Reefer trucking is essential for Wisconsin 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, Schneider Transport, Inc. ranks as the leading choice for moving temperature-sensitive freight.
Reefer Shipping Services & Transport in Wisconsin
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 Wisconsin. Every Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin for your commercial shipping needs.
Schneider Transport, Inc.
3101 South Packerland Drive, Green Bay, WI, 54313- Fleet size: 100+ Corp Only
- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $5,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Liquids & gases
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
- Oilfield equipment
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
Schneider Transport, Inc. (DOT: 46596) is a reputable trucking company founded in 1935, operating primarily in Wisconsin. With a fleet size of over 100 vehicles, Schneider Transport offers a diverse range of shipping services including full truckload, partial truckload, less than truckload, and dry van transportation. They specialize in handling agricultural and farm supplies, refrigerated foods, hazardous materials, machinery, and chemicals.
Schneider Transport provides several advantages for commercial shipments, such as dedicated routes, cross-border services, and a strong focus on safety with Satisfactory ratings. They offer extensive support to their drivers, with benefits like sign-on bonuses, ongoing training programs, and health insurance. Their capability to haul general freight, fresh produce, and industrial materials makes them a versatile choice for businesses looking for reliable and comprehensive freight solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 2.04
- 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: 5
- Revenue: $592,788,000
- Miles driven: 451,000
Lighthouse Trucking
6523 46th Street, Kenosha, WI, 53144- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Produce
- Refrigerated food
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Last-mile delivery
Lighthouse Trucking (DOT: 1256847) operates out of Wisconsin, boasting expertise in transporting refrigerated foods, fresh produce, and beverages. With a fleet size of 84 vehicles, they specialize in full truckload and less-than-truckload services. Despite a modest size, they maintain commendable service delivery, evident by their 4.2 rating on Indeed and a 4.0 rating on Yelp.
Lighthouse Trucking provides regional driving opportunities and offers essential benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as a 401(k) retirement plan. Although they don’t specifically offer numerous driver bonuses or extensive training programs, their service focus on fresh produce and refrigerated items highlights their strength in handling sensitive and time-critical cargo efficiently.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 1.22
- Driver fitness: 1.21
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.26
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.12
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 41
- Revenue: $758,000
- Miles driven: 1,803,050
Lubenow Express, LLC
3333 Commodity Lane, Green Bay, WI, 54304- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- General
- Machinery & large objects
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
Lubenow Express, LLC (DOT: 1165399) is a reputable trucking company operating as a carrier since its inception. They possess a fleet of over 60 vehicles and cater primarily to interstate shipments. Specializing in general freight, machinery, building materials, and paper products, Lubenow Express offers both full truckload and less-than-truckload services. The company’s Google rating stands at an impressive 4.5, reflecting its commitment to customer satisfaction.
Lubenow Express excels particularly in refrigerated transport, providing specialized reefer driver services. Despite having experienced some crashes, their vehicle maintenance and safety records remain commendable, with scores of 3.76 and 1.56, respectively. This focus on service quality and safety makes Lubenow Express a reliable choice for businesses seeking efficient shipping solutions. Additional employee perks include paid time off and health insurance, reinforcing their dedication to staff welfare.
Safety
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 1.56
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.1
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.76
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 29
- Revenue: $12,958,000
- Miles driven: 2,704,000
THE Mcr Group, LLC
7301 W Calumet Rd, Milwaukee, WI, 53223- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- General
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
THE Mcr Group, LLC (DOT: 1525983) is a dynamic freight trucking company established in Wisconsin in 2016. Specializing in both full and partial truckload services, they handle a diverse range of cargo including building materials, construction goods, logs, poles, beams, lumber, and large machinery. With a focus on non-hazardous intrastate operations, they offer reliable dry van and flatbed transportation options across the region.
Notably, THE Mcr Group, LLC emphasizes safety with a record of zero crash injuries or fatalities. They support businesses with local driver services and a modern fleet of 65 trucks. While they don’t offer specialized drivers or hazardous material transport, they provide valued employee benefits such as health, dental, and life insurance, paid time off, and direct deposit. With a strong presence on Carriersource, they are well-equipped to manage time-critical shipments effectively.
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: intrastate non-hazardous
- Drivers: 24
- Miles driven: 750,000
Performance Freight Systems, Inc.
2040 W Oklahoma Ave, Milwaukee, WI, 53215- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Farm supplies
- General
- Livestock feed
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
Performance Freight Systems, Inc. (DOT: 401278) was established in 1990 and is a reputable freight transportation company based in Wisconsin. Specializing in interstate operations, the company boasts a fleet size of over 50 trucks and 22 power units dedicated to full truckload and less-than-truckload (LTL) services. Performance Freight is proficient in carrying a variety of cargo, including agricultural supplies, building materials, chemicals, grain, feed, hay, metal sheets, coils, rolls, and paper products.
The company excels in team driving opportunities and regional driver services, ensuring efficient and reliable deliveries. Performance Freight is committed to high safety standards with a satisfactory safety rating. Commercial clients benefit from services like refrigerated (reefer) transport, although the company does not handle hazardous materials. Additional employee benefits include health, dental, vision, and disability insurance, along with retirement plans and paid time off, making it an appealing choice for potential drivers.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 1.18
- Driver fitness: 0.07
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.37
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.35
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 2
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 29
- Revenue: $14,286,000
- Miles driven: 1,636,270
PMF Transportation, LLC
486 Globe Ave, Green Bay, WI, 53146- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- General
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
PMF Transportation, LLC (DOT: 722790) is a competent carrier based in Wisconsin, with a fleet size of 28 vehicles that primarily operates interstate. They provide tailored logistics services such as full truckload (FTL) and less than truckload (LTL) shipments, specializing in general freight, machinery, and paper products. Notably, they excel in flatbed and dry van transportation, underscoring their capability in handling large or delicate cargo efficiently.
