How Much Do Reefer Owner Operators Make in a Year?

If you’ve ever hauled frozen goods across the country, you already know that reefer driving isn’t just another trucking job. It’s a grind that takes skill, patience, and strong time management. But it can also pay well if you run it right. So let’s break it down — how much do reefer owner operators make, what affects those numbers, and how you can increase your earning potential without burning out.

What Makes Reefer Driving Different

Reefer stands for “refrigerated trailer.” It’s the kind of trailer that keeps freight cold or frozen during transport. Think of hauling produce, dairy, meat, or medicine. Unlike dry van loads, reefers run on a cooling unit that needs regular fuel and maintenance.

That adds more responsibility. You’re not just a truck driver — you’re a driver and a temperature manager. If your reefer unit fails, you risk losing thousands of dollars in product. That’s why reefer loads usually pay better than dry van loads.

But higher pay comes with trade-offs. You deal with strict schedules, night deliveries, long waits at cold docks, and constant temperature checks. If you can handle that, reefer trucking can be one of the most rewarding paths in the trucking industry.

Average Pay for Reefer Owner Operators

Let’s get to the point: how much do reefer owner operators make per year?

According to recent industry data and what you’ll hear from drivers at truck stops, reefer owner operators in the U.S. make between $150,000 and $250,000 in gross annual revenue. After expenses like fuel, insurance, maintenance, and taxes, most take home $75,000 to $150,000 a year.

That’s a wide range, but your exact number depends on:

• Experience and reputation – Customers pay more for reliable drivers who don’t spoil freight.
• Routes and regions – Midwest and West Coast lanes often pay more, especially during produce season.
• Freight demand – Refrigerated goods move year-round, but pay peaks in summer.
• Equipment condition – A well-maintained truck and reefer unit keep costs down and profits up.
• How you find loads – Owner operators who build relationships with brokers or get dedicated contracts usually earn more than those chasing spot rates.

If you’re leased to a carrier, your share of the rate might be smaller, but your back-office work and risk are lower. If you’re fully independent, your earnings can be higher — but so are your headaches.

Expenses You Can’t Ignore

Every owner operator knows that gross pay doesn’t mean much until you subtract your expenses. Here’s where your money goes:

• Fuel: Your biggest cost. Expect 25–30% of your revenue to disappear at the pump. Reefer units also need diesel to run their cooling systems.
• Maintenance: Oil changes, tire replacements, and reefer service add up fast. A breakdown can eat a week’s worth of profit.
• Insurance: You’ll need truck, cargo, and liability coverage. Costs depend on your driving record and truck type.
• Permits and taxes: IFTA, IRP, state permits, and quarterly tax payments are part of life on the road.
• Broker fees or dispatch services: If you use help to find loads, they take a cut.
• Food and lodging: If you’re away from home most of the time, small expenses add up fast.

Run your numbers honestly. A trucker making $220,000 gross might still net less than someone grossing $180,000 if their fuel use and maintenance are out of control.

What Type of Truck Affects Your Pay

The truck you drive matters. A modern, fuel-efficient tractor with a reliable cooling unit saves money every mile. Old equipment might be cheaper upfront but cost more later.

If you’re buying, check the condition of both the truck and the reefer unit. Brands like Thermo King and Carrier are reliable, but they still need regular maintenance. A unit that breaks down on a hot day can turn a profitable load into a total loss.

Your commercial driver’s license (CDL) class also plays a role. Most reefer drivers hold a Class A CDL, which allows hauling up to 80,000 pounds combined weight. Some loads, especially long-haul frozen freight, require you to know how to balance temperature control with weight distribution. That knowledge can boost your value to brokers and shippers.

Reefer vs. Dry Van: Which Pays Better?

Reefer loads usually pay about 10–20% more than dry van loads. The main reason is the extra risk and effort. You deal with time-sensitive goods, temperature monitoring, and more strict delivery times.

Dry van work might seem easier, but it also means lower rates and more competition. Many drivers start in dry van before moving up to reefer or flatbed for higher pay. If you’re willing to take on more responsibility, reefer trucking can put more money in your pocket.

Still, it’s not just about the paycheck. Dry van drivers often enjoy more time at home and fewer middle-of-the-night calls from brokers asking if the freight is still cold.

Working for a Carrier vs. Running Independent

Some owner operators prefer leasing to a carrier instead of running on their own authority. Here’s the difference:

• Leased to a carrier: The company handles insurance, permits, and dispatch. You get consistent freight but keep only a percentage of each load.
• Independent: You handle everything — load boards, billing, maintenance, taxes. You keep 100% of the rate but take 100% of the risk.

If you’re new to reefer trucking, leasing to a reputable carrier might be the safer choice while you learn the ropes. Once you build relationships and learn how to find loads directly, you can make more as an independent owner operator.

Finding Loads That Pay Well

Good loads are the lifeblood of every successful trucker. As a reefer driver, you’ll often find freight on load boards, through dispatchers, or directly from brokers. But the key is to build repeat relationships.

Refrigerated freight moves all year — food never stops. Produce season, however, can make your rates jump. When the harvest starts in California, Texas, or Florida, freight demand spikes. If you plan your routes smartly, you can ride those waves and keep your trailer full both ways.

Stay away from cheap freight. Some new drivers take any load just to stay busy. That burns fuel and eats profit. Learn your cost per mile, know your worth, and negotiate with confidence.

Life on the Road as a Reefer Driver

Being a reefer owner operator means long hours, late-night calls, and fewer regular weekends. Grocery chains and warehouses love to schedule deliveries at odd hours. You might sit at a cold dock for six hours waiting for a load to finish.

Still, there’s a sense of freedom that keeps drivers coming back. You set your routes, choose your loads, and make real money when you manage your business right.

Some drivers choose to run hard for three weeks, then take a full week off at home. Others prefer steady regional routes that bring them home every weekend. That balance — time at home versus income — is different for every driver.

Tips to Maximize Your Income

1. Track your expenses. Use a spreadsheet or app to record every cost.
2. Stay on top of maintenance. Prevent small issues before they grow.
3. Build broker relationships. Repeat customers pay better and trust you more.
4. Keep your reefer unit in top shape. A single failure can wipe out your profit for the month.
5. Plan your routes smartly. Avoid empty miles whenever possible.
6. Manage fuel wisely. Use apps to find cheaper diesel along your route.
7. Take care of yourself. Good sleep and health mean better decisions on the road.

Final Thoughts

So, how much do owner operator reefer drivers make per year? The honest answer: as much as you’re willing to work for.

If you manage your expenses, plan smart routes, and build good relationships, reefer trucking can easily pay six figures. It’s not an easy life, but it’s one that rewards effort and independence.

In the end, being a reefer owner operator isn’t just about hauling cold freight. It’s about running your own small business on 18 wheels — and doing it with pride.