Reefer trucking is essential for California 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, Suddath Moving And Logistics ranks as the leading choice for moving temperature-sensitive freight.
Reefer Shipping Services & Transport in California
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 California. Every California 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 California for your commercial shipping needs.
Suddath Moving And Logistics
2020 South 10th Street, San Jose, CA, 95112- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- General
- Vehicles
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
Suddath Moving And Logistics (DOT: 1038369) is a prominent logistics and transportation company established in 2017, operating primarily in California. Their fleet of 34 vehicles specializes in handling a variety of cargo, including household goods, general freight, and motor vehicles. The company stands out by offering both full and partial truckload services, as well as less-than-truckload (LTL) options, catering to diverse shipment needs.
Suddath Moving And Logistics offers enhanced support for commercial shipments with services such as dry van, flatbed transportation, and box truck options. Despite having a relatively young fleet with an average age of five years, they ensure quality and reliability. The company emphasizes driver safety and provides ongoing training and development programs. With a commitment to maintaining an active and secure operational status, they are a solid choice for businesses seeking a dependable freight partner.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 20
- Revenue: $6,336,000
- Miles driven: 200
Expressway Transport, Inc.
979 Lindberg Ln, Petaluma, CA, 94952- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Expressway Transport, Inc. (DOT: 291362) is a reputable trucking company established in 1976 in California. With a fleet of 6 trucks, they specialize in full truckload and less-than-truckload services. Known for their reefer capabilities, Expressway Transport adeptly handles refrigerated foods, fresh produce, and general freight, ensuring timely and reliable delivery of sensitive and perishable goods.
Expressway offers regional driving opportunities and emphasizes local service, all while ensuring driver welfare through benefits like health, dental, and vision insurance. In addition to their expertise in agricultural and building materials transport, Expressway Transport excels in managing the logistics of intermodal containers, providing efficient solutions for commercial shipments. Despite a compact fleet size, their high safety standards and commitment to driver satisfaction make them a trustworthy partner for business owners in need of reliable shipping services.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.84
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: intrastate non-hazardous
- Drivers: 6
- Revenue: $1,919,000
- Miles driven: 187,060
Nissin International Transport Usa, Inc.
1540 W 190th Street, Torrance, CA, 90501- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- Trash
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Liquids & gases
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
- Oilfield equipment
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
- Cross-border
Nissin International Transport Usa, Inc. (DOT: 434928) is a reputable freight trucking company established in 1973, located in California. They provide a range of trucking services, specializing in full and partial truckloads, dry van, and refrigerated (reefer) transport. Known for their robust capabilities, they effectively handle diverse types of cargo such as fresh produce, meat, beverages, chemicals, and more, ensuring your products reach their destination reliably and safely.
Nissin International extends special support for commercial shipments, prominently through their interstate operations and cross-border service. The company is recognized for its excellent safety record and adherence to high operational standards. With an impressive insurance coverage and a focus on maintaining their fleet, they offer business owners peace of mind with reliable freight transport solutions across a variety of industries.
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: 10
- Revenue: $16,621,000
- Miles driven: 130,000
Total Service Logistics, Inc.
8331 Valdez Avenue, Sacramento, CA, 95828- Fleet age: 4 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Construction equipment
- Trash
- General
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Total Service Logistics, Inc. (DOT: 1080296) is a California-based logistics and transportation company established in 2014. They offer a range of shipping services including full truckload (FTL), less than truckload (LTL), and dry van freight, with specialized capabilities in handling building materials, construction goods, and chemicals. The company maintains an average fleet age of four years and prioritizes safety with no reported crash injuries or fatalities.
Total Service Logistics provides various commercial shipment support services, including refrigerated (reefer) transportation. They ensure reliable service with local, regional, and over-the-road drivers equipped to handle general freight, household goods, and machinery. The company is highly rated across multiple platforms, with a Google rating of 4.5 and an Indeed rating of 4.2. Furthermore, they support employees with benefits such as health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as a retirement plan (401k) and paid time off.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 4.5
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: intrastate non-hazardous
- Drivers: 2
- Revenue: $1,473,000
- Miles driven: 5,000
Quik Pick Express
23610 S Banning BLVD, Carson, CA, 90745- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: N/A
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
Quik Pick Express (DOT: 1189566) is a distinguished trucking company established in 1988, known for its active interstate operations and solid reputation, boasting a Google rating of 4.5. With a fleet of over 98 trucks and traction for fresh food deliveries utilizing reefer trucks, Quik Pick Express adeptly manages a range of cargo such as building materials, paper products, and machinery. Their strong operational capacity is demonstrated by their array of services including parcel delivery, flatbed shipping, and LTL (Less Than Truckload) options, making them a versatile choice for diverse shipping needs.
Quik Pick Express stands out in the industry by prioritizing safety, holding various safety ratings at zero for unsafe driving, driver fitness, and others. While they offer benefits like health insurance and paid time off, they also specialize in handling intermodal containers and general freight. Business owners seeking reliable, comprehensive logistics support will find Quik Pick Express a formidable partner in efficient commercial shipment operations.
Safety
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.95
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 63
- Revenue: $7,225,000
- Miles driven: 858,004
KLF Transport, Inc.
