Reefer trucking is essential for Maryland 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, Cowan Transport Services, LLC ranks as the leading choice for moving temperature-sensitive freight.
Reefer Shipping Services & Transport in Maryland
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 Maryland. Every Maryland 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 Maryland for your commercial shipping needs.
Cowan Transport Services, LLC
4555 Hollins Ferry Road, Baltimore, MD, 21227- Fleet size: 100+ Corp Only
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Intermodal containers
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
Cowan Transport Services, LLC (DOT: 917652) is an active and reliable freight trucking company operational since 1994 in Maryland. The company specializes in intermodal containers and dry van shipments, boasting a modern fleet of over 85 trucks. Cowan excels in full and partial truckload services, ensuring flexibility and efficiency for various commercial cargo needs, with a keen emphasis on team driving opportunities.
In addition to its robust service offerings, Cowan Transport Services provides comprehensive support for commercial shipments, including satisfactory safety ratings and ongoing training and development programs for drivers. Business owners will appreciate Cowan’s employee benefits, such as health, dental, life, and vision insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, and paid time off, reinforcing its reputation as a reputable and customer-focused carrier. The company is noted for maintaining a consistent safety record and placing a strong emphasis on employee well-being.
Safety
- Crashes: 5
- Unsafe driving: 0.14
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.22
- Vehicle maintenance: 6.89
- Controlled substances: 0.02
- Hazardous materials violations: 1
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 64
- Revenue: $65,546,000
- Miles driven: 4,250,000
T Neal & Sons, LLC
1203 Schaffer Dr, Frederick, MD, 21702- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- Trash
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
T Neal & Sons, LLC (DOT: 1700524) is a Maryland-based freight trucking company known for its impressive range of services and stellar reputation. Specializing in full truckload and less than truckload transport, the company efficiently handles diverse cargo types, including fresh produce, refrigerated foods, general freight, and building materials. T Neal & Sons ensures seamless interstate operations, carrying goods like machinery, metal sheets, and utility supplies.
The company emphasizes reliability and safety, boasting a robust glassdoor rating of 3.5 and a well-maintained fleet with an average age of just five years. Employing three experienced drivers, T Neal & Sons provides local driving services supported by health and dental insurance benefits for their team. With a focus on dry van and flatbed services, and leveraging modern dry bulk and reefer technologies, they aim to deliver customer satisfaction through effective transportation solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 12.3
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 3
- Miles driven: 285,063
Enidan Enterprises, LLC
9123 Old Annapolis Road Ste 311, Columbia, MD, 21045- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- General
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Enidan Enterprises, LLC (DOT: 1641249) has been an active trucking company since 2019, based in Maryland. They operate a fleet of up to 72 trucks, primarily focused on general freight and U.S. mail transport. Enidan specializes in full truckload and less-than-truckload services, catering to businesses that require efficient and reliable freight solutions. Their fleet’s average age is three years, emphasizing modern equipment for better service.
Enidan Enterprises offers several benefits to its drivers, including health, dental, and direct deposit options, while maintaining high safety and customer service standards, as reflected by their reputable Google rating of 4.5. They do not currently provide hazardous materials transport but have a well-established interstate operation. Notably, Enidan is equipped with dry vans, flatbeds, and reefer units, making them suitable for various commercial shipments needing stable and protected transit conditions.
Safety
- Crashes: 9
- Unsafe driving: 0.57
- Driver fitness: 0.1
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.83
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 90
- Revenue: $2,381,000
- Miles driven: 2,998,742
JAG Transport, Inc.
1700 S Newkirk St, Baltimore, MD, 21224- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Metal materials
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
JAG Transport, Inc. (DOT: 1381861) is an active trucking company situated in Maryland, with a specialization in transporting a variety of cargo, such as intermodal containers, logs, poles, beams, lumber, and metal sheets, coils, and rolls. JAG Transport operates with a fleet size of 1 to 10 trucks and caters to both full and partial truckload shipments.
The company offers dry van and flatbed services, ensuring flexibility in shipping options. JAG Transport provides supportive amenities for commercial shipments, including guaranteed home time and health benefits like dental, vision, and disability insurance. This focus on comprehensive support makes them a favorable choice for businesses seeking reliable and diverse freight transportation solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 1.14
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 6.62
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: intrastate non-hazardous
- Drivers: 20
- Revenue: $232,000
- Miles driven: 175,000
Consolidated Commercial Services, LLC
57 Randolph Rd Ste 210, Silver Spring, MD, 20904- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Trash
- General
- Liquids & gases
- Machinery & large objects
- Vehicles
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
- Consolidation
Consolidated Commercial Services, LLC (DOT: 1824981) has been a reliable trucking company since 1993, serving Maryland and beyond with interstate operations. With a fleet of 108 vehicles, they specialize in handling a variety of cargo types, including building materials, machinery, liquids/gases, and general freight. Known for their flexibility in offering full and partial truckload services, they also support less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments and are equipped with reefer trucks for temperature-sensitive goods.
The company places a strong emphasis on employee satisfaction, offering benefits like health, dental, and vision insurance, along with a retirement plan. They provide paid time off and guarantee home time for drivers, making them an attractive option for those seeking steady employment. With a commitment to safety and customer satisfaction, Consolidated Commercial Services ensures efficient and reliable deliveries tailored to meet diverse shipping needs.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.7
- Driver fitness: 0.5
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 11.18
- Controlled substances: 0.35
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 29
- Revenue: $7,952,000
- Miles driven: 700,000
Childs Express, Inc.
