Reefer trucking is essential for Montana 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, K & K Trucking Montana, LLC ranks as the leading choice for moving temperature-sensitive freight.
Reefer Shipping Services & Transport in Montana
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 Montana. Every Montana 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 Montana for your commercial shipping needs.
K & K Trucking Montana, LLC
5100 49th St Sw, Great Falls, MT, 59404- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Dry bulk commodities
- Produce
- General
- Livestock feed
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
K & K Trucking Montana, LLC (DOT: 3762743) is a reputable trucking company founded in 1979, specializing in diverse cargo transport across state lines. They offer full and partial truckload services, leveraging their fleet to handle a wide range of freight types, including general freight, refrigerated foods, beverages, building materials, grain, feed, hay, dry bulk commodities, meat, and paper products.
Renowned for their reliable reefer services, K & K Trucking Montana ensures products stay fresh during transit. Though the company has experienced one crash injury, they maintain a fleet size of 89 trucks with moderate safety records, demonstrated by a 0.84 unsafe driving score. K & K Trucking Montana provides essential insurance coverage, including dental, vision, and life insurance, and offers paid time off, reflecting their commitment to employee welfare. While focusing on general freight, they do not engage in hazardous materials transport, ensuring focused and specialized service.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.84
- Driver fitness: 0.12
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.27
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.64
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 26
- Revenue: $1,468,000
- Miles driven: 2,511,000
Petersen, Inc.
1700 Hudson Street, Missoula, MT, 59808- Fleet size: 11 to 25
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Machinery & large objects
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
Petersen, Inc. (DOT: 212003) is a commendable trucking company based in Montana, established in 2005. Specializing in full truckload (FTL) services, they adeptly transport machinery and large objects. Catering predominantly to regional and over-the-road (OTR) driving, Petersen, Inc. showcases a strong focus on efficiency and reliability. They operate using a fleet of 4 trucks, maintaining a satisfactory safety rating alongside a moderate Google rating of 4.5.
Petersen, Inc. also provides less-than-truckload (LTL) services, further highlighting their versatility in freight logistics. The company emphasizes driver well-being by offering comprehensive health benefits, including dental, vision, and life insurance, alongside a retirement 401(k) plan. With a clear focus on professionalism and safety, the company is well-suited to handle commercial shipments with precision and care.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.8
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 3
- Revenue: $1,116,000
- Miles driven: 20,000
Taylors Transportation, LLC
409 14th St Sw, Great Falls, MT, 59404- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- General
- Machinery & large objects
- Vehicles
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
Taylors Transportation, LLC (DOT: 1456112) is an experienced trucking company founded in 1980, based in Montana, and offering diverse shipping solutions. They are involved primarily in transporting building materials, machinery, general freight, and motor vehicles, using a fleet that includes flatbed and dry van trailers. Their operation spans across various states, highlighting their capacity for interstate transport. The company’s reputation is supported by a 4.5-star Google rating.
Taylors Transportation provides full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) services, catering to both large and small shipments. While they do not handle hazardous materials, their reefer trailers and driveaway/towaway options offer versatility for different shipping needs. Health and dental insurance, along with paid time off, enhance employee support, underlining their commitment to maintaining a professional and reliable workforce. Despite a record of a minor crash incident, their safety rating remains satisfactory.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 2.29
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.61
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 24
- Revenue: $1,341,000
- Miles driven: 2,974,400
D & J Livestock Trucking, Inc.
729 Vaughn Frontage Rd, Great Falls, MT, 59404- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Livestock feed
- Livestock
Truck Types
- Reefer
D & J Livestock Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 53541) specializes in livestock transportation, efficiently moving grain, feed, hay, and livestock across interstate lines. With a fleet size of 1 to 10 vehicles, the company is focused on providing tailored services for agricultural cargo, ensuring a reliable and specialized transportation experience.
D & J Livestock Trucking is noted for its satisfactory safety rating, offering support for specialized reefer drivers. While the company does not provide many additional driver benefits or services, their emphasis on the safe and effective transport of livestock and related goods stands out. Despite their modest size, they have maintained a good safety record, with no reported crash injuries or fatalities, showcasing their commitment to safety and reliability in the trucking industry.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 1.76
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 13.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 5
- Revenue: $494,000
- Miles driven: 542,120
Montana Transfer
209 Commerce St, Missoula, MT, 59808- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- General
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Montana Transfer (DOT: 514197) is a Montana-based trucking company that has been active since 1982. The company specializes in general freight and household goods, leveraging their well-maintained fleet that includes dry vans and flatbed trailers. They offer a range of services, including full truckload and less-than-truckload options, catering to various shipping needs.
Montana Transfer is committed to quality logistics support with regional and local drivers ready to deliver. Despite a moderately small fleet size, they ensure reliability and safety, boasting a satisfactory safety rating. The company values its workforce by providing benefits such as health, dental, life, and disability insurance. With a reputation for efficiency and customer satisfaction, Montana Transfer is a solid choice for businesses seeking dependable transportation solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 1.42
- Vehicle maintenance: 13.2
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 8
- Revenue: $1,604,000
- Miles driven: 80,000
Jones Bros Trucking
6681 Commercial Lane, Missoula, MT, 59808- Fleet size: 11 to 25
- Fleet age: 2.5 Years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
- Oilfield equipment
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Auto carrier
- Conestoga
- Container
- Step deck
- Hopper bottom
- Lowboy
- Oversized
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- Hot shot
- B-train semi
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Alcohol-insured
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
Jones Bros Trucking (DOT: 205056) has been a staple in Montana’s trucking industry since 1977. The company provides comprehensive freight services with a fleet that includes modern flatbeds, tankers, and dry vans, specializing in flatbed shipping. They handle a wide range of cargo, from agricultural and farm supplies to oilfield equipment and oversized items, showcasing their versatility in commercial shipping.
