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10 Best Reefer Trucking Companies in Tennessee

Mike Marshall, Shipping Expert

Reefer trucking is essential for Tennessee companies that sell perishable food products and other goods that require refrigeration in transit. After evaluating top Reefer trucking companies on factors like cost, dependability, safety, and customer satisfaction, Parman Transportation, LLC ranks as the leading choice for moving temperature-sensitive freight.

Check out our other 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 Tennessee. Every Tennessee 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 Tennessee for your commercial shipping needs.

Parman Transportation, LLC

7101 Cockrill Bend BLVD, Nashville, TN, 37209
  • Fleet size: 1 to 10
  • Fleet age: 4 years
  • Insurance: $1,000,000

Cargo Types

  • General
  • Liquids & gases
  • Machinery & large objects

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Flatbed
  • Tanker
  • Last-mile delivery

Parman Transportation, LLC (DOT: 2307427) is an active and reliable freight trucking company based in Tennessee, with a consistent presence since its establishment. The company boasts a fleet size of 184 trucks specialized in handling general freight, machinery, large objects, and liquids/gases. With a focus on safety and efficiency, Parman Transportation supports full truckload (FTL), partial truckload (LTL), dry van, flatbed, and tanker services, ensuring flexibility and a range of solutions for shipping needs.

Parman Transportation also provides special support for commercial shipments including guaranteed home time for drivers, health, dental, and vision insurance, along with retirement plans to enhance employee satisfaction. Their commitment to safety is reflected in their “Active” safety rating status and low unsafe driving score of 0.45. Business owners can expect top-notch service from a company with a strong track record and a fleet maintained to the highest standards.

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Safety

  • Crashes: 4
  • Unsafe driving: 0.45
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
  • Vehicle maintenance: 1.54
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 10

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 81
  • Revenue: $189,184,000
  • Miles driven: 2,254,982

Safer Trucking

5600 Brainerd Rd Suite E2, Chattanooga, TN, 37411
  • Fleet age: 3 years
  • Insurance: $1,000,000

Cargo Types

  • Beverages
  • General
  • Refrigerated food
  • Paper products

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Flatbed
  • Last-mile delivery

Safer Trucking (DOT: 2540919) is a distinguished trucking company based in Tennessee, operating actively with a fleet of 40 trucks since its inception. Their services include full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments, specializing in the transportation of beverages, general freight, paper products, and refrigerated foods using dry van and reefer trailers.

Safer Trucking extends considerable support for commercial shipments, offering direct deposit, sign-on bonuses, safety bonuses, health insurance, dental insurance, vision coverage, and paid time off. They also provide retirement plans (401k) and disability insurance, making them a reliable partner for business owners seeking comprehensive and professional transportation solutions.

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Safety

  • Crashes: 7
  • Unsafe driving: 1.2
  • Driver fitness: 0.34
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.29
  • Vehicle maintenance: 7.11
  • Controlled substances: 0.07
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 40
  • Revenue: $3,693,000
  • Miles driven: 3,569,409

Premier Transportation, LLC

1500 Breda Drive, Knoxville, TN, 37918
  • Fleet size: 50+
  • Fleet age: 4 years
  • Insurance: $5,000,000
  • Safety rating: Satisfactory


Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Flatbed
  • Last-mile delivery

Premier Transportation, LLC (DOT: 1113247) has been a key player in the transportation industry since its establishment in 1945 in Tennessee. With a fleet size of 100 and 50 motor vehicles, they specialize in several trucking services including full truckload (FTL), less than truckload (LTL), dry van, and flatbed. Renowned for their professional service, Premier Transportation handles a variety of cargo, with a notable focus on passenger transport. They boast a satisfactory safety rating, dedicated and experienced drivers, and well-maintained vehicles with an average fleet age of 4 years.

Premier Transportation offers valuable support for commercial shipments, such as team driving opportunities, a robust driver referral bonus program, expedited services, and direct deposit payment options. They also provide competitive benefits for their drivers, including health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, paid time off, ongoing training and development programs, and a retirement plan (401k). Premier ensures a high standard of service, making them a solid choice for business owners looking for reliable and efficient transportation solutions.

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Safety

  • Crashes: 1
  • Unsafe driving: 0.18
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
  • Vehicle maintenance: 0.02
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 12
  • Revenue: $2,417,000
  • Miles driven: 1,172,562

Comercia Logistics

200 Threet Industrial Rd Suite 110, Smyrna, TN, 37167
  • Fleet age: 3 years
  • Insurance: $750,000

Cargo Types

  • Beverages
  • Produce
  • Refrigerated food

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Flatbed
  • Tanker
  • Last-mile delivery

Comercia Logistics (DOT: 2895662) is an active logistics and transportation carrier based in Tennessee. Catering to diverse shipping needs, they specialize in fresh produce, refrigerated foods, beverages, and general freight. Their services include full truckload (FTL) shipments, less-than-truckload (LTL) transport, dry van, and tanker options, demonstrating their broad cargo-handling capabilities. With a total fleet of 50 vehicles and a dedicated team of 25 drivers, they ensure reliable and efficient delivery across interstate routes.

