Reefer trucking is essential for Texas 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, Wrist Usa Houston, Inc. ranks as the leading choice for moving temperature-sensitive freight.
Reefer Shipping Services & Transport in Texas
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 Texas. Every Texas 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 Texas for your commercial shipping needs.
Wrist Usa Houston, Inc.
4129 Greenshadow Dr Suite 200, Pasadena, TX, 77503- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Chemicals
- Dry bulk commodities
- Produce
- General
- Liquids & gases
- Machinery & large objects
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Drayage
Wrist Usa Houston, Inc. (DOT: 963185) is a prominent trucking company based in Texas with a satisfactory safety rating. Offering comprehensive shipping solutions, they handle a wide array of cargo, including general freight, fresh produce, refrigerated foods, liquids, gases, chemicals, and more. Their services feature partial and full truckloads utilizing dry van and flatbed trailers, making them versatile in accommodating various shipping needs.
The company stands out with its customer-oriented support, such as last-mile delivery and dedicated parcel services, ensuring optimal coverage and delivery precision. With a fleet size between 20 to 49 vehicles, Wrist Usa Houston, Inc. prioritizes driver well-being, offering competitive benefits packages including health, dental, and life insurance, as well as safety bonuses. Their focus on safe transport, backed by ongoing training and development programs, positions them as a reliable partner for business owners seeking trustworthy commercial shipment services.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.92
- Driver fitness: 0.06
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.17
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.14
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 26
- Revenue: $58,128,000
- Miles driven: 1,057,200
North American Carriers, Inc.
1732 E Hicks Field Road, Fort Worth, TX, 76179- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Oilfield equipment
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Tanker
North American Carriers, Inc. (DOT: 1985088) is a reputable trucking company established in 2014, with a base of operations in Texas. The company offers services including full truckload, partial truckload, and less-than-truckload shipments, allowing flexibility for various cargo needs. They specialize in transporting building materials, dry bulk commodities, fresh produce, and general freight, catering to a diverse range of industries. Their fleet consists of modern vehicles with an average age of just 3 years, emphasizing reliability and efficiency.
North American Carriers provides special support for commercial shipments through the use of dry vans, tankers, and intermodal containers, accommodating a wide array of logistical requirements. The company prides itself on offering health, dental, and vision insurance benefits, as well as a 401(k) retirement plan to ensure the well-being of their employees. They maintain a proactive approach towards safety, with low unsafe driving and vehicle maintenance scores, ensuring a secure transit for all cargo.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 1.21
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.72
- Vehicle maintenance: 8.33
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 12
- Revenue: $965,000
- Miles driven: 509,816
Valley Trucking Co, Inc.
4550 Jaime J Zapata Ave, Brownsville, TX, 78521- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $2,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Produce
- General
- Refrigerated food
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
Valley Trucking Co, Inc. (DOT: 136490) has been faithfully serving Texas and beyond since 1964. With a fleet of 69 trucks and a commendable safety rating, they are equipped to handle various cargo types, including fresh produce, general freight, and refrigerated food. Their fleet includes dry vans and box trucks, ensuring diverse shipment capabilities with a focus on flexibility and reliability.
Valley Trucking Co, Inc. distinguishes itself by offering specialized services such as team driving opportunities and guaranteed home time. They are committed to competitive employee benefits like sign-on bonuses, health insurance, and retirement plans, which contributes to their strong work culture. Despite a few mishaps, their satisfactory safety rating underscores a priority on safe operations. Overall, Valley Trucking Co, Inc. remains a trusted partner for business owners seeking a robust and reliable shipping service.
Safety
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 2.41
- Driver fitness: 0.03
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.24
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.95
- Controlled substances: 0.01
- Hazardous materials violations: 1
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 69
- Revenue: $16,855,000
- Miles driven: 7,622,067
Central Valley Logistics, LLC
1420 Valwood Pkwy Suite 120, Carrollton, TX, 75006- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- General
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Central Valley Logistics, LLC (DOT: 2081551) is a Texas-based trucking company known for its active and comprehensive interstate operations within the logistics and transportation industry. With a fleet size of 40 trucks and 40 drivers, the company specializes in handling a diverse range of cargo types, including agricultural and farm supplies, dry bulk commodities, beverages, fresh produce, meat, general freight, and refrigerated foods.
Central Valley Logistics emphasizes reliability and efficiency, offering less-than-truckload (LTL) and full truckload (FTL) services. The company maintains high safety standards with zero crash fatalities reported. Their focus on refrigerated and dry van transport, alongside dry bulk commodities, positions them as a versatile partner for businesses needing specialized freight solutions. Despite having a relatively small fleet, Central Valley’s dedication to service ensures they are a competitive choice for commercial shipments.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 1.1
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.27
- Vehicle maintenance: 7.05
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 40
- Revenue: $1,639,000
- Miles driven: 2,705,586
Rowdy Resources
17521 Us Hwy 69 S, Tyler, TX, 75703- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- General
- Lumber
- Metal materials
- Oilfield equipment
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
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Rowdy Resources (DOT: 2841969) is a Texas-based trucking company renowned for its reliable and efficient freight services. With a fleet size of 300, including 150 trucks, they offer a diverse range of services such as full truckload, less than truckload, and partial truckload. Rowdy Resources specializes in transporting general freight, beverages, paper products, logs, poles, beams, lumber, metal sheets, coils, rolls, and oilfield equipment.
While the company places emphasis on safety with a Vehicle Maintenance score of 4.99, Rowdy Resources ensures comprehensive health benefits for drivers, offering health, dental, and vision insurance, along with a retirement plan. Known for their dedication to service, the company guarantees home time for their drivers and is actively involved in providing regional and local delivery solutions. A strong Google and Glassdoor rating highlights the company’s commitment to excellence.
