Reefer trucking is essential for Nebraska 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, Schulz Transportation Services, Inc. ranks as the leading choice for moving temperature-sensitive freight.
Reefer Shipping Services & Transport in Nebraska
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 Nebraska. Every Nebraska 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 Nebraska for your commercial shipping needs.
Schulz Transportation Services, Inc.
4301 West Adams St, Lincoln, NE, 68524- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Produce
- General
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Schulz Transportation Services, Inc. (DOT: 205228) has been a reputable name in Nebraska’s transport industry since 2003. With a fleet size of over 80 trucks, they specialize in the transportation of fresh produce, general freight, meat, and refrigerated food. Their services are remarkable for their commitment to full truckload and parcel shipments, guaranteeing the reliable transport of products across state lines.
Schulz Transportation emphasizes a satisfactory safety rating for business owners seeking secure shipping. They offer a well-rounded benefits package including paid time off, health, dental, vision, and disability insurance, along with a retirement plan. The company supports ongoing training and development programs to maintain high standards of service, while their operation covers less-than-truckload (LTL) logistics, dry van capabilities, and last-mile delivery, making them a standout choice for comprehensive commercial shipment solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 2.16
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.11
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.69
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 80
- Revenue: $23,382,000
- Miles driven: 9,155,738
Express Lane, Inc.
4650 Cornhusker Hwy, Lincoln, NE, 68504- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Produce
- General
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
Express Lane, Inc. (DOT: 2109451) is a Nebraska-based transportation carrier specializing in diverse freight services. With a fleet of 25 trucks and 50 trailers, they provide reliable full truckload (FTL) and less than truckload (LTL) services, equipped to handle refrigerated foods, fresh produce, beverages, general freight, paper products, and U.S. mail. The company prioritizes maintaining a modern fleet with an average age of five years, ensuring efficiency and reliability in their operations.
Express Lane, Inc. offers critical support for commercial shipping, including reefer driver expertise and over-the-road (OTR) services. Their focus on safety is notable, balancing competitive driver salaries ranging from $50,000 to $60,000. Despite operating in a challenging industry with reported crashes, they emphasize safety measures and have a respectable Google rating of 4.5. With comprehensive health insurance for employees, Express Lane, Inc. positions itself as a solid partner for businesses seeking dependable freight solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 4.1
- Driver fitness: 0.22
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.85
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.53
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 40
- Miles driven: 2,188,316
Mills Transfer, Inc.
656 Rose St, Lincoln, NE, 68502- Fleet size: 11 to 25
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- General
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
Mills Transfer, Inc. (DOT: 72245) is a reputable trucking carrier based in Nebraska, offering a diverse range of services since its establishment. With a fleet size of 18 vehicles, they specialize in providing full and partial truckloads along with less-than-truckload services. The company’s primary focus is on general freight, utilizing an array of flatbed and dry van trailers to transport such cargo efficiently.
Mills Transfer excels in supporting commercial shipments with team-driving opportunities and dedicated routes to ensure timely deliveries. They emphasize driver incentives like a sign-on bonus, driver referral bonuses, and ongoing training programs. Their commitment to employee welfare is reflected in the comprehensive health coverage, including vision, dental, and disability insurance. Equipped with tankers, they are prepared to handle liquid cargo, and their dedication to service has earned them a Google rating of 4.5, making them a strong choice for business owners seeking reliable freight transportation.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 1.45
- 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: intrastate non-hazardous
- Drivers: 8
- Revenue: $1,949,000
- Miles driven: 175,000
Midwest Express, LLC
2110 E Hwy 30, Grand Island, NE, 68801- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $5,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- General
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Midwest Express, LLC (DOT: 543587) operates an active and well-regarded trucking service in Nebraska. With a fleet of over 50 trucks, they offer a variety of transport solutions including full truckload, partial truckload, and less-than-truckload services. Their specialization extends to the refrigerated transport of perishable goods, handling general freight, meat, and refrigerated foods with a commitment to reliability and efficiency.
Midwest Express stands out for their comprehensive support for commercial shipments. They provide regional trucking options with guaranteed home time for their drivers, enhancing reliability and punctuality. In addition, they offer benefits such as paid time off, health, dental, and vision insurance, making them a preferred choice for both business partners and employees. With a satisfactory safety rating and a dedication to maintaining fleet standards, they ensure that your products are transported safely and effectively.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 0.75
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.02
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.2
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 64
- Revenue: $9,381,000
- Miles driven: 6,470,818
Bless, LLC
955 W Welter Drive, Lincoln, NE, 68522- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Dry bulk commodities
- Produce
- General
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
Bless, LLC (DOT: 1582036) is an active trucking company based in Nebraska, specializing in interstate transportation. With a fleet size of 20 and 10 trucks, they focus on delivering a variety of cargo, including beverages, dry bulk commodities, fresh produce, general freight, meat, paper products, and refrigerated food. Their emphasis on using refrigerated units positions them as a reliable choice for temperature-sensitive goods.
Bless, LLC offers full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) services, catering to different shipment sizes and needs. While they maintain competitive safety scores, they ensure operational efficiency with 10 drivers skilled in handling various freight types. Although they lack team driving opportunities and certain commercial shipment support such as hazmat, their health insurance and paid time off benefits contribute to driver welfare, reflecting their commitment to maintaining a stable workforce.
