KLLM Transport Review 2026

Pay, Benefits, Home Time & Driver Ratings

Founded 1963Richland, MSFleet: 3,000+ trucks

Driver Rating

3.5/5 — Good

Annual Pay

$55,000 - $85,000

Solo CPM

$0.48 - $0.64 CPM

Sign-On Bonus

Up to $5,000

Driver Rating

3.5/5 — Good

KLLM Transport Overview

KLLM Transport is one of the largest temperature-controlled carriers in North America, specializing in refrigerated freight since 1963. Based in Richland, Mississippi, KLLM operates over 3,000 trucks hauling produce, frozen foods, dairy products, and pharmaceuticals. The company's name comes from founders Kenneth, Larry, Loyd, and Mike.

KLLM is a strong choice for drivers wanting to specialize in reefer (refrigerated) freight, which typically pays more than dry van work due to the additional skills required. Drivers must understand temperature monitoring, pre-trip procedures for reefer units, and the time-sensitive nature of perishable freight. KLLM provides training for drivers transitioning into reefer work.

The company offers a CDL training program and accepts recent graduates, making it one of the easier paths into the reefer segment of the industry. KLLM's freight is heavily concentrated on produce lanes between the West Coast, South Texas, and eastern population centers, with strong seasonal patterns that affect freight volume and pay.

Pay & Benefits

Solo CPM

$0.48 - $0.64 CPM

Team CPM

$0.58 - $0.72 CPM (split)

Annual Earnings

$55,000 - $85,000

Sign-On Bonus

Up to $5,000

Benefits Package

  • Health and dental insurance
  • 401(k) plan
  • Quarterly safety bonuses
  • Paid CDL training available
  • Newer reefer equipment
View full pay breakdown →

Equipment Used

Freightliner CascadiaPeterbilt 57953' refrigerated trailers (Carrier and Thermo King reefer units)

Home Time Policy

KLLM OTR reefer drivers typically get home every 2-3 weeks. During produce season (spring through fall), home time can stretch due to high freight demand. Regional and dedicated reefer positions offer weekly home time when available. Home time is one of the bigger trade-offs for reefer drivers, as time-sensitive loads can delay planned time off.

Training Program

KLLM offers a company-sponsored CDL training program for new drivers. The program covers CDL instruction and reefer-specific training, including temperature monitoring, pre-trip reefer inspections, and loading/unloading procedures for temperature-sensitive freight. New graduates are paired with experienced reefer mentors before going solo.

Hiring Requirements

Minimum Age

21 years old

Minimum Experience

6 months CDL-A preferred; CDL training available for new drivers

CDL Required

Yes — CDL-A

Clean MVR Required

Yes

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Specialization in reefer freight, which pays a premium over dry van
  • Company-sponsored CDL training for new drivers wanting reefer experience
  • Quarterly safety bonuses provide additional earnings above base pay
  • Strong seasonal freight (produce season) can significantly boost miles and pay
  • Newer reefer-equipped trailers with modern temperature management systems

Cons

  • Produce season means excellent miles but also long stretches away from home
  • Off-season (winter) can see reduced miles and lower weekly earnings
  • Reefer breakdowns on the road can cause delays and unpaid waiting time
  • Smaller company size means fewer terminals and less support infrastructure

Best For

KLLM Transport is recommended for:

  • Drivers wanting to specialize in refrigerated freight
  • New drivers interested in reefer through company CDL training
  • Drivers wanting premium reefer CPM rates

Overall Driver Rating

3.5/5

Based on compiled driver feedback, industry reputation, and compensation analysis. Rating last updated March 2026.

KLLM Transport FAQs

Does KLLM only haul refrigerated freight?
KLLM primarily specializes in temperature-controlled freight, including refrigerated and frozen products. The majority of their loads are produce, frozen foods, dairy, and pharmaceutical products. While they occasionally haul dry freight in their reefer trailers, the company's core focus is temperature-controlled transportation.
How much more does reefer pay compared to dry van?
KLLM reefer drivers typically earn $0.03-$0.08 more per mile than comparable dry van positions at other carriers. Annual earnings of $55,000-$85,000 are common, with top drivers exceeding $80,000 during strong produce seasons. The premium reflects the additional skill and responsibility of managing temperature-sensitive freight.
What is produce season and how does it affect KLLM drivers?
Produce season runs roughly from April through October when fruits and vegetables are harvested across the U.S. During this time, KLLM drivers can expect excellent miles and higher earnings as demand for reefer trucks surges. The downside is that home time may suffer during peak months, and drivers may run longer stretches to keep up with time-sensitive produce loads.
Does KLLM have a CDL training program?
Yes, KLLM offers a company-sponsored CDL training program. The program covers CDL instruction along with reefer-specific training that most CDL schools don't provide. This makes KLLM one of the more direct paths into the reefer segment for new drivers. A service commitment is required after completing training.
What challenges do reefer drivers face that dry van drivers don't?
Reefer drivers must monitor cargo temperatures throughout transit, perform pre-trip inspections on the reefer unit, handle temperature-sensitive loading and unloading, and deal with reefer unit breakdowns on the road. Receivers may reject loads if temperatures are out of spec, which can result in costly claims. The upside is higher pay, and many drivers find the specialized work more engaging than dry van.

More About KLLM Transport

KLLM Transport Company Profile

Jobs, fleet size, and key info

KLLM Transport Pay Breakdown

Full salary, CPM, and benefits details

KLLM Transport Jobs in Mississippi

Openings and hiring info by state

KLLM Transport Jobs in Texas

Openings and hiring info by state

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