Comercia Logistics supports commercial shippers with exemplary services such as team driving opportunities, dedicated routes, and ongoing training and development programs. They offer several employee benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, and a retirement 401k plan, aiding in employee satisfaction and retention. The company garners positive reviews on platforms like Indeed and Glassdoor, reflecting a firm commitment to safety, with a long-standing DOT age of 3003 days, and competitive salary packages for their drivers.

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Safety

  • Crashes: 3
  • Unsafe driving: 2.01
  • Driver fitness: 0.66
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 1.3
  • Vehicle maintenance: 2.22
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 25
  • Revenue: $961,000
  • Miles driven: 1,519,000

MTR Nashville

3006 Seaboard Drive, Nashville, TN, 37211
  • Fleet size: 1 to 10
  • Fleet age: 3 years
  • Insurance: $750,000

Cargo Types

  • Building materials
  • General
  • Paper products

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Flatbed
  • Box truck
  • Tanker
  • Last-mile delivery
  • Lift-gate
  • Cross-border
  • Drayage

MTR Nashville (DOT: 1030979) is a reputable trucking company that has been operating since 2002. With a fleet size of 10, including 5 trucks, MTR Nashville specializes in providing a variety of freight services. They are known for handling general freight, building materials, and paper products. Key services include reefer transport, partial and full truckload shipments, and drayage, as well as specialized offerings such as flatbed and tanker transport. Their commitment to on-time delivery is evident through guaranteed home time and dedicated routes.

The company supports commercial shipments with a range of benefits including direct deposit, health, dental, and vision insurance, and 401(k) retirement plans. MTR Nashville also offers sign-on bonuses, team driving opportunities, and ensures safety with an ‘Active’ DOT status and no reported crash fatalities. Business owners looking for reliable freight solutions can rely on MTR Nashville for their transportation and logistics needs.

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Safety

  • Crashes: 0
  • Unsafe driving: 0.0
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
  • Vehicle maintenance: 4.0
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 6
  • Revenue: $1,360,000
  • Miles driven: 231,907

Celebrity Coaches

110 Tennessee Way, Hendersonville, TN, 37075
  • Fleet size: 11 to 25
  • Fleet age: 3 years
  • Insurance: $5,000,000
  • Safety rating: Satisfactory


Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Flatbed
  • Tanker
  • Last-mile delivery

Celebrity Coaches (DOT: 1309458) is a reputable trucking company operating in Tennessee, specializing in the transportation of passengers with a fleet size ranging between 11 to 25 trucks and over 56 total power units. Established with a growing presence in the logistics industry, they offer several noteworthy services such as team driving opportunities, reefer operations, partial truckload, and full truckload services. Their tanker and dry van services make them highly versatile, supporting a wide range of cargo needs.

Celebrity Coaches also provides significant support for their commercial shipment clients, including health, dental, vision, and disability insurance, as well as a 401(k) retirement plan and paid CDL training. Their commitment to employee satisfaction and safety is underscored by their satisfactory safety rating, ongoing training, and development programs. Additionally, they actively support local and regional driving, making them a reliable partner for businesses seeking dependable and expert transportation solutions.

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Safety

  • Crashes: 3
  • 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: 56
  • Revenue: $1,195,000
  • Miles driven: 2,744,649

Kenco Logistic Services

2001 Riverside Drive, Chattanooga, TN, 37406
  • Fleet size: 50-99 Corp Only
  • Fleet age: 3 years
  • Insurance: $2,000,000

Cargo Types

  • Building materials
  • Dry bulk commodities
  • General
  • Lumber

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Flatbed
  • Box truck
  • Last-mile delivery
  • Lift-gate
  • Cross-border

Kenco Logistic Services (DOT: 886667) is a reputable logistics and transportation company based in Tennessee with a robust presence in the interstate carrier operation. Their diversified cargo includes building materials, dry bulk commodities, general freight, and logs, poles, beams, and lumber, ensuring they can cater to various commercial shipping needs. The fleet, consisting of 165 trucks and 330 trailers, demonstrates their capacity to manage significant and varied loads, with full and partial truckload options available, as well as dry van, flatbed, and drop trailer capabilities.

Kenco Logistic Services provides an array of specialized support for commercial shipments, including dedicated routes, regional driving, and guaranteed home time for drivers. Additional services like lift gate assistance and less than truckload (LTL) shipments highlight their versatility. The company also values driver welfare, offering benefits such as sign-on bonuses, health and life insurance, tuition reimbursement, paid CDL training, and a retirement plan. With an active USDOT status and a strong commitment to safety and service, Kenco Logistic Services stands out as a reliable partner for businesses seeking efficient transportation solutions.

