Entry Level Refrigerated (Reefer) Jobs

Entry Level Refrigerated (Reefer) Driving

You have completed your initial training period and have been driving solo for several months. You are building confidence in your skills and establishing your safety record. At this stage, more carriers are willing to hire you and pay rates start improving noticeably.

Refrigerated (Reefer) is one of the segments that some carriers will train new drivers for. Reefer drivers haul temperature-sensitive freight in refrigerated trailers, including fresh produce, frozen foods, pharmaceuticals, and floral shipments. The reefer unit must maintain precise temperatures — sometimes within a 2-degree window — throughout the entire trip.

Companies Hiring

Tips for Entry Level Drivers

• 💡 Start building relationships with dispatchers and load planners — drivers who communicate well and are flexible with loads get the best freight assignments.
• 💡 After 6 months of clean driving, update your resume and start exploring carriers that pay significantly more than training companies. You now have leverage.
• 💡 Consider getting your hazmat endorsement — it opens higher-paying loads and sets you apart from other entry-level drivers with only basic CDL-A credentials.
• 💡 Track your actual miles driven versus what you were promised during hiring. If the gap is large, it may be time to shop for a better freight-matching carrier.

Frequently Asked Questions