PMF Transportation is dedicated to maintaining high safety standards, with a satisfactory safety rating and relatively low scores in unsafe driving indicators. They support their workforce by offering health and vision insurance, paid time off, and a retirement plan. The company is renowned for its team driver service, ensuring timely and efficient deliveries. With strategic logistics solutions and a focus on specialized transport, PMF Transportation stands out as a preferred choice for business owners seeking reliable and flexible shipping services.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 0.14
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.05
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.16
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 13
- Revenue: $372,000
- Miles driven: 570,000
Midwest Refrigerated Transport, Inc.
8501 West Brown Deer Road, Milwaukee, WI, 53224- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Produce
- General
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Reefer
Midwest Refrigerated Transport, Inc. (DOT: 1772901) is a reputable Wisconsin-based trucking company that specializes in refrigerated transport and general freight services. Operating with a fleet of 110 trucks, they skillfully handle a diverse array of cargo, including fresh produce, meat, paper products, and building materials, ensuring high-quality service and reliability.
The company supports full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) services, making them versatile for various shipment needs. Midwest Refrigerated Transport prioritizes driver safety and training, offering ongoing development programs and maintaining a satisfactory safety rating. Their commitment to employee benefits is evident with health, dental, vision insurance, paid CDL training, and retirement plans. They are focused on delivering exceptional service, while maintaining a strong emphasis on safety and operational excellence.
Safety
- Crashes: 5
- Unsafe driving: 1.07
- Driver fitness: 0.06
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.41
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.41
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 110
- Revenue: $19,818,000
- Miles driven: 7,552,388
P.M. Express, LLC
819 W Shorewood Drive, Eau Claire, WI, 54703- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- General
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
P.M. Express, LLC (DOT: 931655) is an active carrier providing transportation services with a fleet of 5 trucks and 10 trailers. The company specializes in a range of cargo types, with particular focus on general freight. Operating interstate, they offer services including full truckload and less than truckload options, featuring reliable dry van and flatbed capabilities.
P.M. Express supports commercial shipments with team driving opportunities and guaranteed home time, ensuring timely and efficient deliveries. Their safety measures are reflected by a consistent record of zero crash fatalities and injuries, alongside an up-to-date fleet with an average age of 3 years. Employees benefit from comprehensive insurance options, including health, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as retirement plans and paid time off. Business owners seeking dependable and professional trucking services will find P.M. Express a well-rounded choice for their logistics needs.
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: 3
- Miles driven: 76,557
Reinhart Transportation, LLC
100 Harborview Suite 200, La Crosse, WI, 54601- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Produce
- General
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
Reinhart Transportation, LLC (DOT: 882290) is an established carrier with a significant fleet size of 1,552 trucks and is actively operating across interstate routes. Specializing in a diverse range of cargo, they expertly handle beverages, fresh produce, meat, refrigerated food, and general freight. Equipped with flatbed and dry van trailers, Reinhart offers comprehensive full truckload and less than truckload services, ensuring flexibility and efficiency for a variety of shipping needs.
Reinhart Transportation takes pride in their ongoing training and development programs, which support their team drivers in maintaining consistent performance standards. They provide vital benefits such as health, dental, vision, and disability insurance, alongside a 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off, and a new driver program. With an impressive 63.9 million miles covered annually and a commitment to maintaining a young fleet, Reinhart Transportation stands as a reliable choice for business owners seeking robust commercial shipping support.
Safety
- Crashes: 90
- Unsafe driving: 0.73
- Driver fitness: 0.04
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.09
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.29
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 1894
- Miles driven: 63,900,000
YMX Logistics
12737 60th St, Kenosha, WI, 53144- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- General
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
YMX Logistics (DOT: 223464) is a historic trucking company in Wisconsin, founded in 1928. With a solid fleet of 133 trucks and a reputation for high-quality service, this enterprise excels in carrying general freight, beverages, and paper products. Their commitment to versatile shipping is evident in their operations, which include flatbed, dry van, and less-than-truckload (LTL) options.
YMX Logistics offers specialized support to commercial shipments by providing regional drivers and team driver services. They prioritize employee welfare through benefits like health, vision, and dental insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans. Coupled with a satisfactory safety rating and a Google rating of 4.5, YMX Logistics is committed to reliability and customer satisfaction. Despite challenges, including some crash incidents, their ongoing training programs help maintain a focus on safety and professional development.
Safety
- Crashes: 11
- Unsafe driving: 1.3
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.35
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.17
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 179
- Revenue: $18,942,000
- Miles driven: 5,327,697
How Safety Ratings Work in Wisconsin
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 Wisconsin for Your Shipments
Whether you manage a food, pharmaceutical, or retail operation in Wisconsin, 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 Wisconsin?
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 Wisconsin?
Reefer shipping is commercial transport via refrigerated trucks and trailers that maintain controlled temperatures for products that are sensitive to heat or cold. In Wisconsin, 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