Jones Bros offers notable support for commercial shipments, such as intermodal and drayage services, with cross-border capabilities and consolidation options. They maintain a focus on safety with programs like ongoing training and safety bonuses for drivers. Benefits for employees include health insurance, paid CDL training, and direct deposit, emphasizing their commitment to employee satisfaction. Businesses can rely on their dedicated and regional drivers for reliable and efficient transportation solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.63
- Driver fitness: 0.12
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.14
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.19
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 66
- Revenue: $2,869,000
- Miles driven: 6,185,564
DSV Road Transport, Inc.
7211 Two Smokes Way, Missoula, MT, 59808- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $5,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Liquids & gases
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Oilfield equipment
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Box truck
- Container
- Pneumatic
- Power only
- Tanker
- Hot shot
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
DSV Road Transport, Inc. (DOT: 30161) is an established global transport and logistics carrier and broker operation based in Montana, founded in 1962. With a fleet of over 336 trucks and 672 total fleet units, DSV provides services across a wide range of cargo types, including agricultural supplies, building materials, chemicals, and general freight. The company emphasizes safety with a satisfactory rating and low violation scores, and they notably handle hazardous materials and offer power-only trucking services for commercial shipments.
DSV offers specialized support through various dedicated services, including regional driving and hot shot deliveries. They support refrigerated transportation (reefer) and cross-docking, which can significantly enhance supply chain efficiency. The company offers a range of employee benefits such as health, dental, and vision insurance, alongside a retirement plan. With managed transportation solutions, DSV is well-regarded for its logistical efficiency, making it a reliable partner for businesses needing robust shipping support.
Safety
- Crashes: 12
- Unsafe driving: 1.6
- Driver fitness: 0.02
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.49
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.35
- Controlled substances: 0.02
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 238
- Revenue: $9,562,000
- Miles driven: 23,800,000
Warren Transport, Inc.
2348 North Frontage Road, Billings, MT, 59101- Fleet size: 50-99 Corp Only
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Coal coke
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Liquids & gases
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Oilfield equipment
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Container
- Oversized
- Power only
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
Warren Transport, Inc. (DOT: 596934) is a versatile Montana-based trucking company specializing in a wide range of cargo, offering services that cater to the diverse needs of business owners. They handle a variety of loads including agricultural and farm supplies, building materials, dry bulk commodities, construction materials, intermodal containers, and machinery. With a substantial fleet size of 76 trucks and 152 vehicles, they focus on providing efficient transport solutions, ensuring timely and reliable deliveries.
The company provides specialized services in handling hazardous materials, large objects, and oversized loads, supported by a strong infrastructure that includes flatbed and tanker trucks. Warren Transport is committed to maintaining high safety standards and offers attractive benefits to its drivers, such as guaranteed home time, flexible scheduling, health insurance, and ongoing training programs. Their reputation for managing comprehensive transportation services makes them a robust choice for businesses seeking dependable freight solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 5
- Unsafe driving: 0.35
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.02
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 65
- Revenue: $7,301,000
- Miles driven: 4,625,214
Dick Irvin, Inc.
475 Wilson Avenue, Shelby, MT, 59474- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Coal coke
- Dry bulk commodities
- Livestock feed
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Oilfield equipment
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Auto carrier
- Container
- Step deck
- Lowboy
- Oversized
- Power only
- Dump trailer
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
Dick Irvin, Inc. (DOT: 30115) is a versatile trucking company operating in Montana. They cater to a wide range of cargo needs, including building materials, coal, dry bulk commodities, and large machinery. The company excels in providing specialized services, such as offering reefer drivers and handling oversized loads, ensuring flexibility in meeting transport needs.
Dick Irvin, Inc. is notable for its commitment to supporting commercial shipments with advanced features like cross-docking, dry van transportation, and a robust container service. The company prioritizes driver benefits, offering health insurance, tuition reimbursement, and favorable scheduling practices. With a satisfactory safety rating and ongoing training programs, they maintain a strong emphasis on safety and development, making them a reliable partner for businesses seeking efficient and secure transportation solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 0.13
- Driver fitness: 0.24
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.34
- Vehicle maintenance: 6.34
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 1
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 60
- Revenue: $279,000
- Miles driven: 4,631,271
Diversified Transfer & Storage, Inc.
1640 Monad Rd, Billings, MT, 59101- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Produce
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Machinery & large objects
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Box truck
- Container
- Sprinter van
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Hazardous materials
Diversified Transfer & Storage, Inc. (DOT: 357293) is a prominent trucking company based in Montana, established in 1988. With a satisfactory safety rating, the company specializes in refrigerated and frozen trucking transportation. Offering comprehensive services, Diversified Transport & Storage caters to a variety of cargo, including fresh produce, beverages, chemicals, meat, and intermodal containers, leveraging a fleet size of 160 total power units.
Diversified Transfer & Storage provides extensive support for commercial shipments, including hazmat transport services, direct deposit, and flexible scheduling. Their emphasis on safety and training is evident, boasting specialized drivers, guaranteed home time, ongoing training programs, and team driving opportunities. The company’s commitment to driver satisfaction is highlighted by benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and pay advances. This ensures reliability and high-quality service for business owners seeking dependable transportation solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 0.75
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.28
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.14
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 84
- Revenue: $905,000
- Miles driven: 9,252,691
How Safety Ratings Work in Montana
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 Montana for Your Shipments
Whether you manage a food, pharmaceutical, or retail operation in Montana, 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 Montana?
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 Montana?
Reefer shipping is commercial transport via refrigerated trucks and trailers that maintain controlled temperatures for products that are sensitive to heat or cold. In Montana, 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
