Three modes, one desk.
Dry van, reefer, and expedited freight share most operational shape — single dispatcher per load, same paperwork standards, same status push. The difference is what the trailer can do for the cargo.
- Dry van53' enclosed box. Standard freight, dry commodities, packaged goods, retail and CPG. 45,000 lb capacity. The workhorse trailer.
- Reefer53' temperature-controlled. –20°F to +70°F with continuous monitoring. Food, beverage, pharma, agricultural. Lower capacity than van because the reefer unit is heavy.
- Hot-shot / ExpeditedSmaller equipment (1-ton or 3-ton truck + gooseneck, or straight expedited truck) running faster lanes. Same-day pickup available; capacity up to 15,000–20,000 lb.
Temperature is a math problem.
Reefer freight rewards attention. The trailer holds temperature only as long as the reefer unit runs, the fuel tank stays topped, and the cargo is loaded with airflow paths intact. We coordinate continuous-monitoring sensors on temperature-critical loads (pharma, fresh produce, dairy) and route through carriers with cold-chain certifications when the SLA demands it.
Standard reefer ranges: frozen (–20°F to 0°F), refrigerated (28°F to 40°F), cool (45°F to 55°F), and temperate (60°F to 70°F).
Hot-shot and expedited.
Hot-shot freight is the answer when a part has to be on a job site tomorrow or a manufacturing line is waiting for a critical piece. The capacity is smaller (typically 1-ton or 3-ton trucks with gooseneck trailers, or straight expedited vehicles), but the pickup window is faster — often same-day in major lanes. The math: pay more per mile, save lost-production hours on the other end.
Typical hot-shot weight ceiling: 15,000–20,000 lb depending on truck class. Above that, the load moves to full-size dry van or flatbed.
Team drivers for coast-to-coast.
Two drivers in the cab, one resting while the other drives, means the load moves continuously instead of stopping for HOS (Hours of Service) rest cycles. Coast-to-coast in 2–3 days instead of 5–6. The cost is roughly 1.5–1.8× single- driver per mile, but for time-critical loads or perishables, the math works.
Frequently asked.
What temperatures can reefer handle?
Modern reefer trailers run –20°F to +70°F reliably, with continuous-monitoring sensors and reefer-fuel checks at every stop. Pharma and food-grade loads with strict temperature SLAs are routed through carriers with cold-chain certification.
What is a hot-shot load?
Hot-shot is time-critical freight that needs to ship now — typically running on 1-ton or 3-ton trucks pulling gooseneck trailers, or on small expedited straight trucks. Faster pickup than full-size dry van; lower capacity (up to about 15,000 lb on most hot-shot rigs).
Do team drivers cost more?
Per-mile rates are roughly 1.5–1.8× single-driver. The trade-off is time: team drivers can move coast-to-coast in 2–3 days instead of 5–6. For time-critical loads or fresh produce, the math works out.
Can you cover same-day pickup?
Same-day pickup is realistic on hot-shot and expedited capacity in the major lanes. Standard van and reefer typically require 24–48 hours of lead time for in-pattern lanes; longer in tight markets.