Reefer trucking is essential for Virginia 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, BIG E Transportation, LLC ranks as the leading choice for moving temperature-sensitive freight.
Reefer Shipping Services & Transport in Virginia
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 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.
BIG E Transportation, LLC
1501 North Hamilton St, Richmond, VA, 23230- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $5,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- General
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
BIG E Transportation, LLC (DOT: 1762766) is a reputable carrier in the transportation industry, operating with a fleet of 380 trucks and 760 trailers. Specializing in general freight, they also offer services like dry van and flatbed transport. Established over a decade ago, BIG E is committed to providing reliable trucking services with a focus on safety, demonstrated by their satisfactory safety rating and ongoing training programs.
BIG E Transportation provides comprehensive driver benefits including health, dental, vision, and life insurance, along with a retirement 401(k) plan. They are known for their flexible offerings like less-than-truckload (LTL) and partial truckload options, ensuring the efficient movement of goods. The company supports regional and over-the-road (OTR) drivers, offering guaranteed home time and competitive salary ranges from $45,000 to $55,000. Their commitment to excellence makes them a strong choice for businesses seeking dedicated service and successful shipment management.
Safety
- Crashes: 22
- Unsafe driving: 0.54
- Driver fitness: 0.14
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.22
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.62
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 7
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 383
- Miles driven: 10,700,000
Shoreland Transport Usa, Inc.
2000 Northgate Commerce Pkwy, Suffolk, VA, 23435- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Produce
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Refrigerated food
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Cross-border
Shoreland Transport Usa, Inc. (DOT: 3383069) is an active trucking company renowned for its satisfactory safety record and comprehensive services. With a total fleet size of 86 vehicles and operating since 2018, the company specializes in handling fresh produce, general freight, intermodal containers, and refrigerated food. They offer both full and partial truckload services, ensuring flexibility for businesses of various scales.
The company provides a myriad of shipment options, including reefer and dry van capabilities, catering especially to commercial clients with specialized needs such as last-mile delivery. Shoreland Transport prides itself on offering competitive benefits to its drivers, including health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as paid time off and a retirement savings plan. The fleet’s average age is five years, reflecting a modern and efficient operation aimed at maintaining high reliability in transit.
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 1.96
- Driver fitness: 0.35
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.32
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.62
- Controlled substances: 0.11
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 43
- Miles driven: 2,221,042
Flmco, LLC
2196 Crews Shop Road, Lynchburg, VA, 24504- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Lumber
- Metal materials
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Flmco, LLC (DOT: 1629756) is a Virginia-based carrier offering a range of freight services with a fleet of 44, including 22 trucks engaged in interstate operations. The company specializes in full truckload and less-than-truckload shipping, providing services with dry van and flatbed options. They handle an impressive variety of cargo, notably building materials, logs, poles, beams, lumber, and metal sheets, coils, and rolls, establishing them as a preferred choice for businesses in these sectors.
Despite the absence of certain services like refrigerated and hazardous materials transport, Flmco emphasizes employee well-being with benefits like health, dental, and vision insurance, and paid time off. With a dedicated team, satisfactory safety rating, and attentive service, they ensure reliable and efficient transportation solutions for commercial shipments, supported by their strategic focus on parcel and last-mile services. Flmco’s active operating authority and consistent fleet management underscore their proficiency in the trucking industry.
Safety
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 4.79
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.15
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.81
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 22
- Revenue: $10,374,000
- Miles driven: 2,415,000
Expressway, Inc.
1501 Carter Creek Road, Richmond, VA, 23224- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- General
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Tanker
Expressway, Inc. (DOT: 291774) provides robust trucking services throughout Virginia. Despite being a small outfit with a fleet of 11 trucks and 22 members, they specialize in essential services like full truckload options, less-than-truckload, and dry van operations. Their main cargo includes general freight and paper products, demonstrating their ability to handle a diverse range of shipments efficiently.
Expressway, Inc. emphasizes safety and quality service, boasting a satisfactory safety rating and zero crash reports. Their reefer and tanker services indicate a specialty in managing temperature-sensitive and liquid cargo efficiently. Business owners find value in their health benefits, retirement plans, and other employee benefits, ensuring a well-supported workforce dedicated to reliable service. Expressway, Inc.’s attention to both logistics detail and employee welfare makes them a competitive choice for commercial shipments.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.58
- 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: 11
- Revenue: $5,707,000
- Miles driven: 347,474
EMM Transportation, Inc.
3035 Bells Road, Richmond, VA, 23234- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
EMM Transportation, Inc. (DOT: 744765) is a seasoned carrier operating since 1885 in Virginia, boasting a robust fleet for versatile freight solutions. Specializing in full truckload (FTL), partial truckload (PTL), and less-than-truckload (LTL) services, they accommodate a diverse array of cargo, including intermodal containers, logs, poles, beams, lumber, and general freight. They excel in providing tailored shipping solutions with advanced reefer and tanker capabilities, ideal for businesses with specific transportation needs.
