Reefer trucking is essential for Virginia 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, Black Tye Logistics 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.
Top Reefer Trucking Companies in Virginia
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 Virginia. Every Virginia 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 Virginia for your commercial shipping needs.
Black Tye Logistics
3541 N Crestline Dr, Virginia Beach, VA, 23464- 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
- Machinery & large objects
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Black Tye Logistics (DOT: 1334903) is a versatile trucking company in Virginia. They boast a robust fleet that caters to a multitude of shipping needs, including dry van, flatbed, and refrigerated food transportation. The company handles a variety of cargo types, such as agricultural supplies, beverages, building materials, grain, hay, and large machinery, ensuring comprehensive solutions for diverse industries. Established with a focus on quality service, Black Tye Logistics is particularly noted for its specialization in both full and partial truckloads.
Black Tye Logistics offers comprehensive support services for commercial shipments, highlighted by their reefer drivers and strong health benefits, including dental and life insurance. Their commitment to operational excellence is underpinned by a commendable safety record, including zero crash injuries. Black Tye Logistics ensures the highest level of customer satisfaction through multiple service provisions, aiming to be a reliable partner for businesses looking to ship their products efficiently and safely.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.75
- Hours-of-service compliance: 5.25
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 4
- Miles driven: 353,337
Rail Direct Transportation Company
801 Broad Street Suite 201, Portsmouth, VA, 23707- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- General
- Intermodal containers
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
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Rail Direct Transportation Company (DOT: 706550) is a reputable trucking company established in 1996, based in Virginia. They maintain an active fleet of 60, offering a range of services including full truckload (FTL), partial truckload, flatbed, dry van, and less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation. This company specializes in carrying general freight and intermodal containers, ensuring versatile cargo handling to meet diverse shipping needs.
Rail Direct Transportation provides specialized support for commercial shipment, featuring health insurance, life insurance, and a retirement plan (401k) for their drivers. They also emphasize safety, reflected in their satisfactory safety rating and moderate vehicle maintenance score. With a total of 28 interstate drivers, the company’s services are robust and reliable, making them a top choice for businesses looking to ship their products efficiently and securely.
“`Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.23
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.7
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 28
- Revenue: $1,604,000
- Miles driven: 1,655,472
Commonwealth Cargo, Inc.
5501 Fox Rd Bldg 5, Richmond, VA, 23250- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- General
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
- Cross-border
Commonwealth Cargo, Inc. (DOT: 703874) is a well-regarded freight trucking company in Virginia. The company specializes in general freight and other cargo, utilizing a fleet of 13 trucks. Commonwealth Cargo offers full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) services, ensuring flexible shipping solutions for diverse customer needs. They maintain a high standard of vehicle maintenance, which is notable for business owners seeking reliable transportation services.
Commonwealth Cargo provides essential support for commercial shipments, including reefer (refrigerated) services for temperature-sensitive goods. Known for their dedication to driver fitness and safety, the company also offers competitive benefits such as health insurance, direct deposit, and sign-on bonuses. With employee ratings highlighting positive workplace experiences, Commonwealth Cargo is a strong choice for businesses looking for dependable and efficient trucking solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 1.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 8
- Revenue: $4,281,000
- Miles driven: 250,000
BEE Line Transport, Inc.
155 Airpark Dr, Lynchburg, VA, 24502- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Construction equipment
- Farm supplies
- General
- Machinery & large objects
- Vehicles
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
BEE Line Transport, Inc. (DOT: 762801) is a reputable trucking company based in Virginia that provides dependable transportation services. Specializing in both full and less-than-truckload services, they efficiently handle a wide variety of cargo, including agricultural/farm supplies, construction materials, large machinery, and general freight. Their fleet comprises 21 trucks, 42 power units, and they operate actively under satisfactory safety ratings.
BEE Line Transport, Inc. offers a range of services to meet commercial shipping needs, such as drive/tow away and flatbed transportation. While they don’t provide hazardous materials transportation, their commitment to quality service is evident through positive reviews on Google, Yelp, and Indeed. Additionally, they support their drivers with comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as a retirement plan. Their professional team ensures efficient interstate operations, making them a reliable partner for businesses seeking robust transportation solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 4
- 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: 15
- Revenue: $695,000
- Miles driven: 785,000
Tidewater Express, Inc.
1749 W Pembroke Ave, Hampton, VA, 23661- Fleet age: 4 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- General
- Machinery & large objects
- Vehicles
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
Tidewater Express, Inc. (DOT: 621518) is a dedicated trucking company based in Virginia, specializing in various freight services. Operating with six power units and a fleet of sixteen vehicles, the company prides itself on its reliable service for general freight, drive/tow away, and large machinery transportation. Tidewater Express leverages reefer and dry van services to ensure the safe delivery of diverse cargo across interstate routes.
Employing 46 drivers, Tidewater Express offers several benefits such as health, dental, and vision insurance, along with life insurance and a retirement plan. The company boasts a “Satisfactory” safety rating and maintains a commitment to safety with commendably low rates of driver violations. Additionally, Tidewater Express provides full truckload services and supports team driving opportunities, making it a versatile choice for commercial shipments. Their ongoing training programs further ensure that drivers are well-prepared and reliable.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 0.66
- Driver fitness: 0.11
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 46
- Revenue: $530,000
- Miles driven: 460,000
D.K. Express, LLC
1702 Murry Road Sw, Roanoke, VA, 24018- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- General
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
D.K. Express, LLC (DOT: 2342317) is a reputable trucking company based in Virginia, with an active DOT status and a fleet size of 52 units. The company specializes in full truckload (FTL), partial truckload (PTL), less-than-truckload (LTL), and refrigerated (reefer) services. They are adept at handling a diverse range of cargo including agricultural and farm supplies, beverages, building materials, construction materials, fresh produce, general freight, meat, metal sheet coils rolls, paper products, refrigerated foods, and U.S. mail.
