Marten Transport
$55,000 - $85,000OTR, Regional, Dedicated, Refrigerated, Intermodal
Very High Demand
Refrigerated (Reefer) Driver Jobs in California
Browse reefer trucking positions across California with top carriers hiring now.
Average Pay
$60,000 - $93,000
Demand Level
Very High
Top Carriers
5+ Hiring
Key Cities
5+ Markets
Reefer Trucking in California
California is the epicenter of reefer freight in America, with California's Central Valley, Washington's apple orchards, and the region's produce industry generating massive seasonal and year-round volumes. Reefer driver demand in California is very high, with seasonal bonuses and consistent year-round frozen and dairy freight complementing produce season surges.
Top Companies Hiring Reefer Drivers in CA
View Company
KLLM Transport
$55,000 - $85,000OTR, Regional, Dedicated, Refrigerated
Crete Carrier Corporation
$55,000 - $85,000OTR, Regional, Dedicated, Refrigerated, Flatbed
Knight-Swift Transportation
$50,000 - $85,000OTR, Regional, Dedicated, Refrigerated, Intermodal
Prime Inc.
$50,000 - $80,000+OTR, Regional, Refrigerated, Tanker, Flatbed
Top Cities for Reefer Jobs in California
Sacramento
California
Oakland
California
San Francisco
California
Stockton
California
Riverside
California
Key Freight Routes in California
1
I-5 (full state north-south)
2
I-10 (LA to Arizona)
3
I-80 (Bay Area to Nevada/East)
Requirements for Reefer Driving in CA
- Valid CDL-A license
- 6+ months CDL-A experience (some carriers train new drivers)
- Understanding of reefer unit operation and temperature monitoring
- Knowledge of food safety regulations (FSMA)
- Clean MVR and DOT physical card
- Willingness to work seasonal peak freight periods
Start Your Reefer Driving Career in California
Submit your application and get matched with companies hiring reefer drivers in CA.
Reefer Trucking Jobs in California — FAQs
How much do reefer truck drivers make in California?
Reefer truck drivers in California earn $60,000 - $93,000 annually, depending on experience, endorsements, and carrier. Pay rates in California run above the national average due to higher cost of living and dense freight markets. Sign-on bonuses of $3,000 to $15,000 are common at major carriers actively hiring in CA.
When is the busiest season for reefer drivers in California?
California's produce season peaks from May through October, with grapes, citrus, and vegetables generating surge freight volumes. Winter months bring steady frozen food and dairy loads.
Are trucking companies in California hiring reefer drivers in 2026?
Yes — reefer driver demand in California is very high heading into 2026. California is one of the top hiring markets for reefer drivers, with multiple carriers offering sign-on bonuses, increased CPM rates, and accelerated hiring processes. Check individual carrier listings for current openings and application requirements in CA.