Reefer trucking is essential for Vermont 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, Barrett Trucking Company, Inc. ranks as the leading choice for moving temperature-sensitive freight.
Reefer Shipping Services & Transport in Vermont
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 Vermont. Every Vermont 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 Vermont for your commercial shipping needs.
Barrett Trucking Company, Inc.
16 Austin Drive, Burlington, VT, 5401- Fleet size: 11 to 25
- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Machinery & large objects
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Hopper bottom
- Oversized
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Consolidation
- Alcohol-insured
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
Barrett Trucking Company, Inc. (DOT: 86362) has been a reliable player in the Vermont trucking industry since 1972. With a fleet size of 50 trucks, they specialize in various freight types, including building materials, dry bulk commodities, construction supplies, and large machinery. The company offers services such as dry van, flatbed, and reefer transportation, ensuring versatility in handling different cargo. Their dedicated routes and regional driving opportunities underscore their commitment to customer-specific needs.
Barrett Trucking excels in specialized freight handling by offering hazardous materials and oversize load transport. The company also boasts a strong focus on employee benefits, providing incentives such as sign-on and driver referral bonuses, tuition reimbursement, and a comprehensive health insurance package. Their managed transportation and consolidation services further enhance commercial shipment support, appealing to business owners seeking efficient and diverse logistics solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 0.53
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.16
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.2
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 43
- Revenue: $3,447,000
- Miles driven: 2,193,884
Mcrae Enterprises
28 Middle Road, Milton, VT, 5468- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- General
- Vehicles
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Auto carrier
- Container
- Oversized
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- Hot shot
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Hazardous materials
Mcrae Enterprises (DOT: 342494) offers comprehensive trucking services within Vermont, handling a range of cargo with a specialization in motor vehicles, general freight, and drive/tow-away operations. Operating a modern fleet of 14 trucks with an average age of 2 years, Mcrae Enterprises provides specialized and expedited services, including oversized loads and dangerous goods transportation, backed by its hazardous materials certification.
For businesses seeking reliable shipping solutions, Mcrae Enterprises extends dedicated route services and boasts a strong focus on safety, with no reported crash injuries or fatalities. They support commercial shipments with amenities like guaranteed home time, direct deposit, and generous driver referral bonuses, while offering benefits such as health, dental, and life insurance, 401(k) plans, and paid time off. With ongoing training programs and a new driver program, they prioritize both safety and professional development.
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
- Revenue: $461
- Miles driven: 25,670
E&S Transport, Inc.
400 Windy Woods Rd, Richmond, VT, 5477- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Dry bulk commodities
- Produce
- General
- Machinery & large objects
- Meat
- Vehicles
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Container
- Lift-gate
- Alcohol-insured
- Cross-docking
E&S Transport, Inc. (DOT: 1665580) is a dynamic trucking company based in Vermont, experienced in handling diverse cargo types, including motor vehicles, commodities dry bulk, fresh produce, and machinery large objects. With a total fleet size of 22 and 11 trucks, they offer services like refrigerated transport, general freight, and flatbed transportation, ensuring clients’ requirements are met efficiently.
Committed to enhanced commercial shipment support, E&S Transport provides dedicated routes and cross-docking services. They prioritize driver welfare with offerings such as sign-on bonuses, health insurance, and retirement plans. Their strong focus on safety is evident with zero crash injuries reported, maintaining a culture of reliability and trust for business owners seeking robust shipping solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 1.45
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 7
- Miles driven: 162,779
Cabot Creamery Coop, Inc.
193 Home Farmway, Waitsfield, VT, 5673- Fleet size: 11 to 25
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Dry bulk commodities
- Liquids & gases
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Reefer
- Box truck
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- Cross-docking
Cabot Creamery Coop, Inc. (DOT: 192167) has been a part of Vermont’s trucking industry since 1919. Operating primarily as a broker and carrier, Cabot specializes in transporting refrigerated foods and dry bulk commodities. The company handles a wide array of cargo, including liquids/gases and paper products, leveraging a fleet of 45 trucks and 90 trailers. Their operations are marked by a commitment to safety, evidenced by a satisfactory safety rating and a commendable absence of crash injuries or fatalities.