“`Safety
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 1.01
- Driver fitness: 0.03
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.81
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.99
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 140
- Revenue: $655,000
- Miles driven: 5,890,073
Challenger Freight Systems, Inc.
1065 Texan Trail Suite 100, Grapevine, TX, 76051- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Chemicals
- General
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Cross-border
Challenger Freight Systems, Inc. (DOT: 652909) is a versatile trucking company based in Texas, recognized for its robust service offerings. They provide full truckload, less than truckload, and partial truckload services, specializing in transporting chemicals and general freight, supported by a team of qualified drivers. Their fleet integrates advanced equipment such as reefers and flatbeds, enhancing their capacity to cater to diverse shipping requirements.
Adding to their service excellence, Challenger Freight Systems, Inc. offers refrigerated transport and cross-border shipping. With safety rated as satisfactory, they are committed to secure deliveries, further boosted by comprehensive benefits for drivers, including health, dental, and life insurance. Their programs for ongoing training and new drivers exemplify a commitment to workforce development, all contributing to their reputation as a reliable partner for commercial shipments.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 1.8
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.25
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.31
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 30
- Revenue: $1,796,000
- Miles driven: 1,593,284
Delivery Limited
8220 Ambassador Row, Dallas, TX, 75247- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Last-mile delivery
Delivery Limited (DOT: 290691) is a recognized trucking company founded in 1978, specializing in the transportation of household goods and other cargo throughout Texas and beyond. With a satisfactory safety rating, Delivery Limited operates with a focus on quality and reliability. The company boasts a fleet of 17 trucks, offering full truckload and less than truckload services, making it versatile in handling various shipment sizes and customer needs.
Delivery Limited provides tailored supply chain solutions with a particular strength in dry van and reefer transportation. The company employs 30 interstate drivers who ensure timely and efficient deliveries. Known for its attentive customer service, Delivery Limited stands out for its team of local drivers and considerable insurance coverage, emphasizing strong support for commercial shipments. Despite its modest fleet size, its commitment to excellence is reflected in high ratings on platforms like Google and Indeed.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 1.31
- Driver fitness: 1.57
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.47
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.23
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 30
- Revenue: $8,040,000
- Miles driven: 110,000
Lincoln Freight Company, LLC
8417 Amparan Rd, Laredo, TX, 78045- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Produce
- General
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
Lincoln Freight Company, LLC (DOT: 1390531) is a reputable trucking company in Texas, primarily engaged in the transportation of a diverse range of cargo, including beverages, fresh produce, motor vehicles, metal products, paper products, and refrigerated foods. With a fleet size of 218 and an active authority status, the company underscores reliability with an average fleet age of 5 years and a satisfactory safety rating.
Lincoln Freight Company offers full truckload, less-than-truckload, and partial truckload services, showcasing flexibility in handling commercial shipments. They also provide reefer services for temperature-sensitive cargo. The company supports local driving operations with benefits such as health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as a retirement plan. Despite minor safety concerns, with one reported crash injury, their maintenance and driving scores remain competitive, making them a sound choice for business owners seeking comprehensive freight solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 10
- Unsafe driving: 1.19
- Driver fitness: 0.1
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.17
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.42
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 115
- Revenue: $4,408,000
- Miles driven: 8,075,981
International Crossing Freight, LLC
7750 Padre Island Hwy, Brownsville, TX, 78521- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Cross-border
International Crossing Freight, LLC (DOT: 1437188) is a reputable freight carrier based in Texas, known for their commitment to reliable and efficient trucking services. They operate within an interstate capacity, managing a fleet of 53 trucks with a focus on transporting commodities such as dry bulk, general freight, metal sheets, coils, rolls, and paper products. Although their fleet is smaller in size, they emphasize quality service and have a solid Google rating of 4.5.
International Crossing supports various transportation needs, including full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments, with capabilities in flatbed and dry van trucking. They offer team driving opportunities, ensuring faster delivery times for their clients. Their operations also support cross-border shipments, enhancing their capacity for commercial shipping beyond state lines. The company is active and maintains a strong emphasis on providing comprehensive employee benefits, such as health and dental insurance, retirement plans, and guaranteed home time for drivers.
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 2.29
- Driver fitness: 0.12
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.75
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.74
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 58
- Revenue: $506,000
- Miles driven: 6,469,331
Gomez Haulers, LLC
11703 Huebner Rd Ste 106 413, San Antonio, TX, 78230- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- General
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
Gomez Haulers, LLC (DOT: 2175724) is an active interstate freight trucking company based in Texas, renowned for its dependable service with a fleet size ranging between 1 and 10 vehicles. Having been established for over a decade, they specialize in transporting general freight and other commodities, excelling in both full and partial truckload services. They handle shipments using dry vans and flatbeds, making them ideal for varied cargo requirements.
Gomez Haulers takes pride in offering superior support for commercial shipments, backed by a fleet of 51 trucks and 86 drivers, including team drivers for more efficient operations. While prioritizing safety, the company provides comprehensive employee benefits such as health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as a 401(k) retirement plan. Their significant online presence and positive customer feedback, reflected through ratings on platforms like Google, make them a reliable partner for businesses seeking effective logistics solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 1.36
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.43
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.28
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 86
- Revenue: $670,000
- Miles driven: 1,921,014
How Safety Ratings Work in Texas
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 Texas for Your Shipments
Whether you manage a food, pharmaceutical, or retail operation in Texas, 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 Texas?
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 Texas?
Reefer shipping is commercial transport via refrigerated trucks and trailers that maintain controlled temperatures for products that are sensitive to heat or cold. In Texas, 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