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 5.73
- Driver fitness: 0.12
- Hours-of-service compliance: 3.27
- Vehicle maintenance: 7.42
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 10
- Miles driven: 1,163,187
Grand Island Express
432 South Stuhr Road, Grand Island, NE, 68801- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Produce
- General
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Conestoga
- Container
- Step deck
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Alcohol-insured
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
Grand Island Express (DOT: 54988) is a renowned 3rd Party Logistics provider in Nebraska with a robust and versatile fleet. They excel in transporting a wide range of cargo including beverages, building materials, fresh produce, meat, paper products, and refrigerated food. Their services are supported by specialized equipment such as reefer trailers and tankers, as well as flatbeds and step decks to handle various types of freight.
Grand Island Express offers exceptional solutions for commercial shipments, including intermodal and cross-border operations. They provide dedicated routes and expedited delivery options, supported by a team of experienced and specialized drivers. Their commitment to professional development through paid CDL training and tuition reimbursement enhances their service quality. With a strong focus on safety and customer satisfaction, Grand Island Express is an ideal choice for business owners seeking reliable and comprehensive transportation services.
Safety
- Crashes: 18
- Unsafe driving: 2.14
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.09
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.23
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 164
- Revenue: $1,986,000
- Miles driven: 17,600,000
Werner Enterprises, Inc.
14507 Frontier Road, Omaha, NE, 68138- Fleet size: 100+ Corp Only
- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $5,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Produce
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Liquids & gases
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Box truck
- Container
- Power only
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
Werner Enterprises, Inc. (DOT: 53467) is a Nebraska-based logistics powerhouse that has been operating since 1956. The company boasts a substantial fleet of over 9,800 trucks and offers an extensive range of services, including hazmat, refrigerated, dry van, and tanker shipments. They specialize in handling diverse cargo types such as beverages, construction materials, chemicals, fresh produce, and machinery, catering to a wide array of industries.
Werner stands out for its commitment to driver support, offering team driving opportunities, expedited services, and dedicated routes. They support their drivers with comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, ongoing training, and generous bonuses. With an active brokerage division and managed transportation solutions, Werner Enterprises efficiently oversees commercial shipments, ensuring reliable delivery across borders and states while maintaining a satisfactory safety rating.
Safety
- Crashes: 845
- Unsafe driving: 1.55
- Driver fitness: 0.03
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.13
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.44
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 16
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 9107
- Revenue: $233,791,000
- Miles driven: 796,000,000
Bosselman Carriers, LLC
3123 W Stolley Park Rd Ste B, Grand Island, NE, 68801- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3-5 years
- Insurance: $6,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- General
- Liquids & gases
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Consolidation
- Alcohol-insured
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
Bosselman Carriers, LLC (DOT: 87305) is a versatile trucking company that operates with a fleet size ranging from 1 to 10 trucks. They provide specialized freight services including transportation of building materials, machinery large objects, motor vehicles, and liquids/gases. Their commitment to safety is exemplified by their satisfactory safety ratings and dedication to ongoing training and development for drivers.
The company distinguishes itself through its robust support for commercial shipments, offering team driving services and flexible scheduling. Notable services include cross-docking, managed transportation, and consolidation. Drivers benefit from generous driver referral bonuses, sign-on bonuses, and guaranteed home time, making Bosselman Carriers a reliable partner for businesses seeking efficient and supported logistical solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.3
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.01
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.33
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 3
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 15
- Revenue: $2,559
- Miles driven: 1,766,093
Lincoln Trucking Lightning Division, Inc.
2100 Yolande, Lincoln, NE, 68521- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Dry bulk commodities
- Produce
- General
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
Lincoln Trucking Lightning Division, Inc. (DOT: 1823932) stands out in Nebraska’s trucking industry with its active operational status and satisfactory safety rating. With a fleet of over 40 trucks and connections to about 20 drivers, they provide a robust transport solution. Specializing in an array of cargo types, they primarily carry beverages, refrigerated foods, fresh produce, and metal raw materials, giving businesses a versatile shipping option.
Their services are tailored to meet diverse commercial needs, offering full and partial truckloads, as well as expedited team driver options. Backed by impressive reviews on platforms like Indeed and Glassdoor, Lincoln Trucking supports its workforce with health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits. Additionally, they have a commitment to new driver programs and paid CDL training, ensuring quality and reliability in both service and safety.
Safety
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 1.73
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 1.62
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.5
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 20
- Revenue: $6,820,000
- Miles driven: 2,014,554
Chief Carriers, Inc.
2405 South North Rd, Grand Island, NE, 68803- Fleet size: 50-99 Corp Only
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- General
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Container
- Step deck
- Lowboy
- Oversized
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Alcohol-insured
- Cross-docking
Chief Carriers, Inc. (DOT: 54985) is a dynamic trucking company with a solid base in Nebraska, known for its satisfactory safety rating and dedicated service offerings primarily in interstate operations. With a diverse fleet of 76 trucks and a total fleet size of 152, the company specializes in transporting a variety of cargo including building materials, large machinery, metal sheets, and oversized items, emphasizing its capability to handle challenging shipments.
Chief Carriers provides a robust range of services such as flatbed, reefer, dry van, and tanker transport, while also offering cross-border shipping capabilities. They support commercial shipments with unique offerings like guaranteed home time, direct deposit, and comprehensive employee benefits including health, dental, vision, and life insurance. The company fosters driver satisfaction through bonuses, flexible scheduling, and ongoing training programs, ensuring reliability and quality in their logistics services.
Safety
- Crashes: 8
- Unsafe driving: 1.86
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.16
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.83
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 70
- Revenue: $18,761
- Miles driven: 6,297,796
How Safety Ratings Work in Nebraska
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 Nebraska for Your Shipments
Whether you manage a food, pharmaceutical, or retail operation in Nebraska, 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 Nebraska?
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 Nebraska?
Reefer shipping is commercial transport via refrigerated trucks and trailers that maintain controlled temperatures for products that are sensitive to heat or cold. In Nebraska, 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
