CDL-A Regional Reefer Driver -- Midwest Routes

Regional Refrigerated Freight | $1,600–$2,200 Weekly | Full-Time

Regional Miles. Familiar Lanes. More Predictable Home Time.

We are hiring experienced CDL-A drivers for regional refrigerated freight operations throughout the Midwest and surrounding states.

This position is designed for professional drivers who prefer regional operations, recurring freight corridors, shorter trips, and more frequent home-time opportunities compared with extended OTR operations. Drivers transport refrigerated and temperature-sensitive freight between distribution centers, warehouses, manufacturers, and customer facilities.

Primary Hiring Market: Columbus, Ohio
Operation: Regional Refrigerated Freight

Compensation & Weekly Earnings

• Gross Weekly Earnings Range: $1,600–$2,200
• Mileage Pay: $0.65–$0.75 per mile, based on the applicable assignment
• Loaded Miles: Paid
• Empty / Deadhead Miles: Paid under the applicable pay plan
• Weekly Mileage: Generally 2,400–2,900 miles when available, subject to freight, legal driving hours, weather, and operating conditions
• Additional Stop: $40 per qualifying additional delivery or pickup
• Detention: $25 per hour after the first two qualifying hours
• Layover: $125 per qualifying 24-hour dispatch-related layover
• Pay Frequency: Weekly
• Payment Method: Direct deposit

Example mileage earnings: 2,400 miles × $0.65 = $1,560; 2,700 miles × $0.70 = $1,890; 2,900 miles × $0.75 = $2,175. Additional qualifying compensation may increase total earnings.

Actual mileage and earnings vary based on dispatched freight, applicable mileage rate, legal driving hours, freight availability, and operating conditions. Earnings are not guaranteed.

Regional Operating Area

Regional operations may include:

• Ohio
• Indiana
• Illinois
• Michigan
• Kentucky
• Pennsylvania
• West Virginia
• Tennessee

Freight may move between food manufacturers, distribution centers, refrigerated warehouses, grocery supply operations, and other applicable customer facilities.

Assignments may include distribution-center transfers, multi-stop refrigerated freight, and recurring customer locations depending on available freight and operating requirements.

Home Time & Scheduling

• Regional operation generally involving five to six operating days per week
• Regular home-time opportunities based on assigned freight and driver home location
• Some overnight trips may be required
• Home-time requests should be coordinated with dispatch
• Weekend availability may vary according to freight requirements

Actual schedules and home time may vary based on assigned lanes, customer requirements, freight availability, driver location, and operating conditions.

Trucks & Refrigerated Equipment

Equipment may include:

• 2023–2026 Freightliner Cascadia, Volvo VNL, or International LT tractors, subject to assignment and availability
• Automatic transmissions
• Governed speeds generally within the 68–70 MPH range depending on assigned equipment
• Sleeper cabs for applicable overnight assignments
• Air conditioning and climate-control features
• Refrigerator and power inverter where equipped
• Electronic logging and digital dispatch/documentation systems
• 53-foot refrigerated trailers with temperature-monitoring systems

Equipment specifications and availability depend on the applicable assignment.

Driver Responsibilities

• Safely operate CDL-A tractor-trailers hauling refrigerated freight.
• Pick up and deliver temperature-controlled freight according to assigned schedules.
• Verify required reefer temperature settings before departure.
• Monitor refrigeration-unit temperature, fuel level, readings, and alarms.
• Maintain cargo temperature and freight integrity throughout transportation.
• Complete required pre-trip and post-trip inspections.
• Manage pickup and delivery appointments, including multi-stop assignments when applicable.
• Maintain accurate ELD records, bills of lading, delivery receipts, and POD documentation.
• Communicate arrival times, delays, equipment concerns, and other exceptions promptly.
• Follow applicable DOT/FMCSA safety and Hours-of-Service requirements.
• Communicate professionally with dispatch, shippers, receivers, and other applicable parties.

Driver Qualifications

• Valid Class A CDL.
• Current DOT medical qualification.
• Minimum 18 months of verifiable tractor-trailer driving experience.
• Refrigerated freight experience preferred.
• Driving and safety history meeting applicable carrier and insurance requirements.
• Familiarity with electronic logging devices.
• Ability to manage scheduled and multi-stop deliveries when assigned.
• Working knowledge of refrigerated freight and temperature-control procedures.
• Professional and dependable communication.
• Ability to operate safely in varying regional weather and road conditions.

Driver Support & Additional Programs

Depending on the applicable assignment and available carrier programs, drivers may have access to:

• Dispatch support
• Roadside-assistance coordination
• Electronic trip and delivery information
• Weekly pay information
• Fuel and toll programs where applicable
• Safety or performance incentive programs where available

Eligibility, amounts, and program terms depend on the applicable assignment and established program requirements.

Regional Driving Opportunity

This position is intended for experienced CDL-A drivers who prefer regional refrigerated operations rather than extended nationwide OTR assignments.

The focus is safe operation, dependable service, proper temperature-controlled freight handling, accurate communication, and consistent performance throughout the assigned regional network.