945 East 30th Street, Baltimore, MD, 21218- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- General
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Childs Express, Inc. (DOT: 482441) is a historic trucking company, established in 1891, operating in Maryland. Known for its versatility, the company specializes in transporting general freight, household goods, and other cargo. Childs Express, Inc. provides critical trucking services such as full truckload (FTL), less-than-truckload (LTL), and parcel delivery, catering to a diverse array of businesses needing reliable transportation solutions.
Offering regional and local driving services, the company maintains a fleet of 7 trucks, equipped with dry vans and flatbeds to ensure the efficient shipment of goods. Safety is a priority with a noted absence of crash injuries and fatalities. Employers provide health, dental, and vision insurance to support driver welfare. With a solid reputation bolstered by consistently high ratings, Childs Express, Inc. is a dependable partner for commercial shipments seeking flexible trucking services.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 4.8
- Driver fitness: 0.91
- Hours-of-service compliance: 1.21
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.95
- Controlled substances: 2.17
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 6
- Revenue: $2,544,000
- Miles driven: 200,000
Rennie & Clark, Inc.
810 Crain Hwy, Glen Burnie, MD, 21061- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Machinery & large objects
- Vehicles
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
Rennie & Clark, Inc. (DOT: 222804) is a noteworthy trucking company based in Maryland with a fleet size of up to 32 vehicles. Renowned for providing reliable interstate transportation services, they specialize in handling motor vehicles and large machinery. Their offerings include full truckload services, flatbed hauling, and driveaway/towaway solutions, catering to various commercial needs with a flexible yet robust operational model.
While small in scale, Rennie & Clark, Inc. maintains a satisfactory safety performance record with zero crash injuries and fatalities. They focus on dry van and refrigerated shipments, with specific support for reefer and flatbed drivers. Despite not offering team driving or owner-operator options, they ensure consistent service quality. Their dedication to safe and effective freight management makes them a preferred partner for businesses seeking dependable logistics 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: 4
- Revenue: $810,000
- Miles driven: 75,000
Broadway Transport Services
3709 E Monument St, Baltimore, MD, 21205- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- General
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Broadway Transport Services (DOT: 666443) is a Maryland-based trucking company that has been operating since 1982. Specializing in general freight, they offer full and less-than-truckload services, supported by a fleet that includes dry vans and flatbed trailers. Their operation is primarily interstate, catering to commercial clients with a focus on reliability and safety, as evidenced by their satisfactory safety record and active authority status.
Broadway Transport Services provides additional support through benefits like health, dental, and vision insurance, alongside guaranteed home time and direct deposit. Their team driving service and new driver program make them attractive for both experienced and aspiring drivers. With a Google rating of 4.5, Broadway demonstrates a commitment to service and customer satisfaction, making them a viable choice for business owners in need of transportation solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.42
- Driver fitness: 0.26
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.69
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 54
- Revenue: $2,146,000
- Miles driven: 357,008
J.R. Collins, Inc.Orporated
6315 West Vein Rd, Bowie, MD, 20720- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Dry bulk commodities
- Produce
- General
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
J.R. Collins, Incorporated (DOT: 838937) is a highly rated trucking company operating in Maryland, specializing in comprehensive transportation services. With a focus on refrigerated and dry van freight, they efficiently manage commodities including fresh produce, beverages, meat, and general freight. Their services extend across interstate operations, embracing partial and full truckloads, as well as less-than-truckload (LTL) options, ensuring flexibility for their clients.
Businesses opting for J.R. Collins benefit from the company’s commitment to professionalism and safety, as evidenced by their excellent safety record with no reported crash-related injuries or fatalities. Dedicated to enhancing efficiency and trust, they offer competitive perks like health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans. Their company ethos emphasizes reliable delivery and customer satisfaction, making J.R. Collins an ideal partner for businesses seeking dependable transportation 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: 2
- Revenue: $199,000
- Miles driven: 106,669
RSC Transportation, LLC
125 Earls Road, Baltimore, MD, 21220- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Livestock feed
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
RSC Transportation, LLC (DOT: 1504488) is a Maryland-based trucking company, excelling in the transportation of general freight and dry bulk commodities. They are renowned for offering flexible shipping solutions, including dry van, flatbed, and tanker services. RSC specializes in transporting a variety of cargo such as beverages, building materials, construction supplies, grain, feed, hay, and paper products.
In addition to these core services, RSC Transportation provides competitive benefits like team-driving opportunities, paid CDL training, and a supportive work environment with health, dental, and vision insurance coverage. The company also values safety, offering safety bonuses and ongoing training programs. With a focus on reliable delivery and commercial shipping support, they aim to be the go-to choice for businesses seeking efficient transportation services. Despite having a small fleet, their commitment to quality service and customer satisfaction is evident in their positive market reputation.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 1.07
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.4
- Vehicle maintenance: 6.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 2
- Miles driven: 276,450
How Safety Ratings Work in Maryland
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 Maryland for Your Shipments
Whether you manage a food, pharmaceutical, or retail operation in Maryland, 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 Maryland?
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 Maryland?
Reefer shipping is commercial transport via refrigerated trucks and trailers that maintain controlled temperatures for products that are sensitive to heat or cold. In Maryland, 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