1231 Hartwell Ave, Stockton, CA, 95209- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Dry bulk commodities
- Produce
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
KLF Transport, Inc. (DOT: 2897825) is a dynamic trucking company based in California, with an active status in US DOT. Known for its versatile transportation capabilities, KLF Transport provides services such as refrigerated and dry bulk commodities transport, making it a reliable choice for businesses requiring fresh produce delivery or general freight shipping. Their fleet consists of 25 trucks specializing in reefer, flatbed, and dry van shipments, handling a diverse range of cargo including beverages, meat, paper products, and US mail.
Though a relatively small size company with a fleet of up to 10 trailers, KLF Transport demonstrates a commitment to comprehensive service by offering partial and full truckload options. Their emphasis on safety and well-maintained vehicles fosters reliability. While they excel in commercial freight management, the company stands out for providing team driving opportunities and a high level of customer service, as reflected in strong online ratings.
Safety
- Crashes: 10
- Unsafe driving: 10.63
- Driver fitness: 0.19
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.62
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.63
- Controlled substances: 0.07
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 45
- Revenue: $638,000
- Miles driven: 4,343,175
Deol Bros Express, Inc.
514 Belle Terrace, Bakersfield, CA, 93307- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Coal coke
- Dry bulk commodities
- Produce
- General
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Deol Bros Express, Inc. (DOT: 784547) is a dynamic trucking company active in California, with a commendable safety reputation and a Google rating of 4.5. Specializing in a diverse range of cargo, they efficiently transport beverages, dry bulk commodities, fresh produce, and paper products using their fleet, which is primarily made up of dry vans and flatbeds.
This company excels in providing various services, including full truckload and partial truckload shipping, with the capacity for refrigerated transportation. Although Deol Bros Express does not handle hazardous materials, they ensure smooth commercial shipments with dedicated support, such as guaranteed home time for drivers and satisfactory safety ratings, meeting the needs of business owners seeking reliable and efficient shipping solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.31
- Hours-of-service compliance: 3.65
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.94
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 13
- Revenue: $419,000
- Miles driven: 548,905
Miller Freight & Logistics, Inc.
2368 Avenida Costa Del Sol, San Diego, CA, 92154- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Chemicals
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Lumber
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
Miller Freight & Logistics, Inc. (DOT: 2273855) is a distinguished carrier in the transportation and logistics industry, operating a fleet of 57 trucks with an emphasis on reliability and safety. They excel in handling a diverse range of cargo, including beverages, chemicals, dry bulk commodities, general freight, and logs, poles, beams, and lumber. This indicates a strong versatility in accommodating various commercial shipping needs.
The company offers significant services such as dry van, flatbed, full truckload, and less than truckload (LTL) shipping, catering to different freight shipping requirements. Miller Freight also emphasizes employee wellbeing, providing health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance. Despite a few reported crashes, they maintain an active USDOT status, indicating a commitment to safety and operational standards.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 3.28
- Driver fitness: 0.01
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.08
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.34
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 6
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 48
- Revenue: $17,882,000
- Miles driven: 2,032,069
MHX -, LLC
22707 Wilmington Ave, Carson, CA, 90745- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Metal materials
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Last-mile delivery
MHX -, LLC (DOT: 2958752) is a California-based trucking company known for its strong emphasis on full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) services. MHX boasts a fleet of 94 trucks and specializes in transporting general freight, intermodal containers, building materials, and logs, poles, beams, and lumber. The company offers refrigerated transportation using reefer services, ensuring the safe delivery of temperature-sensitive goods.
While MHX does not provide certain specialty services like hazardous materials, it focuses on general freight with an interstate operation scope. The company places a premium on customer satisfaction, evidenced by a strong Google rating of 4.5. MHX ensures its employees have access to essential benefits like health and dental insurance and paid time off. Despite having experienced some crashes, MHX maintains a proactive approach to safety and vehicle maintenance, reflecting its commitment to reliable service.
Safety
- Crashes: 5
- Unsafe driving: 0.08
- Driver fitness: 0.06
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.57
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 86
- Revenue: $1,848,000
- Miles driven: 2,757,088
MDB Transportation
435 E Weber Ave, Compton, CA, 90222- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- General
- Intermodal containers
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
MDB Transportation (DOT: 1021693) operates as a versatile freight carrier headquartered in California. With a fleet of 43 trucks and 86 total units, the company excels in full truckload and partial truckload services. They particularly handle general freight and intermodal containers, catering to a wide range of cargo needs. Additionally, MDB Transportation offers services that include team driving opportunities, ensuring efficient delivery across their interstate operations.
MDB Transportation provides extensive employee benefits, such as health, dental, vision, and life insurance, along with retirement plans, paid time off, and safety bonuses. While the company has a total of 41 drivers—none of whom specialize in hazardous materials—MDB offers reefer, flatbed, and dry van services, supporting various logistical requirements for commercial shipments. Despite reporting crash injuries, their safety measures demonstrate a commitment to driver well-being and vehicle maintenance.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 0.79
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 1.32
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.91
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 41
- Revenue: $453,000
- Miles driven: 950,002
How Safety Ratings Work in California
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 California for Your Shipments
Whether you manage a food, pharmaceutical, or retail operation in California, 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 California?
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 California?
Reefer shipping is commercial transport via refrigerated trucks and trailers that maintain controlled temperatures for products that are sensitive to heat or cold. In California, 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
