If you own a reefer truck, you already know how demanding this side of trucking can be. Reefer freight isn’t just about getting from point A to point B; it’s about keeping your trailer at the right temperature, showing up on time, and making sure the load arrives in perfect condition.
Now imagine doing all of that and spending hours every day searching for loads, making calls, negotiating rates, and handling paperwork. That’s what self-dispatching feels like, and honestly, it’s not worth it.
Most reefer freight owner-operators think dispatching themselves saves money, but it’s probably costing you thousands.
In this blog, let’s break down what is reefer freight, why reefer owner-operators should stop dispatching themselves, and how to hire a reefer dispatch service so that you can save time and stress and even make more money.
What is Reefer Freight and Why is it Different?
Reefer freight is just a fancy way of saying “temperature-controlled freight.” This includes food, medical supplies, flowers, and anything that needs to stay fresh and safe while it travels.
Here’s why reefer freight is trickier than regular loads:
- Temperature control is non-negotiable for this freight. Even a few degrees off can ruin a load.
- Timing is strict. Late deliveries can mean rejected loads and big financial losses.
- Reefer freight needs fuel, pre-cooling, and constant monitoring. Extra equipment to manage.
Because of all this, reefer loads come with a higher risk, and that means higher stress if you’re trying to dispatch yourself while also driving.
Reefer Load Temperature Requirements
One of the most critical aspects of reefer freight is maintaining the correct temperature throughout the journey. Here’s a table with the temperature requirements of different products:
| Product | Recommended Temperature Range (°F) |
| Fresh Produce | 32–55 |
| Frozen Foods | -10 to 0 |
| Dairy | 33–38 |
| Pharmaceuticals | 36–46 |
| Meat/Poultry | 28–32 |
If you don’t maintain this temperature, then it can result in spoiled goods, rejected loads, and even legal penalties.
Why You Should Never Dispatch Yourself?
Reefer freight is already one of the most stressful parts of the trucking industry. Dispatching yourself might seem like a way to save money, but it actually introduces more problems than it solves.
You’re trying to handle multiple things at the same time, such as worrying about your trailer temperature, making sure you’re on time, and keeping your reefer unit running properly.
Trying to dispatch yourself on top of all that is like adding a second full-time job to your day.
Here’s why it’s a bad idea:
- Doing Too Many Things at the Same Time: You’re already the driver, mechanic, and business owner. When you add dispatching to your plate, you’re running calls, hunting for loads, and doing paperwork when you should be focused on the road.
- Missed High-Paying Loads: Professional dispatchers spend all day talking to brokers, building relationships, and knowing where the good-paying freight is. When you try to self-dispatch, you usually grab whatever you see first just to keep moving, and that often means leaving money behind.
- Increases the Risk of Mistakes: Managing too many things will ultimately lead to making mistakes. You might miss temperature instructions, forget to pre-cool your trailer, or overlook appointment times. Small mistakes can cost big money in reefer freight.
- Stress and Burnout can Happen: Dispatching isn’t just finding loads; it’s also dealing with problems. Late appointments, lumpers, temperature issues, it all lands on you. That constant pressure can burn you out fast and affect your focus behind the wheel.
Difference Between Self-Dispatching and Professional Dispatch
As you read in the previous section, handling dispatch on your own can get really stressful, with multiple tasks demanding your attention at the same time.
On the other hand, if you hire reefer truck dispatch service, they act like your personal logistics partner. They handle the details, keep everything on track, and make sure your business is running smoothly.
Here’s a breakdown of how self-dispatching compares to hiring a professional reefer dispatch service:
| Feature | Self-Dispatching | Professional Reefer Dispatch |
| Load Finding | You search load boards for reefer loads yourself. | They find loads that match your lanes, schedule, and trailer type. |
| Broker Communication | You call brokers one by one. | They handle all broker calls and communication for you. |
| Rate Negotiation | You negotiate rates on your own and may settle for less. | They negotiate higher rates because they know market prices. |
| Paperwork & Documentation | You manage carrier packets, paperwork, and updates. | They prepare and submit paperwork, keeping you informed. |
| Temperature Monitoring | You must remember and track reefer load temperature requirements yourself. | They track your load and make sure all temperature requirements are met. |
| Problem Solving | You solve problems on the road, alone. | They troubleshoot issues so you can focus on driving. |
| Time Efficiency | Wasting drive time searching for loads, making calls, and handling paperwork. | More drive time because dispatchers handle the non-driving tasks. |
What are the Benefits of Professional Dispatchers?
By now, you must have understood why you shouldn’t handle any dispatching yourself. By hiring a professional reefer dispatch company for owner-operators can reduce your burden from your shoulders.
Below are the benefits of reefer dispatch services that go beyond just saving time:
- Save Time and Energy: Professional dispatchers take care of everything for you, whether it’s calls, emails, paperwork, or finding the best loads for you. This means you can spend your time driving your truck, monitoring your reefer, and resting when needed, instead of juggling multiple tasks at once.
- Find Better-Paying Loads for You: Dispatchers have strong connections with brokers and a deep understanding of the freight market. They can find high-paying loads that you might never see on load boards and negotiate better rates, helping you maximize your income without spending hours on the phone.
- Reduce the Extra Stress: A dispatcher can manage all your responsibilities for you, allowing you to stay focused on driving and maintaining your truck, while giving you peace of mind knowing someone has your back 24/7.
- Increase in the Revenue: By leaving the load management to a professional dispatcher, you can focus entirely on driving and keeping your reefer running smoothly. Many owner-operators find that they actually earn more per month when using a dispatcher, thanks to better load selection, higher-paying opportunities, and fewer missed shipments.
How to Choose a Dispatch Service for Owner-Operators?
Not all dispatch services are equal. So, it’s important that you know which dispatch services are best for your business. Here are some criteria that you should look into before hiring a reefer truck dispatch service:
- Industry Experience: You should always go for a company that has experience and really knows reefer freight. An expert team will understand temperature-sensitive loads and can help you avoid mistakes that a general dispatcher might miss.
- Their Reputation: Don’t just take their word for it. Check out their reviews online, ask other drivers, and see if the company has a solid track record. A good reputation is a sign that they’ll handle your business with care and professionalism.
- Go for Transparent Pricing: No one likes hidden fees or surprise charges. Make sure the dispatch service is upfront about their pricing and explains exactly what you’re paying for. Clear communication about costs builds trust.
- Look For 24/7 Support: Things can go wrong at any hour, especially with refrigerated loads. That’s why 24/7 support is a must. You want a team that’s always available to help you out, whether it’s a late-night emergency or a quick question during the day.
Final Words
Reefer freight is already stressful enough; between the temperature monitoring, tight delivery windows, and maintenance, you don’t need the extra headache of chasing loads and doing paperwork on your own.
Outsourcing to a reefer dispatch company like Dispatch Circle for owner-operators is a smart business strategy. You get more time to focus on safe driving, avoid costly mistakes, and secure better-paying freight.