Reefer trucking is essential for Louisiana 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, First Coast Logistics Of Louisiana, LLC ranks as the leading choice for moving temperature-sensitive freight.
Reefer Shipping Services & Transport in Louisiana
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 Louisiana. Every Louisiana 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 Louisiana for your commercial shipping needs.
First Coast Logistics Of Louisiana, LLC
11500 Chef Menteur Hwy, New Orleans, LA, 70129- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Intermodal containers
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
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First Coast Logistics Of Louisiana, LLC (DOT: 1998680) is a proficient logistics company operating in Louisiana. With a modest fleet, including dry vans and box trucks, they specialize in transporting intermodal containers. The company provides services such as less-than-truckload and full truckload shipping, catering to the specific needs of business owners.
First Coast Logistics offers special support through dedicated routes, team driving opportunities, and guaranteed home time for drivers, ensuring timely and reliable deliveries. The company also provides a range of employee benefits, such as health insurance and a retirement plan, indicating a commitment to their workforce’s well-being. Despite a singular tow-away crash, their emphasis on safety is evident through their active safety programs and ratings.
“`Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 3.74
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.38
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.92
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 6
- Revenue: $1,242,000
- Miles driven: 510,392
BYB Trucking
3820 West 70th Street, Shreveport, LA, 71108- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Liquids & gases
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
BYB Trucking (DOT: 2129397) is a prominent carrier in Louisiana with a focus on versatile freight solutions. Operating with a fleet of 34 trucks and various trailers, they are equipped to handle full truckload shipments efficiently. They cater to a wide array of cargo, including dry bulk commodities, construction materials, large machinery, metal sheets, and rolled coils. Their commitment to ensuring goods are transported safely and on time is reflected in their high safety standards.
BYB Trucking offers specialized services such as reefer operations and flatbed transportation, ideal for perishable goods and oversized freight. With offerings like flexible scheduling and guaranteed home time, they emphasize driver satisfaction. Supported by comprehensive employee benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance, they attract and retain skilled drivers. Their robust framework for commercial shipments, coupled with competitive salaries and ongoing training, makes them an attractive option for businesses seeking reliable freight partners.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.5
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 13
- Revenue: $824,000
- Miles driven: 300,000
Quality Services & Transfer, Inc.
30 Crofton Road, Kenner, LA, 70062- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- General
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Quality Services & Transfer, Inc. (DOT: 430102) is a reputable trucking company with an active DOT status since the date noted. Despite its modest fleet size of 5 trucks and 10 total fleet units, the company excels in providing a variety of services, including full truckload, partial truckload, and less-than-truckload (LTL) services. They also handle general freight and parcel shipments with a focus on interstate operations.
Quality Services & Transfer, Inc. offers notable driver benefits such as a sign-on bonus, paid time off, and a retirement plan (401k). Their safety rating is satisfactory, emphasizing their commitment to safety. They maintain a healthy average fleet age of 5 years, ensuring reliability in their transportation services. Despite limited regional reach, their performance and employee satisfaction—as evidenced by strong Indeed and Glassdoor ratings—highlight their dedication to quality service.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.25
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 2
- Miles driven: 132,000
Double F Logistics, LLC
16550 Commercial Avenue, Baton Rouge, LA, 70816- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Dry bulk commodities
- Produce
- General
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Double F Logistics, LLC (DOT: 1447929) is a versatile trucking company specializing in the transportation of fresh produce, refrigerated foods, beverages, and general freight. With a fleet of 26 trucks and 52 total power units, they provide reliable and efficient full truckload and less-than-truckload services. Their focus is on interstate operations, ensuring broad coverage and dependable delivery.
Double F Logistics stands out with its dedication to customer care and safety, boasting various benefits for employees, including health insurance, paid time off, and a 401(k) retirement plan. The company supports local and over-the-road drivers, prioritizing the seamless shipment of dry bulk commodities and paper products. Despite their comprehensive safety measures, Double F maintains an active status, illustrating their ongoing commitment to service excellence and security in transporting diverse cargo.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 3.94
- Driver fitness: 0.07
- Hours-of-service compliance: 1.09
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.91
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 26
- Revenue: $384,000
- Miles driven: 2,300,000
Raven Pmg
1300 Montegut St, New Orleans, LA, 70117- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Machinery & large objects
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Tanker
Raven Pmg (DOT: 2957093) is an active carrier based in Louisiana with a notable industry presence. Specializing in logistics, the company effectively handles full truckloads and less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments. Raven Pmg is adept at transporting a variety of cargos, including building materials, construction equipment, general freight, intermodal containers, and large machinery. With a fleet of 10 trucks and 20 trailers, their operations extend across interstate routes.
Despite the absence of some ancillary services, Raven Pmg stands out for offering dry van, flatbed, and tanker services. They employ a small yet focused team of nine drivers and prioritize health and safety, providing comprehensive health, dental, vision coverage, and a retirement plan. Noteworthy is their strong online reputation, reflected by a 4.5 Google rating. They have maintained an image of reliability with a recorded mileage of over 66,000 miles while ensuring superior service quality and safety.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 4.0
- Driver fitness: 0.09
- Hours-of-service compliance: 1.19
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.68
- Controlled substances: 0.31
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 9
- Revenue: $580,000
- Miles driven: 66,015
Dedicated Transportation, LLC
311 Patterson St, Lafayette, LA, 70501- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- General
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Last-mile delivery
Dedicated Transportation, LLC (DOT: 863701) is a prominent carrier in the transportation industry. Operating a fleet of 48 trucks, they provide a range of services including full and partial truckload transportation. With a specialization in general freight and paper products, they are well-equipped to handle diverse cargo needs. The company also utilizes refrigerated (reefer) transportation to maintain the quality of perishable goods, meeting specific shipping requirements for various products.
