Hirschbach Motor Lines

Dubuque, IA · Founded 1935 · 2,800+ trucks · 48 states

Company Overview

Hirschbach Motor Lines is one of the fastest-growing refrigerated carriers in the United States, based in Dubuque, Iowa. The company has more than doubled in size over the past decade through organic growth and acquisitions. Hirschbach is known for paying at the top of the reefer market and offering a driver-first culture with benefits starting on day one. The company runs primarily Kenworth equipment and has been recognized multiple times as a Best Fleet to Drive For by the Truckload Carriers Association.

Pay & Compensation

Solo Driver Pay

$0.55-$0.70/mi

Team Driver Pay

$0.66-$0.80/mi

Owner-Operator Pay

$1.22-$1.58/mi

Benefits & Perks

Top-tier reefer pay rates
Full medical, dental, vision from day 1
401(k) with match
Paid vacation starting first year
Late-model Kenworth trucks
Rider and pet policy

Hiring Requirements

Minimum Age: 21 years old
Experience Required: 3 months
CDL Class: Class A
Endorsements: None required

Pros & Cons

Pros

Among the highest-paying reefer carriers in the US
Benefits start day one (no waiting period)
Named Best Fleet to Drive For multiple times
Low experience threshold (3 months)

Cons

Rapid growth means some operational growing pains
Reefer work involves temperature monitoring responsibilities
Some regions have less freight density

Equipment & Operations

Equipment Types

RefrigeratedDry VanDedicated

Operating Region

48 states

Home Time

Every 10-14 days OTR; weekly for regional/dedicated

Annual Revenue

$1.0 billion

Best For

Drivers seeking top reefer pay with a fast-growing, driver-focused carrier

Frequently Asked Questions About Hirschbach Motor Lines

Hirschbach is widely regarded as one of the best refrigerated carriers in the industry. They have won multiple Best Fleet to Drive For awards and offer some of the highest per-mile pay in the reefer market.

Solo drivers earn $0.55-$0.70 per mile depending on experience and division. Team drivers earn $0.66-$0.80 per mile. Many Hirschbach drivers report earning $75,000-$90,000+ annually.

Hirschbach primarily runs Kenworth T680 trucks, typically 2-3 years old or newer, equipped with APUs and full driver comfort amenities.