Renowned for their reliable operations, EMM Transportation emphasizes safety with zero reported crash injuries and commendable maintenance ratings. With competitive benefits like health, dental, and vision insurance, guaranteed home time, and a 401k retirement plan, they ensure high driver satisfaction. Although EMM does not currently offer employee stock options or truck lease programs, their dedication to quality service is evident in their commitment to efficient logistics and consistent, reliable shipping solutions for thriving commercial enterprises.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.64
- Vehicle maintenance: 12.89
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 22
- Revenue: $29,674,000
- Miles driven: 833,070
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 reputable trucking company operating primarily in Virginia, known for its comprehensive freight services. Although the company’s establishment year is unspecified, they have an active authority with the Department of Transportation. Tidewater Express, Inc. specializes in full truckload services with a focus on general freight, motor vehicles, and large machinery transport. They leverage a fleet of 16 vehicles, which includes flatbeds and dry vans, to accommodate varying shipping needs.
Tidewater Express, Inc. excels in providing team driving opportunities and is equipped with the capacity for less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments, catering to diverse logistics requirements. The company is committed to driver safety and development, as evidenced by their ongoing training programs. Moreover, their comprehensive employee benefits package includes health, dental, vision, and life insurance, alongside a 401(k) retirement plan, enhancing their appeal to prospective drivers and ensuring the stability needed for business owners seeking reliable transportation solutions.
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
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 an active freight trucking company in Virginia with a fleet size ranging between 1 and 10 trucks. Specializing in the transportation of general freight and other cargo, they focus on full truckload and less-than-truckload services. Their fleet includes dry vans and flatbeds, supporting both nationwide and regional operations with a commitment to quality customer service, evidenced by high ratings on platforms like Glassdoor.
Commonwealth Cargo provides unique support for commercial shipments, including efficient cross-border capabilities. Customers benefit from various employee incentives such as health insurance and paid time off, making them a reliable partner for businesses seeking dedicated and professional logistics solutions. With safe driving practices and a priority on vehicle maintenance, they ensure a dependable service for transporting goods securely.
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
Amory Transportation, LLC
802 Jefferson Ave, Newport News, VA, 23607- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- General
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
Amory Transportation, LLC (DOT: 1648804) is a distinguished transportation company known for its dedication to providing full truckload (FTL) services. They also offer less-than-truckload (LTL) options, catering to various shipment sizes and requirements. Their specialization in transporting general freight, supported by a modest yet efficient fleet of 17 trucks and 34 power units, ensures reliable delivery services across interstate routes.
Amory Transportation endeavors to support commercial shipments with a focus on dry van and refrigerated (reefer) cargo services. Although they do not handle hazardous materials, their team includes qualified reefer drivers. The company operates with a commendable safety record, maintaining zero fatalities and minimal crash incidents, reflective of their emphasis on safe and timely deliveries. Additionally, they provide comprehensive employee benefits, including health, dental, vision, and disability insurance, as well as a 401(k) retirement plan.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 3.05
- Driver fitness: 0.35
- Hours-of-service compliance: 4.78
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.6
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 15
- Revenue: $553,000
- Miles driven: 775,050
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 valued freight carrier based in Virginia, offering reliable trucking services primarily focused on full truckload and less-than-truckload shipments. Established with a fleet of 25 trucks and 50 total fleet vehicles, they specialize in transporting beverages, building materials, and general freight. Their operation extends across interstate regions, providing extensive delivery coverage.
The company is known for its use of dry vans and flatbeds, ensuring versatility in handling various types of cargo. Evolution Express supports its commercial clients by maintaining a modern fleet with an average age of three years, which emphasizes their commitment to efficiency and reliability. Furthermore, they prioritize driver welfare by offering health, dental, and life insurance. Their Glassdoor rating of 5.0 indicates a positive employee environment, and they continue to have an active DOT status with a commendable safety record.
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
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, medium-size freight trucking company in Virginia with a fleet of approximately 75 trucks and 150 total vehicles. They have been successfully operating for over 24 years, providing reliable services for various cargo types, including general freight, metal sheets, coils, rolls, and paper products. Service Trucking offers full and partial truckload capabilities, utilizing dry vans and flatbeds to meet diverse shipping needs.
Although the company does not handle hazardous materials, it does offer regional and local driving services and a strong commitment to ongoing driver training and development. Service Trucking Co, Inc. supports its employees with comprehensive benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as a retirement plan. With a focus on safety and a moderate vehicle maintenance score, this company ensures dependable service to meet commercial shipping requirements.
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
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 Reefer Trucking Company in Virginia 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
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.
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
