Reefer trucking is essential for Kentucky 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, Flynn Trucking, LLC ranks as the leading choice for moving temperature-sensitive freight.
Reefer Shipping Services & Transport in Kentucky
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 Kentucky. Every Kentucky 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 Kentucky for your commercial shipping needs.
Flynn Trucking, LLC
4515 Bishops Lane, Louisville, KY, 40218- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- General
- Liquids & gases
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
Flynn Trucking, LLC (DOT: 1699020) is a reliable Kentucky-based trucking company established in 1973, known for its versatility in handling diverse types of freight. Operating a fleet of 28 trucks, Flynn Trucking offers comprehensive full and partial truckload services, efficiently transporting a variety of cargos, including building materials, general freight, and liquids/gases.
Despite having experienced some crashes, Flynn Trucking maintains a fair safety record with a moderate unsafe driving score of 0.16. The company places a strong emphasis on employee welfare, offering benefits such as health, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, and a retirement plan. With a rating of 4.5 on Google, they demonstrate a commitment to professional service, making them an appealing choice for business owners seeking reliable shipping solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 0.16
- Driver fitness: 0.62
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.73
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 34
- Revenue: $34,916,000
- Miles driven: 6,000,000
Vincent Fister, Inc.
2305 Palumbo Drive, Lexington, KY, 40509- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Trash
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
Vincent Fister, Inc. (DOT: 63040) is a reputable trucking company established in 1953 and based in Kentucky. Specializing in dry van and flatbed transportation, the company effectively handles diverse cargo types, including household goods and garbage/refuse. Vincent Fister, Inc. operates a fleet of 9 trucks and 18 trailers to serve its clients’ intrastate non-hazardous hauling needs.
The company offers both full and less-than-truckload (LTL) services, ensuring flexibility and logistical efficiency for businesses of various sizes. Vincent Fister, Inc. emphasizes employee satisfaction with benefits such as health insurance, direct deposit, and paid time off. While their safety records show low unsafe driving scores, highlighting a strong focus on operational safety, they maintain an active status as a broker and carrier with sufficient insurance coverage to protect their operations. With excellent ratings on Google and Indeed, Vincent Fister, Inc. is a reliable choice for companies seeking comprehensive trucking solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 2.8
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.85
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: intrastate non-hazardous
- Drivers: 6
- Revenue: $3,413,000
- Miles driven: 68,752
Greenline Express, Inc.
2352 Russellville Rd, Bowling Green, KY, 42101- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- General
- Lumber
- Metal materials
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
Greenline Express, Inc. (DOT: 1632617) is a dynamic trucking company that specializes in full truckload (FTL) and less than truckload (LTL) services across state lines. They handle a diverse range of cargo, including agricultural farm supplies, building materials, logs, poles, beams, lumber, metal sheets, coils rolls, and paper products. Focusing on modernized shipping options, they provide dry van and flatbed transport, catering to the unique needs of their clients.
Greenline Express is committed to offering a safe and reliable trucking experience, with a satisfactory safety rating and rigorous maintenance protocols. They provide comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance to their drivers, supporting a loyal and well-cared-for workforce. The company’s regional operations are supported by a dedicated team of 62 drivers, ensuring timely and efficient delivery of goods. With a fleet size of up to 10 trucks, Greenline Express guarantees quality service while maintaining a personal touch in commercial shipments.
Safety
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 3.31
- Driver fitness: 0.71
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.23
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.11
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 62
- Revenue: $405,000
- Miles driven: 4,503,531
Euro Truck Lane, Inc.
11613 Vista Club Dr, Louisville, KY, 40291- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- General
- Liquids & gases
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Euro Truck Lane, Inc. (DOT: 1448384) is an active freight company in Kentucky, focusing on providing efficient trucking services. They operate with a modest fleet of 5 trucks, primarily offering full truckload, less-than-truckload, and general freight services. Specializing in the transportation of beverages, household goods, liquids/gases, and paper products, Euro Truck Lane, Inc. adapts to varying business needs with a strong emphasis on service reliability.
Committed to supporting commercial shipments, the company offers reefer and flatbed options with services extending to OTR (over-the-road) driving. They prioritize employee well-being by offering benefits such as health, dental, and vision insurance, along with safety bonuses. Their focus on utility and flexibility, coupled with a google rating of 4.5, positions Euro Truck Lane, Inc. as a viable logistic partner for businesses seeking dependable shipping solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 0.85
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 10.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 5
- Miles driven: 79,000
THE Peregrine Transportation Company, LLC
11405 Park Road Suite 100, Louisville, KY, 40223- Fleet size: 50-99 Corp Only
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- General
- Lumber
- Metal materials
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
THE Peregrine Transportation Company, LLC (DOT: 2151709) is a reputable trucking and brokerage company based in Kentucky, operating since 1994. With a fleet primarily consisting of dry vans and flatbeds, they specialize in full truckload and less-than-truckload services. Notably, their cargo capabilities include building materials, logs, poles, beams, lumber, and metal products such as sheets, coils, and rolls.
The company underscores its dedication to employee welfare with offerings like health insurance, dental and vision coverage, and a retirement plan (401k). While they have experienced recent crashes without injuries or fatalities, their safety practices, along with guaranteed home time for drivers, contribute to a supportive work environment. Professional drivers benefit from guaranteed home time and the possibility to participate in team driving services, emphasizing their commitment to reliable and efficient transportation solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 2.58
- Driver fitness: 0.24
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.36
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.46
- Controlled substances: 0.24
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 28
- Revenue: $10,577,000
- Miles driven: 1,955,658
O.N. Time Logistic, LLC
216 Century Street Suite 200, Bowling Green, KY, 42101- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Dry bulk commodities
- Produce
- General
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
O.N. Time Logistic, LLC (DOT: 2116677) is a leading trucking company based in Kentucky. With a fleet of 65 trucks and a satisfactory safety rating, they are well-equipped to handle a variety of freight needs. Specializing in dry van and flatbed transportation, their cargo expertise includes general freight, fresh produce, paper products, and dry bulk commodities. They offer both full and less-than-truckload services, making them versatile for different business requirements.
