Hire Reefer Drivers in California
Pre-screened reefer drivers in California. Class A CDL holders with 1+ years OTR with temperature-controlled experience experience. We aim to fill requests within 48-96 hours.
Demand
very high
Adj. Wage
$63,000-$81,000/year
Target Placement
48-96 hours
CDL Holders (State)
145,000+
CDL Required
Class A
Reefer Driver Requirements in California
Credentials Needed
- CDL Class:Class A
- Endorsements:None required
- Experience:1+ years OTR with temperature-controlled experience
- Wage Range:$63,000-$81,000/year
Equipment-Specific Skills
- Knowledge of reefer unit operation (Carrier, Thermo King)
- Pre-trip temp monitoring and documentation experience
- FSMA food safety compliance awareness
- Ability to manage multi-stop temperature-sensitive deliveries
California Market for Reefer Drivers
Top Cities for Reefer Hiring in California
#1
Los Angeles
#2
San Francisco
#3
San Diego
#4
Fresno
#5
Sacramento
#6
Oakland
#7
Stockton
Employers Driving Reefer Demand in California
Amazon (20+ FCs)Port of LA/Long BeachWalmart DCsTargetCostcoSysco
Why Hire Reefer Drivers in California
Largest freight market in the US — port + agriculture + e-commerce
Port of LA/Long Beach handles 40% of US imports
Year-round produce season creates consistent reefer demand
Highest driver wages outside Alaska
CARB compliance creates barrier to entry — less competition for compliant fleets
What Our Reefer Drivers Bring to Your California Operation
- Higher per-mile rates than dry van — $0.05-$0.10/mile premium
- Strong seasonal demand creates overtime opportunities
- Less competition for loads due to specialized skill set
- Produce season (Oct-May) offers premium-paying lanes
- Growing pharmaceutical cold chain opens new high-value freight
Other Equipment Types in California
Reefer Drivers in Other States
Hiring Reefer Drivers in California — FAQ
We aim to fill reefer driver requests within 48-96 hours, though actual timing depends on the role and the candidates available. In California, where demand is very high, availability may be tighter — we recommend submitting requests as early as possible.
Reefer drivers in California typically earn $63,000-$81,000/year. This reflects the state's very high demand level and the Class A requirement. Los Angeles and San Francisco tend to offer the highest rates.
Reefer drivers in California need a Class A CDL. We verify all credentials as part of our screening process. California has 200+ CDL schools producing new CDL holders.
The top cities for reefer driver demand in California are Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Fresno. Major employers driving this demand include Amazon (20+ FCs), Port of LA/Long Beach, Walmart DCs.
We recruit reefer drivers from across California, a market of roughly 145,000+ CDL holders statewide and 200+ CDL schools. Every candidate we put forward is screened for the Class A CDL, 1+ years OTR with temperature-controlled experience, and a clean driving and compliance record before you see them. Largest freight market in the US — port + agriculture + e-commerce.