Cabot Creamery is noteworthy for providing cross-docking services and utilizing sprinter vans to enhance delivery efficiency. Their operation extends interstate, positioning them as a versatile choice for commercial shipments. While they maintain a moderate Google rating, their supportive employee benefits, such as health and dental insurance, combined with a robust cross-docking capability, make them a dependable partner for businesses needing specialized freight handling.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.25
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.64
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.33
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 53
- Revenue: $14,525,000
- Miles driven: 2,275,336
J P Sicard, Inc.
234 Glover Road, Barton, VT, 5822- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Mobile homes
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
- Water well
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Lift-gate
- Hazardous materials
J P Sicard, Inc. (DOT: 766508) is a versatile trucking company based in Vermont. With a fleet size between 20 to 49 trucks, they specialize in transporting a wide range of cargo, including building materials, lumber, and machinery. They also handle dry bulk commodities and mobile homes, showcasing their capability in managing diverse shipments efficiently.
The company provides interstate carrier operations with a focus on dedicated routes, ensuring reliability and consistency for their clients. They offer services like team driving and specialized drivers for handling specific cargo needs. J P Sicard is committed to employee well-being, offering benefits such as health and vision insurance, a retirement plan, paid time off, and ongoing training programs. This company maintains high safety standards with zero reported crash injuries or fatalities, establishing them as a trustworthy partner for commercial shipments.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 16.62
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 5
- Revenue: $9,468
- Miles driven: 139,512
TRK Trucking, Inc.
91 Tunnel Brook Road, Hancock, VT, 5748- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Conditional
Cargo Types
- Liquids & gases
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Power only
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
TRK Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 506532) is a reputable US-based trucking company specializing in interstate freight transport. The company, though not specifying its establishment year, operates a fleet of 7 trucks with a focus on specialized services such as hazardous materials and reefer cargo. They are equipped to handle diverse cargo types, including liquids/gases and logs, poles, beams, and lumber, ensuring flexibility and tailored logistics solutions for their clients.
TRK Trucking offers an array of service options to support commercial shipments, including power-only and cross-docking capabilities. They’re also equipped with tanker trucks to facilitate the movement of specific types of freight. The company prioritizes driver and customer support with benefits like direct deposit, paid CDL training, and flexible scheduling, making them an attractive partner for businesses seeking efficient and safe transportation solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.5
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 7
- Miles driven: 445,339
William E Dailey, Inc.
295 Airport Road, Shaftsbury, VT, 5262- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 4 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
Truck Types
- Reefer
- Lowboy
- Hazardous materials
William E Dailey, Inc. (DOT: 24670) is a long-standing trucking company in Vermont, established in 1927, specializing in the transportation of building materials, dry bulk commodities, and large machinery. With a fleet size of 6 trucks, the company is equipped with reefer and lowboy trailers to handle unique and temperature-sensitive cargo. They also transport logs, poles, beams, lumber, and other construction materials, serving key industries with reliable shipping solutions.
William E Dailey, Inc. emphasizes safety and remains active in interstate operations with a robust safety rating of “Satisfactory.” The company offers a crucial service in hazardous materials transportation, supported by qualified hazmat drivers. Benefits such as paid time off and fuel cards are provided to enhance their drivers’ job satisfaction. Despite having no crash-related injuries or fatalities, they maintain zero unsafe driving and vehicle maintenance violations, underscoring their commitment to safety and quality service.
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: $39,619
- Miles driven: 25,410
How Safety Ratings Work in Vermont
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 Vermont for Your Shipments
Whether you manage a food, pharmaceutical, or retail operation in Vermont, 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 Vermont?
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 Vermont?
Reefer shipping is commercial transport via refrigerated trucks and trailers that maintain controlled temperatures for products that are sensitive to heat or cold. In Vermont, 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
