Hauling reefer trailers provides many advantages to owner-operators, including greater earning potential due to the premium associated with transporting temperature-sensitive goods. By understanding how much money one can make hauling reefer trailers as well as which factors affect profit margins (e.g., fuel cost and accessorial fees) owners operators can determine if they have what it takes to make a living in this field. To understand how much money an owner-operator can make hauling reefer trailers, let’s break down the key factors that influence profit margins and even explain what a reefer does.
What are Reefer Trailers?
Reefer trailers are specially designed to haul temperature-sensitive items such as food products and pharmaceuticals that require refrigeration during transport. It makes sense that owner-operators who specialize in hauling reefer trailers may have more earning potential than those who drive dry vans or flatbeds due to increased demand for these shipments from large retailers such as Walmart and Costco.
The Potential Earnings Hauling Reefer Trailers
The average salary for an owner-operator hauling reefer trailer varies depending on many factors including location, experience level, type of trailer, length of haul, market conditions, etc. Generally speaking, however, owner-operators can expect to earn between $50k-$100k per year with experienced operators potentially earning up to $150k per year or more depending on circumstances. The earnings potential also depends heavily on how diligent owners are at tracking expenses such as fuel costs, maintenance fees, insurance premiums etc., which can quickly eat into profits if not managed properly.
Factors that Influences Profit
Factors that Influences Profit Margins for Owner-Operators Hauling Reefer Trailers
The most significant factor influencing the profitability of hauling reefer trailers is fuel cost. Since these trailers require more fuel than other types of trailers, it is important for an owner-operator to manage and track fuel costs closely in order to maximize profits. Another key factor impacting profit margins is accessorial fees associated with hauling reefer trailers. Accessorial fees include things like loading/unloading charges, detention pay, layover pay, and extra stops. If an owner-operator can negotiate better terms with their dispatcher or broker regarding accessorial fees, they can increase their overall profits significantly.
Should you start Hauling Reefer Trailers?
It’s fair to say that owner-operators hauling reefer trailers have tremendous earning potential with experienced operators potentially making up to $150k per year—or more—depending on various factors like location, experience level, type of trailer hauled etc. However, it’s important to note that this income comes with its own set of risks, such as high fuel costs and maintenance fees which must be managed carefully for optimal earnings potential. Ultimately though, there is no doubt that owning your own reefer trailers may just be one way you could achieve your financial goals while doing something you love!
