Reefer trucking is essential for Minnesota 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, Atlas Specialized Transport, Inc. ranks as the leading choice for moving temperature-sensitive freight.
Reefer Shipping Services & Transport in Minnesota
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 Minnesota. Every Minnesota 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 Minnesota for your commercial shipping needs.
Atlas Specialized Transport, Inc.
8425 213th Street West, Lakeville, MN, 55044- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
Atlas Specialized Transport, Inc. (DOT: 386122) is a dynamic freight carrier operating across interstate routes, offering comprehensive trucking solutions from its base in Minnesota. Established with a fleet size of 32, including 16 trucks, the company specializes in handling intermodal containers, building materials, logs, poles, beams, lumber, machinery, and large objects. Their efficient service is supported by flatbed and dry van transportation, providing tailored and reliable full truckload (FTL) and less than truckload (LTL) options for diverse shipping needs.
The company prioritizes safety, holding a Satisfactory safety rating, and boasts advanced fleet maintenance practices. In addition to logistical services, Atlas Specialized Transport offers attractive employee benefits like health, dental, and life insurance, a retirement 401(k) plan, and paid time off—fostering a committed workforce. Atlas is well-suited for businesses seeking dependable partners for their commercial shipments, backed by their notable Google rating of 4.5.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 3.31
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.94
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 16
- Revenue: $1,293,000
- Miles driven: 1,059,528
O.N. Time Delivery Service, Inc.
1050 W 94th Street, Bloomington, MN, 55420- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- General
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
O.N. Time Delivery Service, Inc. (DOT: 912165) is a reputable trucking company based in Minnesota, known for its dedication to efficient transport and customer satisfaction. Specializing in general freight, they offer comprehensive shipping solutions, including full truckload (FTL), less than truckload (LTL), and partial truckload services. The company’s fleet includes dry vans and box trucks, enabling the transportation of a wide range of cargo efficiently and reliably.
O.N. Time Delivery Service stands out with its commitment to employee well-being, offering benefits such as health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as a retirement plan. Despite a modest fleet of 33 trucks and 28 drivers, they maintain a satisfactory safety rating and prioritize ongoing training development programs. The company also provides drop trailer services and ensures adherence to compliance and safety standards, making it a dependable choice for business owners seeking reliable shipping partners.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 1.15
- Driver fitness: 0.04
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.1
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.5
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 28
- Revenue: $3,574,000
- Miles driven: 1,535,000
Daily Transportation
3464 Washington Drive #125, Eagan, MN, 55122- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- General
- Livestock feed
- Lumber
- Meat
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Daily Transportation (DOT: 1209875) is an active carrier in Minnesota with a satisfactory safety rating. They excel in providing flexible trucking solutions, offering both full and partial truckload services, together with refrigerated transportation options, making them suitable for sensitive cargo. Daily Transportation is well-equipped to handle a diverse range of shipments, including agricultural goods, beverages, building materials, and fresh produce.
The company stands out due to its commitment to team driving opportunities and ongoing training and development programs for drivers. While boasting a commendable reputation with high ratings on job review platforms, Daily Transportation also supports its workforce with benefits like health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, and a retirement plan. The fleet, though relatively small, is modern, with an average age of three years, ensuring reliability and efficiency for commercial shippers seeking dependable transportation services.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.33
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 7
- Miles driven: 600,000
Minstar Transport, Inc.
837 Apollo Rd, Eagan, MN, 55121- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- General
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Minstar Transport, Inc. (DOT: 1759560) is a reputable trucking company, established in 2008 and operating out of Minnesota. The company manages a fleet of 95 trucks catering to a wide array of transportation needs, with their services primarily focused on general freight. Minstar is particularly adept at providing full truckload and less-than-truckload options, supported by a modern fleet with an average age of 5 years. Their operations are marked by satisfactory safety ratings and robust health benefits for their drivers, contributing to a relatively stable workforce.
Specializing in both dry van and flatbed services, Minstar Transport supports a diverse range of commercial shipments. While not offering specific handling for hazardous materials, they cover a broad spectrum of freight requirements, including expedited, local, and regional deliveries. Business owners can benefit from their consistent service despite their history of crashes, as they emphasize safety and driver fitness with commendable management practices, all aligning with an active interstate carrier operation.
Safety
- Crashes: 11
- Unsafe driving: 1.36
- Driver fitness: 0.07
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.29
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.9
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 95
- Revenue: $2,802,000
- Miles driven: 16,000,000
Mirman Freight
17117 Stodola Rd, Minnetonka, MN, 55345- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
Mirman Freight (DOT: 1295461) operates as a dynamic and adaptable freight trucking company based in Minnesota. It utilizes a diverse fleet, including dry vans and flatbeds, to deliver efficient shipping solutions. While their precise founding year is undocumented, Mirman Freight remains active in the industry, offering an array of services such as partial and full truckload shipping, along with less-than-truckload options. Despite their moderate fleet size, they maintain a reliable service offering, backed by positive customer and employee feedback on platforms such as Indeed and Glassdoor.
