Reefer trucking is essential for Ohio 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, Woodruff Enterprises, Inc. ranks as the leading choice for moving temperature-sensitive freight.
Reefer Shipping Services & Transport in Ohio
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 Ohio. Every Ohio 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 Ohio for your commercial shipping needs.
Woodruff Enterprises, Inc.
4951 Gateway BLVD, Springfield, OH, 45502- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Produce
- Trash
- General
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Woodruff Enterprises, Inc. (DOT: 630649) is a dynamic trucking company based in Ohio. With a fleet of over 80 vehicles, they excel in services such as full truckload, less-than-truckload, and partial truckload shipping. They are renowned for their efficient handling of various cargo types, including beverages, fresh produce, meat, paper products, general freight, refrigerated foods, and garbage/refuse. The company’s standing is backed by a Google rating of 4.5 and an Indeed rating of 4.0, reflecting strong client and employee satisfaction.
Woodruff Enterprises emphasizes interstate operations, boasting a satisfactory safety rating. They offer regional drivers and reefer services, with a commitment to health and safety through comprehensive insurance coverage, including health, dental, vision, and disability insurance. The enterprise is dedicated to employee welfare, featuring benefits like paid time off and retirement plans. Their focus on refrigerated food and general freight highlights their expertise in commercial shipments.
Safety
- Crashes: 5
- Unsafe driving: 1.22
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.25
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.6
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 41
- Revenue: $21,861,000
- Miles driven: 4,059,222
Direct X
2841 Colerain Ave, Cincinnati, OH, 45225- Fleet size: 11 to 25
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Machinery & large objects
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Auto carrier
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
Direct X (DOT: 673379) is a reputable trucking company that operates throughout Ohio. Specializing in a range of services including Less-Than-Truckload (LTL), Full Truckload (FTL), and partial truckload shipping, Direct X efficiently handles various types of cargo such as building materials, machinery, commodities, and paper products. Their fleet comprises modern vehicles, including flatbeds and tankers, ensuring versatility and reliability in transportation.
Direct X offers beneficial support for commercial shipments, such as guaranteed home time for drivers, and a robust benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as a 401(k) retirement plan. They maintain a strong safety record with a satisfactory safety rating and provide a dedicated team driving service, making them a dependable choice for businesses needing efficient logistics solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.22
- Driver fitness: 2.56
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.87
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.08
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 10
- Revenue: $1,724,000
- Miles driven: 356,000
Perkins Services
2864 Columbus Ave, Springfield, OH, 45503- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Produce
- General
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
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Perkins Services (DOT: 467504) is a reputable Ohio-based trucking company known for its diverse cargo handling and specialization in transporting building materials, fresh produce, and machinery. Operating with a modern fleet averaging three years old, they offer full truckload, less-than-truckload, and dry van services, backed by a satisfactory safety rating. Despite a reported crash injury, their commitment to safety remains solid, with low vehicle maintenance and unsafe driving scores.
In addition to general freight, Perkins Services provides specific support for commercial shipments, including interstate operations and flatbed services, ensuring flexibility in meeting shipping demands. Their workforce benefits from various perks like health, dental, life, and vision insurance, alongside retirement plan options. These offerings position Perkins Services as a reliable partner for business owners seeking efficient and secure trucking solutions.
“`Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 1.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.51
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 16
- Revenue: $1,985,000
- Miles driven: 1,233,207
Batth Trucking, Inc.
3781 Sullivant Ave, Columbus, OH, 43228- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Dry bulk commodities
- Produce
- General
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Batth Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 2303245) offers a comprehensive suite of trucking services with a focus on refrigerated transportation and dry bulk commodities. They are known for handling a diverse range of cargo, including beverages, paper products, refrigerated foods, and general freight. The company is committed to safety, with moderate unsafe driving scores and proactive maintenance practices, as evidenced by a vehicle maintenance score of 4.8.
Batth Trucking supports commercial shipments with specialized services like less-than-truckload (LTL), partial truckload, and full truckload options. Their fleet, which includes 50 trucks and 50 power units, is adept at regional transport, supported by regional and local drivers ensuring efficient deliveries. Additionally, the company emphasizes employee benefits, offering health, dental, vision insurance, and retirement plans, demonstrating a commitment to driver welfare and job satisfaction.
Safety
- Crashes: 7
- Unsafe driving: 1.84
- Driver fitness: 0.02
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.6
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.8
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 47
- Miles driven: 3,257,561
Kealy Trucking Co
3184 E 79th St, Cleveland, OH, 44104- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Chemicals
- General
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
Kealy Trucking Co (DOT: 120672) is a seasoned Ohio-based carrier that has been in operation since 1910. The company specializes in full and partial truckload services, with a focus on general freight, chemicals, and paper products. They maintain a fleet size of 4 trucks and primarily operate within the intrastate region, offering both reefer and dry van transportation solutions.
Kealy Trucking Co holds an active authority common status and boasts a satisfactory safety rating. Their fleet, comprised of approximately 8 trailers and 4 power units, ensures efficiency in their services. Although they do not provide hazardous materials transportation, they are notable for their health, dental, and vision coverage benefits, as well as a retirement 401(k) plan. The company commits to safety and reliability, as evidenced by their record of zero crash fatalities or injuries. Their dedication to excellence makes them a trusted choice for businesses in need of dependable shipping services.