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Safety

  • Crashes: 9
  • Unsafe driving: 0.66
  • Driver fitness: 0.04
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.1
  • Vehicle maintenance: 1.08
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 228
  • Revenue: $722,000
  • Miles driven: 6,557,875

Orgill Transportation Co, LLC

4100 S Houston Levee Rd, Collierville, TN, 38017
  • Fleet size: 100+ Corp Only
  • Fleet age: 3 years
  • Insurance: $1,000,000
  • Safety rating: Satisfactory

Cargo Types

  • General

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Flatbed

Orgill Transportation Co, LLC (DOT: 86820) is a venerable trucking company established in 1847, operating primarily in Tennessee. With a fleet size of over 422 trucks, Orgill focuses on full truckload and general freight. They offer specialized services such as dry van and reefer transportation, ideal for businesses requiring temperature-sensitive shipping solutions. This established provider maintains a satisfactory safety rating and offers regional driving opportunities.

Orgill Transportation Co also stands out for its comprehensive employee benefits, including health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, along with a retirement plan (401k) and paid time off. While they do not offer certain niche services like hazardous materials or heavy haul, their extensive fleet and commitment to safety make them a reliable choice for businesses looking to ship a range of commercial goods efficiently and securely.

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Safety

  • Crashes: 31
  • Unsafe driving: 2.28
  • Driver fitness: 0.02
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.17
  • Vehicle maintenance: 2.41
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 9

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 422
  • Revenue: $529,951,000
  • Miles driven: 37,400,000

Specialized Transportation Services, Inc.

225 Sam Griffin Road, Smyrna, TN, 37167
  • Fleet size: 50+
  • Fleet age: 5 years
  • Insurance: $2,000,000
  • Safety rating: Satisfactory

Cargo Types

  • General

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Flatbed
  • Last-mile delivery
  • Cross-border

Specialized Transportation Services, Inc. (DOT: 589549) is an established transportation company headquartered in Tennessee, boasting a fleet size exceeding 50 vehicles and engaging in interstate operations. They specialize in carrying general freight with a strong focus on providing full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) services. Notable features of their fleet include dry vans and reefer trailers, ensuring versatility in the types of cargo they can handle.

The company offers robust support for commercial shipments with services tailored to regional, over-the-road (OTR), and LTL driving. They prioritize driver well-being with benefits like health, dental, vision, and disability insurance, as well as paid time off and a 401(k) retirement plan. Safety is a key focus, underscored by their satisfactory safety rating. Whether shipping perishable goods in reefer trailers or general freight, Specialized Transportation Services, Inc. provides reliable and safe commercial trucking solutions.

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Safety

  • Crashes: 1
  • Unsafe driving: 1.3
  • Driver fitness: 0.06
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.4
  • Vehicle maintenance: 2.12
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 69
  • Revenue: $8,610,000
  • Miles driven: 4,241,874

Rightlane Transport, LLC

3830 Stevens Lane, Nashville, TN, 37218
  • Fleet age: 3 years
  • Insurance: $1,000,000

Cargo Types

  • Building materials
  • General
  • Metal materials
  • Vehicles

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Flatbed

Rightlane Transport, LLC (DOT: 2180281) is a specialized freight trucking company operating primarily in Tennessee with a focus on transporting building materials, motor vehicles, and metal sheets, coils, and rolls. They maintain a fleet of 11 trucks and have been active in the industry for several years, emphasizing safety and maintenance with a moderate vehicle maintenance score of 3.33.

Rightlane Transport offers several key services, including full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping. Additionally, they provide refrigerated freight services and operate with dry vans and flatbeds, making them suitable for a variety of cargo types. They support their drivers with health, dental, and vision insurance, direct deposit, and paid time off, ensuring a well-rounded benefits package. Their commitment to comprehensive and reliable service makes them a strong candidate for business owners in need of dependable transportation for their products.

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Safety

  • Crashes: 1
  • Unsafe driving: 3.45
  • Driver fitness: 0.38
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.12
  • Vehicle maintenance: 3.33
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 11
  • Miles driven: 130,000

How Safety Ratings Work in Tennessee

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 Tennessee Reefer Trucking Company for Your Shipments

Whether you manage a food, pharmaceutical, or retail operation in Tennessee, 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: Tennessee Reefer Trucking Companies

What products are best transported by truck in Tennessee?

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 Tennessee?

Reefer shipping is commercial transport via refrigerated trucks and trailers that maintain controlled temperatures for products that are sensitive to heat or cold. In Tennessee, 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.


Mike Marshall