D.K. Express, LLC is well-regarded for their attention to safety, with no crash injuries reported and their vehicle maintenance record showing a commitment to operational excellence. The company provides specialized support for commercial shipments with services like over-the-road (OTR) driving and local driving. Their offering extends to health insurance and paid time off for drivers, further underlining their reputation as a reliable and driver-friendly employer.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 7.36
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 1.66
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.21
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 26
- Miles driven: 1,748,934
Service Trucking Co, Inc.
132 Tomahawk Industrial Park, Lynchburg, VA, 24502- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- General
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Service Trucking Co, Inc. (DOT: 886202) is an active trucking company with a fleet size of 150 vehicles, based in Virginia. Specializing in general freight, they are equipped to handle metal sheets and coils, as well as paper products. Their services include full truckload (FTL), partial truckload, and reefer services, with a fleet that includes dry vans and flatbeds.
Service Trucking Co supports interstate commercial shipment and is noted for their emphasis on safety and driver fitness. They offer a comprehensive benefits package for their employees, including health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as a retirement plan and paid time off. Despite a few reported crashes, the company’s ongoing training and development programs help maintain a strong commitment to safety and reliability, aiming to ensure timely and secure deliveries.
Safety
- Crashes: 12
- Unsafe driving: 1.61
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.29
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.26
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 70
- Revenue: $3,928,000
- Miles driven: 8,000,000
Advance Transportation And Logistics, Inc.
1601 Seibel Drive, Roanoke, VA, 24012- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Construction equipment
- General
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
Advance Transportation And Logistics, Inc. (DOT: 577626) is a reputable trucking company specializing in Transportation and Logistics, providing services since its establishment over 29 years ago. They offer full truckload (FTL) and less than truckload (LTL) shipping options, catering primarily to the transportation of construction materials and general freight. The company maintains a fleet of 18 trucks and employs 9 drivers who are well-versed in the intricacies of interstate freight operations.
Advance Transportation And Logistics, Inc. ensures comprehensive support for commercial shipments with dedicated reefer and flatbed drivers. Their fleet boasts an average age of 3 years, reflecting a commitment to reliability and efficiency. The company also offers essential employee benefits such as health, dental, and vision insurance, alongside life and disability insurance. With a consistently active USDOT status and satisfactory ratings on reputable platforms like Glassdoor, businesses can trust Advance Transportation And Logistics for dependable and professional shipping solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 2.02
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.33
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 9
- Miles driven: 950,000
Evolution Express, LLC
1705 Commerce Rd, Richmond, VA, 23224- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- General
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
Evolution Express, LLC (DOT: 2109946) is a reputable trucking company operating in Virginia with a diverse fleet of 50 vehicles. They specialize in providing both full and less-than-truckload (LTL) services. The company’s core cargo includes beverages, building materials, and general freight, making them versatile for various commercial shipping needs.
In addition to their primary transportation services, Evolution Express offers direct deposit, health, dental, and vision insurance for their drivers, ensuring their team is well supported. With a focus on interstate operations, they maintain an active authority status and manage significant mileage annually. Known for their efficient dry van and flatbed services, Evolution Express is an ideal choice for businesses seeking reliable and comprehensive shipping solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 5
- Unsafe driving: 1.05
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 1.4
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.73
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 23
- Miles driven: 2,012,407
James River Carriers, LLC
2227 Station Rd, Richmond, VA, 23234- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Produce
- General
- Liquids & gases
- Lumber
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
James River Carriers, LLC (DOT: 3113083) is a relatively new trucking company established in 2023 with a growing fleet of 129 trucks operating interstate. The company excels in diverse cargo transport, including building materials, chemicals, dry bulk commodities, general freight, fresh produce, meats, and paper products. They offer full truckload and less-than-truckload services, ensuring flexibility for varying shipment sizes. Their specialty services include reefer (refrigerated) transport and flatbed logistics, catering to specific commodity needs with efficiency and reliability.
James River Carriers demonstrates robust support for commercial shipments, providing regional driving opportunities and comprehensive health benefits, including dental, vision, and life insurance, to their employees. They emphasize on ensuring cargo safety and adhering to regulatory requirements, with facilities for dry van and liquid/gase transport. Despite their recent entry into the market, their performance metrics and substantial fleet size point towards promising service quality and reliability for business owners seeking dependable logistics solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 11
- Unsafe driving: 0.83
- Driver fitness: 0.03
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.32
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.5
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 112
- Miles driven: 18,600,000
How Safety Ratings Work in Virginia
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 Virginia Reefer Trucking Company for Your Shipments
Whether you manage a food, pharmaceutical, or retail operation in Virginia, 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: Virginia Reefer Trucking Companies
What products are best transported by truck in Virginia?
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 Virginia?
Reefer shipping is commercial transport via refrigerated trucks and trailers that maintain controlled temperatures for products that are sensitive to heat or cold. In Virginia, 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.