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: intrastate hazardous
- Drivers: 4
- Revenue: $2,018,000
- Miles driven: 215,000
Lewis & Michael, Inc.
3920 Image Drive, Dayton, OH, 45414- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- General
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
Lewis & Michael, Inc. (DOT: 81234) is a reputable trucking company operating in Ohio, specializing in delivering a range of freight services with a focus on efficiency and safety. They manage a fleet size of 12 trucks and 13 trailers, offering services such as full and partial truckload, flatbed, dry van, and less-than-truckload. Serving customers with both general freight and household goods, Lewis & Michael, Inc. stands out with a strong track record of zero crash injuries or fatalities, highlighting their commitment to safe and reliable operations.
Offering regional and local driving opportunities, the company prioritizes driver welfare with benefits such as health, dental, vision, and disability insurance, alongside a retirement plan. They provide services with a focus on parcels, catering to smaller shipments efficiently. Despite their compact size, Lewis & Michael, Inc. takes pride in their top-notch safety record and a personalized approach to freight logistics, making them a noteworthy choice for business owners seeking dependable shipping 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: 18
- Revenue: $857,000
- Miles driven: 600,000
1ST Express, Inc.
227 Matzinger Road, Toledo, OH, 43612- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- General
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
1ST Express, Inc. (DOT: 284589) is a reputable trucking company that has been operating in Ohio since 1984. With a fleet size of 58 vehicles and 29 drivers, they offer a comprehensive range of services aimed at meeting diverse shipping needs. The company specializes in full truckload and less-than-truckload services, generally handling general freight and paper products. This makes them a suitable choice for businesses in need of reliable transport of these goods.
1ST Express, Inc. maintains a satisfactory safety rating and emphasizes the importance of maintaining modern, well-kept equipment, with an average fleet age of just three years. The company also supports its workforce with benefits like health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as paid time off. These perks align with their mission to offer high-quality and dependable transportation solutions in the competitive trucking industry.
Safety
- Crashes: 5
- Unsafe driving: 0.51
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.14
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 29
- Revenue: $12,797,000
- Miles driven: 2,162,495
Martin Logistics, Inc.Orporated
4526 Louisville Street, Canton, OH, 44705- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Farm supplies
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Oilfield equipment
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Martin Logistics Incorporated (DOT: 1325653) is a versatile trucking company based in Ohio, providing logistics and transportation services across interstate routes. With a focus on general freight, Martin Logistics offers services such as partial and full truckloads, dry van, and flatbed transportation. Their fleet, encompassing 10 units, handles a diverse range of cargo, including building materials, agricultural supplies, and machinery.
Martin Logistics is committed to supporting commercial shipments with dedicated reefer drivers and experience handling intermodal containers. They offer reliable regional driving services and ensure their drivers are well-supported with benefits like health and dental insurance, paid time off, and a 401k retirement plan. Despite not offering certain driver bonuses or programs, Martin Logistics ensures their operations maintain a commendable safety record with zero reported crash injuries or fatalities, making them a trustworthy choice for business owners.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 3.85
- 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: 5
- Revenue: $943,000
- Miles driven: 154,928
U.S. Cargo
2036 E Williams Road, Columbus, OH, 43207- 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
U.S. Cargo (DOT: 2198987) is a reputable freight trucking company specializing in transportation and logistics, operating with a fleet of 86 trucks and a total of 67 drivers. Known for their commitment to quality service, they offer versatile freight solutions, including full truckload and less than truckload options, as well as dry van and flatbed services. The company is equipped to handle general freight efficiently, ensuring timely and secure deliveries.
U.S. Cargo provides exceptional support for commercial shipments with features such as regional driving opportunities, team driving, and guaranteed home time. Although they are not involved in hazardous materials transport, their safety measures are commendable, with a satisfactory safety rating. Business owners will appreciate the employee benefits, which include health, dental, and vision insurance, a retirement plan, and paid time off, underscoring their dedication to both client satisfaction and employee welfare.
Safety
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.02
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.36
- Controlled substances: 0.11
- Hazardous materials violations: 1
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 67
- Revenue: $23,177,000
- Miles driven: 2,273,000
Garick, LLC
8400 Sweet Valley Drive Ste 408, Cleveland, OH, 44125- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $10,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- General
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Garick, LLC (DOT: 316422) is a reputable trucking company in Ohio specializing in logistics services. Despite lacking detailed information on its establishment, Garick operates with a fleet that includes dry vans and flatbeds, managing both full and less-than-truckload services. The company primarily hauls building materials and general freight, indicating its versatility and reliability in transporting essential cargo for various industries.
Garick supports commercial shipments with regional and local driver assignments, ensuring timely and efficient delivery. The company is committed to maintaining a high safety standard, as evidenced by its “Satisfactory” safety rating. Employees benefit from comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, alongside a retirement plan, demonstrating Garick’s focus on employee well-being. Although the exact fleet size isn’t specified, their dedication to high-quality service makes Garick a compelling choice for business owners seeking dependable freight 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
- Miles driven: 18,473
How Safety Ratings Work in Ohio
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 Ohio for Your Shipments
Whether you manage a food, pharmaceutical, or retail operation in Ohio, 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 Ohio?
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 Ohio?
Reefer shipping is commercial transport via refrigerated trucks and trailers that maintain controlled temperatures for products that are sensitive to heat or cold. In Ohio, 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