In addition to their core offerings, Mirman Freight supports expedited and local deliveries, making them a versatile choice for different business needs. They prioritize employee well-being with benefits like health, dental, and life insurance, paid time off, and competitive driver salaries. While they don’t handle hazardous materials, their commitment to safety is evident through a clean record in recent years, with no reported crashes, injuries, or fatalities.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 3.66
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 8.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 2
- Miles driven: 30,000
Premier Transportation, Inc.Orporated
999 American BLVD East, Minneapolis, MN, 55420- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $1,500,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Tanker
Premier Transportation Incorporated (DOT: 529822) is a Minnesota-based trucking company established in 1988. Operating a fleet with an average age of 2 years, the company specializes in services such as flatbed and dry van transportation, as well as full and partial truckload shipping. Despite its moderate size, with 26 buses and a total fleet size of 52 vehicles, Premier Transportation emphasizes interstate operations, with a satisfactory safety rating.
The company offers competitive benefits such as paid time off, health, dental, vision, and disability insurance, alongside a retirement plan. They also provide ongoing training and development programs to their drivers, ensuring skill enhancement and safety. Premier Transportation specializes in transporting passengers and offers a unique service in tanker transportation. With a satisfactory safety and maintenance record, the company stands out as a reliable partner for commercial shipments requiring specialized 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: 36
- Revenue: $5,713,000
- Miles driven: 160,000
Lawrence Transportation Company
1515 Industrial Dr Nw, Rochester, MN, 55901- Fleet size: 50-99 Corp Only
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- General
- Refrigerated food
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Lawrence Transportation Company (DOT: 124408) has been a prominent player in the Minnesota trucking industry since 1957. With a fleet size of 202 and over 99 drivers, the company specializes in full truckload and less-than-truckload services. They are particularly adept at handling refrigerated foods and general freight, utilizing both dry van and flatbed trailers. This versatility allows them to cater to a diverse range of cargo needs.
Lawrence Transportation Company is committed to safety and driver well-being, as demonstrated by their satisfactory safety rating and strong emphasis on health benefits, including dental and life insurance. They offer ongoing training and development programs, ensuring that their drivers are well-equipped for commercial shipments. Additionally, with competitive driver salaries and bonuses, such as sign-on and referral bonuses, the company underscores its focus on employee satisfaction and retention.
Safety
- Crashes: 6
- Unsafe driving: 2.4
- Driver fitness: 0.07
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.13
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.36
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 99
- Revenue: $24,922,000
- Miles driven: 9,028,786
S.B. Transportation, Inc.
3411 Larchwood Drive, Minnetonka, MN, 55345- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- General
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
S.B. Transportation, Inc. (DOT: 1393416) is a trusted trucking company in Minnesota, actively contributing to the transportation industry with over 6,900 days of service. Specializing in hauling General Freight, they offer essential trucking solutions out of a total fleet size of two, including dry van and flatbed services. Their commitment to quality is reflected in their excellent Google rating of 4.5, indicating a high level of customer satisfaction.
Operating interstate, S.B. Transportation provides convenient shipping options with their full-truckload and less-than-truckload services. Catering to businesses that require reliable logistics, they prioritize safety and maintain a clean record, reporting zero crash injuries or fatalities. Offering paid time off and health insurance, they focus on providing valuable employee benefits to their drivers. Ideal for business owners seeking dependable transportation solutions, S.B. Transportation is an asset for those looking to smoothly ship products across state lines.
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: 100,000
Green Horizons, Inc.
12201 River Ridge BLVD, Burnsville, MN, 55337- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- General
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Green Horizons, Inc. (DOT: 1106798) is a reputable trucking company established in 1988 in Minnesota. They specialize in full truckload (FTL), less than truckload (LTL), and dry van shipping, accommodating general freight and various other cargo types. With an active interstate carrier operation, Green Horizons provides reliable service with a moderate safety rating, ensuring efficiency across a fleet of 38 trucks.
This company is notable for its commitment to drivers’ welfare, offering benefits such as health, dental, and vision insurance, along with a retirement plan (401k) and paid time off. Despite not handling hazardous materials or refrigerated foods, Green Horizons maintains a fleet that includes flatbed and reefer trucks, catering to diverse shipping needs. Cargo types range widely, making them a versatile choice for businesses in need of dependable transportation solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 1.93
- Driver fitness: 0.89
- Hours-of-service compliance: 2.24
- Vehicle maintenance: 12.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 30
- Revenue: $6,542,000
- Miles driven: 350,000
Logix Transportation, Inc.
3720 Macalster Dr Ne, Minneapolis, MN, 55421- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- General
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Logix Transportation, Inc. (DOT: 939909) is a reputable trucking and logistics company established in 2001, based in Minnesota. With a fleet size categorized between “20 to 49” vehicles, they offer a range of services, including full truckload (FTL), partial truckload (PTL), and less-than-truckload (LTL) options. They are particularly skilled in handling general freight and household goods.
Logix Transportation emphasizes safety, holding a satisfactory safety rating, and supports their drivers with benefits like sign-on bonuses, health insurance, and retirement plans. They also provide guaranteed home time for drivers, fostering a balanced work-life environment. The company includes team driving opportunities and maintains a young fleet with an average age of three years.
Safety
- Crashes: 6
- Unsafe driving: 1.66
- Driver fitness: 0.03
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.32
- Vehicle maintenance: 6.61
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 97
- Revenue: $1,629,000
- Miles driven: 8,575,605
How Safety Ratings Work in Minnesota
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 Minnesota for Your Shipments
Whether you manage a food, pharmaceutical, or retail operation in Minnesota, 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 Minnesota?
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 Minnesota?
Reefer shipping is commercial transport via refrigerated trucks and trailers that maintain controlled temperatures for products that are sensitive to heat or cold. In Minnesota, 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