Their parcel and general freight services, along with a commitment to dry van transportation, make them a versatile choice for businesses aiming to move goods securely and efficiently.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 1.24
- Driver fitness: 0.03
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.8
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 11
- Revenue: $321,000
- Miles driven: 225,000
Mcconnell Transport, Inc.
9204 West 82nd St, Overland Park, KS, 66204- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Produce
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
Mcconnell Transport, Inc. (DOT: 611030) is a Kansas-based carrier recognized for its focus on transporting fresh produce, meat, and refrigerated foods. With a fleet of 6 trucks and 12 trailers, the company specializes in full truckload and less-than-truckload shipments using refrigerated (reefer) units, ensuring the safe and efficient delivery of temperature-sensitive cargo.
Mcconnell Transport provides reliable regional and local delivery services and supports its drivers with benefits like health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as a retirement plan. Their safety ratings are satisfactory, underlining a commitment to safe operations. The company offers flexible working conditions with paid time off and guaranteed home time, aiming to accommodate driver needs while maintaining schedule regularity for clients.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 3.5
- Vehicle maintenance: 13.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 5
- Revenue: $978,000
- Miles driven: 386,293
How Safety Ratings Work in Kansas
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Compliance, Safety & Accountability (CSA) program evaluates trucking companies using BASICS (Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories)
Here’s a look at what each of the BASICS cover:
- Crashes: Trucking companies are required to report any accidents that result in injury or death. The FMSCA uses these state-reported crashes to determine any patterns of crash involvement and potential behaviors contributing to that pattern.
- Unsafe driving: This CSA category covers behaviors like texting and speeding that can lead to accidents
- Driver fitness: The FMCSA requires trucking companies to keep up-to-date records on their drivers. That includes identification and paperwork like CDLs, annual driving reviews, and any relevant medical certifications or documentation. Violations of this category will result in lower overall safety scores.
- Hours-of-service compliance: The FMCSA cites truckers and trucking companies that do not follow or enforce hours-of-service regulations that limit how much time a large commercial vehicle operator can be on the road without rest.
- Vehicle maintenance: Truckers are responsible for completing inspections before hitting the road on a route. They must also log any issues and have repairs to those identified problems completed before operating the truck.
- Controlled substances: As with all vehicle operators, truckers must be sober behind the wheel. This category accounts for violations issued to a trucking company’s driver(s) for being under the influence of or in possession of alcohol and street drugs or prescriptionor over-the-counter medicines that could impair judgement.
- Hazardous materials violations: Trucking companies and their drivers must exhibit proper loading and handling of hazardous materials, including labeling these items correctly, ensuring packaging meets regulations, and follows all restrictions and rules for the vehicle type.
Companies scoring a zero for any or all of the above categories did not receive any citations or other violations within a given month. Essentially, any trucking company that has multiple zeroes in these categories can likely be considered a safe freight shipper in compliance with all FMCSA standards and regulatory requirement.
Choosing the Right Reefer Trucking Company in Kansas for Your Shipments
Whether you manage a food, pharmaceutical, or retail operation in Kansas, here are some tips on what to look for in reefer trucking company for your refrigerated shipments:
- Temperature-control capabilities: Choose a carrier that provides precise temperature monitoring and control to ensure your products stay within safe temperature ranges throughout the journey.
- Specialized Reefer options: Look for companies with a variety of Reefer trailer sizes and configurations to accommodate different loads and product requirements.
- Driver experience and training: Experienced drivers trained in handling Reefer loads can help prevent temperature fluctuations and ensure safe, timely deliveries.
- Tracking tools: Carriers with GPS and real-time monitoring tools keep you informed on the location and condition of your shipment.
- Fleet maintenance: Well-maintained reefer trucks minimize the risk of breakdowns that could compromise the quality of your products.
- Customer support: A company with a reputation for customer service and dedicated logistics and freight management teams will be better able to handle any changes or issues with your shipment.
- Safety record and compliance: Check a company’s CSA score to make sure they have a history of safe transport and are compliant with industry regulations.
FAQs
What products are best transported by truck in Kansas?
The products that are best transported by truck in the U.S. include commodities like:
- Building materials
- Food and beverages
- Furniture
- Clothing
- Electronics
What is Reefer shipping, and when is it needed for businesses in Kansas?
Reefer shipping is commercial transport via refrigerated trucks and trailers that maintain controlled temperatures for products that are sensitive to heat or cold. In Kansas, businesses that ship food, pharmaceuticals, flowers, and other perishables rely on Reefer shipping to ensure product quality and prevent spoilage or damage during transit.
How does Reefer shipping protect temperature-sensitive goods?
Reefer shipping protects temperature-sensitive goods by utilizing trucks equipped with refrigeration units that can maintain specific temperature settings. By controlling the climate inside the trailer, Reefer shipping reduces the risk of spoilage and extends product shelf life during transport.
Other Types of Transport Options for Your Shipments
Depending on the types of products your business retails or manufactures, you may have several shipping options to choose from.
- Hopper Bottom Shipping Services
- Beverage Shipping Services
- Box Truck Shipping Services
- Drayage Shipping Services
- Dry Bulk Shipping Services
- Dry Van Shipping Services
- Flatbed Shipping Services
- Hot Shot Shipping Services
- Intermodal Shipping Services
- LTL Shipping Services
- Parcel Delivery Shipping Services
- Pneumatic Shipping Services
- Power-Only Shipping Services
- Tanker Shipping Services