O.N. Time Logistic, LLC provides extensive support for commercial shipments, including guaranteed home time for drivers and a commitment to ongoing training and development. Although they have experienced some crash incidents, they maintain an active authority and focus on safety. Their employee benefits package includes health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as a 401(k) retirement plan, ensuring that their drivers are supported and motivated.
Safety
- Crashes: 5
- Unsafe driving: 1.84
- Driver fitness: 0.35
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.75
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.63
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 61
- Revenue: $203,000
- Miles driven: 4,175,000
Direct Express Delivery, Inc.
2080 Mercer Rd, Lexington, KY, 40511- Fleet age: 4 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- General
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Last-mile delivery
Direct Express Delivery, Inc. (DOT: 675863) is an active trucking company specializing in general freight transportation. With a fleet age averaging four years and operations primarily conducted interstate, they ensure dependable delivery services. The company excels in less-than-truckload (LTL) and full truckload (FTL) services, using dry vans to ensure safe transport. Well-noted for their efficiency, they cater to a broad commercial clientele, enhancing their offering with parcel shipping options.
Direct Express Delivery, Inc. prioritizes the safety and welfare of its team, evident in their provision of health, dental, and vision insurance, along with paid time off and disability coverage. Though relatively small in scale, the company maintains a spotless safety record, with zero reported crash fatalities or injuries. Their strategic focus on crucial benefits and keen operational maintenance makes them a reliable partner for businesses seeking trustworthy shipping solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 1
- Miles driven: 50,000
Arman Transport, LLC
3700 Bells Lane, Louisville, KY, 40211- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Produce
- General
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Arman Transport, LLC (DOT: 1282568) is a reputable trucking company based in Kentucky, established in 2004. With a fleet of 65 trucks, Arman Transport specializes in refrigerated and dry van transportation, efficiently handling a diverse range of cargo, including beverages, fresh produce, meat, and general freight.
The company emphasizes providing excellent service with a satisfactory safety rating and offers full and partial truckload services. Arman Transport supports business owners with team drivers, local and over-the-road service, and guaranteed home time for their drivers, ensuring timely and reliable deliveries. Additionally, they prioritize employee benefits, offering health, dental, and vision insurance, along with a retirement plan and paid time off to attract and retain skilled drivers.
Safety
- Crashes: 6
- Unsafe driving: 1.58
- Driver fitness: 0.08
- Hours-of-service compliance: 1.37
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.93
- Controlled substances: 0.06
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 49
- Revenue: $1,863,000
- Miles driven: 4,334,206
Valor, LLC
1200 Alsop Ln, Owensboro, KY, 42303- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Chemicals
- General
- Liquids & gases
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Valor, LLC (DOT: 912967) is a dynamic trucking company situated in Kentucky, offering seasoned interstate shipping solutions with an active USDOT status. They manage a modern fleet of 18 trucks and 10 trailers, focusing primarily on delivering general freight, chemicals, and liquids/gases. Founded with a commitment to safety and efficiency, Valor maintains an impressive array of services, including full truckload and less-than-truckload options, refrigerated services (reefer), and dry van transport.
Valor is dedicated to supporting shippers with competitive edges like guaranteed home time for drivers and a robust health, dental, and life insurance package. The company also extends bonuses for safety, incentivizing a high-standard driving environment. With optional direct deposit and a 401(k) retirement plan, Valor supports its employees and reflects its customer-centric operational ethos, ensuring reliable shipment aids such as flatbed transport and team driver services.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.85
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.89
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 2
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 22
- Revenue: $13,462,000
- Miles driven: 460,832
BIZ Trucking, LLC
904 Cumberland Ridge Way, Bowling Green, KY, 42103- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Chemicals
- General
- Livestock feed
- Machinery & large objects
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
BIZ Trucking, LLC (DOT: 2401154) specializes in carrying a wide range of commercial cargo, including beverages, chemicals, grain feed hay, machinery, meat, metal sheets, and paper products. They operate primarily with dry van and less-than-truckload services, ensuring that a diverse array of goods reach their destinations efficiently and safely. The company is equipped to handle refrigerated foods, indicating their capability in temperature-sensitive logistics.
Despite not offering extensive special programs or bonuses, BIZ Trucking focuses on core transportation services with a fleet of 54 trucks and an active interstate operation. Their commitment to general freight and full-truckload shipments makes them a reliable choice for businesses needing versatile and consistent transportation solutions across state lines in the U.S. With a solid commercial presence, the company has one million dollars in insurance coverage for cargo, showcasing their dedication to safeguarding freight throughout transit.
Safety
- Crashes: 13
- Unsafe driving: 2.92
- Driver fitness: 0.18
- Hours-of-service compliance: 2.1
- Vehicle maintenance: 7.66
- Controlled substances: 0.21
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 27
- Revenue: $608,000
- Miles driven: 6,547,555
How Safety Ratings Work in Kentucky
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 Kentucky for Your Shipments
Whether you manage a food, pharmaceutical, or retail operation in Kentucky, 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 Kentucky?
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 Kentucky?
Reefer shipping is commercial transport via refrigerated trucks and trailers that maintain controlled temperatures for products that are sensitive to heat or cold. In Kentucky, 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
