Knight-Swift Transportation
$50,000 - $85,000OTR, Regional, Dedicated, Refrigerated, Intermodal
Moderate Demand
Refrigerated (Reefer) Driver Jobs in Kentucky
Browse reefer trucking positions across Kentucky with top carriers hiring now.
Average Pay
$54,000 - $83,000
Demand Level
Moderate
Top Carriers
5+ Hiring
Key Cities
5+ Markets
Reefer Trucking in Kentucky
Kentucky's produce farms, poultry processing plants, and growing grocery distribution networks drive strong reefer demand. Seasonal produce peaks create bonus earning opportunities from spring through fall. Reefer driver demand in Kentucky is moderate, with seasonal bonuses and consistent year-round frozen and dairy freight complementing produce season surges.
Top Companies Hiring Reefer Drivers in KY
View Company
Marten Transport
$55,000 - $85,000OTR, Regional, Dedicated, Refrigerated, Intermodal
KLLM Transport
$55,000 - $85,000OTR, Regional, Dedicated, Refrigerated
Crete Carrier Corporation
$55,000 - $85,000OTR, Regional, Dedicated, Refrigerated, Flatbed
Prime Inc.
$50,000 - $80,000+OTR, Regional, Refrigerated, Tanker, Flatbed
Top Cities for Reefer Jobs in Kentucky
Paducah
Kentucky
Louisville
Kentucky
Lexington
Kentucky
Covington
Kentucky
Bowling Green
Kentucky
Key Freight Routes in Kentucky
1
I-65 (Louisville to Nashville)
2
I-75 (Covington/Cincinnati to Tennessee)
3
I-64 (Louisville to Lexington and West Virginia)
Requirements for Reefer Driving in KY
- 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 Kentucky
Submit your application and get matched with companies hiring reefer drivers in KY.
Reefer Trucking Jobs in Kentucky — FAQs
How much do reefer truck drivers make in Kentucky?
Reefer truck drivers in Kentucky earn $54,000 - $83,000 annually, depending on experience, endorsements, and carrier. While base pay in Kentucky is near the national average, the lower cost of living means take-home pay stretches further than in coastal states. Sign-on bonuses of $3,000 to $15,000 are common at major carriers actively hiring in KY.
When is the busiest season for reefer drivers in Kentucky?
Kentucky sees reefer demand peak from April through August during produce and poultry season. Holiday frozen food shipments create a second peak in October through December.
Are trucking companies in Kentucky hiring reefer drivers in 2026?
Yes — reefer driver demand in Kentucky is moderate heading into 2026. The reefer segment in Kentucky is expanding, with carriers adding routes and increasing hiring as freight volumes grow. Check individual carrier listings for current openings and application requirements in KY.