In addition to their comprehensive transport solutions, Dedicated Transportation, LLC offers strong support for commercial shipments. They provide dedicated routes, ensuring timely and consistent delivery. Their commitment to safety is reflected in their satisfactory safety ratings and ongoing driver support with sign-on and safety bonuses. Furthermore, they enhance driver welfare with benefits such as health and dental insurance, paid time off, and a retirement plan, making them a reliable partner for businesses demanding excellence in freight transportation.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 0.72
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.05
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.75
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 2
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 41
- Revenue: $615,000
- Miles driven: 3,172,874
Cornerstone Trucking Services
8650 Business Park Drive, Shreveport, LA, 71105- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Conditional
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Machinery & large objects
- Oilfield equipment
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Cornerstone Trucking Services (DOT: 1156468) is a trusted carrier in the transportation sector, widely known for its versatile capabilities. Operating a fleet of 40 units, including flatbeds and dry vans, they specialize in efficiently transporting construction materials, machinery large objects, and oilfield equipment. Their services reach across interstate routes, ensuring broad geographic coverage.
Cornerstone Trucking stands out by offering specialized support such as team driving opportunities, which enhances delivery speed for business clients. They also provide enticing employee benefits, including health insurance, paid time off, and a retirement plan 401k, contributing to a committed workforce. While they reported a single crash with no injuries, their safety measures continue to be a priority in operations, offering both partial and full truckload services with a fleet age of just three years. These capabilities and benefits position Cornerstone Trucking Services as a reliable partner for commercial shipments.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 10.42
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 2
- Revenue: $5,714,000
- Miles driven: 97,864
Morgans Trucking Company
3176 Hwy 397, Lake Charles, LA, 70615- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Conditional
Cargo Types
- Livestock feed
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
Morgans Trucking Company (DOT: 1198787) operates as a versatile and consistent carrier in the transportation industry. With a fleet size of 1 to 10 trucks, they provide both full truckload and partial truckload services. Their specialties include carrying grain, feed, and hay, utilizing equipment such as flatbeds and dry vans. The company emphasizes reliability by offering dedicated routes along with benefits like guaranteed home time for its drivers.
Morgans Trucking Company supports commercial shipments with robust service options, including reefer and tanker services, proving their capability in handling sensitive cargo. They maintain a commitment to driver well-being by offering health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as retirement plans and paid time off. The company is proactive in driver development with ongoing training programs, ensuring safety and service excellence. Their focus on employee satisfaction ensures a dedicated logistics partner for businesses seeking efficient freight 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: 9
- Revenue: $527,000
- Miles driven: 121,349
Perrone And Sons, LLC
1801 L And A Rd, Metairie, LA, 70001- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- General
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Last-mile delivery
Perrone And Sons, LLC (DOT: 1484140) is a trusted trucking company operating with a fleet of 10 trucks in Louisiana. Renowned for its reliability, the company primarily handles refrigerated and dry van freight, specializing in beverages, general freight, meat, paper products, and refrigerated foods. This diverse cargo capacity makes Perrone And Sons an adaptable choice for businesses with varying shipping needs.
Distinguished by their emphasis on full truckload (FTL) and less than truckload (LTL) services, Perrone And Sons offers timely and efficient delivery solutions. Their commitment to quality service extends to providing health, dental, and vision insurance to their drivers, as well as a 401(k) retirement plan. With an active interstate carrier operation, they maintain a clean safety record, underscoring their dedication to safe and reliable transport.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 1.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 12
- Revenue: $30,714,000
- Miles driven: 250,000
Citizen Transportation, Inc.
1506 N Booker St, Lake Charles, LA, 70601- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Metal materials
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Tanker
Citizen Transportation, Inc. (DOT: 893832) is an active freight carrier in Louisiana with a fleet size of 2 trucks, focusing on offering excellent interstate transportation services. Their specialization includes handling cargo such as beverages, building materials, general freight, intermodal containers, and metal sheets, coils, and rolls. Their service offerings feature full truckload and less-than-truckload options, using equipment like dry vans and tankers to fulfill a variety of shipping needs.
Citizen Transportation stands out by providing comprehensive health benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance for their employees, and ensuring timely transportation with their committed local and over-the-road drivers. They are rated satisfactorily in safety, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining a reliable service. Their competitive driver salary ranges from $45,000 to $55,000, indicating a commitment to attracting quality drivers to support their operations effectively.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.6
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 2
- Revenue: $1,102,000
- Miles driven: 290,105
How Safety Ratings Work in Louisiana
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 Louisiana for Your Shipments
Whether you manage a food, pharmaceutical, or retail operation in Louisiana, 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 Louisiana?
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 Louisiana?
Reefer shipping is commercial transport via refrigerated trucks and trailers that maintain controlled temperatures for products that are sensitive to heat or cold. In Louisiana, 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
