Pricing guide
How much does refrigerated delivery cost?
There is no single price for refrigerated delivery. The cost depends on how the run is priced, how far it goes, how many stops it makes, how long the truck waits, and when it runs. This guide explains each factor so you can compare quotes on equal terms.
The short answer
Typical ranges vary; get a quote for your route
Any figure you see online is a rough guide at best, because two refrigerated deliveries with the same pallet count can cost very different amounts depending on distance, timing, and waiting. We don’t publish a rate card. We quote each route on its details, usually the same day.
Pricing models
Four common ways refrigerated delivery is priced
| Model | How it works | Usually fits |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly | You pay for vehicle and driver time | Local multi-stop work where time is hard to predict |
| Day rate | A vehicle and driver for a full shift | Busy days and recurring routes with many stops |
| Per run | A flat price for a defined pickup and delivery | Point-to-point runs such as San Diego to LA |
| Per mile | Priced on distance | Long-distance and out-of-state shipments |
We tell you which model applies to your route when we quote.
Cost factors
What moves the price up or down
| Factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Miles | Fuel, driver time, and vehicle wear scale with distance, including empty miles on one-way long-distance runs. |
| Vehicle size | A 16 ft box truck for 4–6 pallets costs more to run than a van for 1–3. |
| Temperature | Frozen loads keep the refrigeration unit working harder than cool loads. |
| Stops | Each extra stop adds time for parking, unloading, and paperwork. |
| Wait time | Delays at pickup or delivery keep the vehicle and driver from the next job. |
| Timing | After-hours, weekend, and short-notice same-day runs can carry extra charges. |
| Frequency | Recurring routes can be planned ahead; one-off runs are priced on their own. |
| Fuel surcharge | Many carriers add a surcharge that moves with fuel prices. |
Getting an accurate quote
What to send for a quote you can rely on
- Pickup and delivery addresses, plus any extra stops
- Pallet count, dimensions, and total weight
- Temperature range
- Pickup date, delivery window, and appointment times
- Loading details, such as whether each site has a dock
- How often the run repeats
Ask every carrier the same questions: what is included, how wait time is charged, and whether a fuel surcharge is added. That makes quotes comparable.
Before you book
Refrigerated pricing questions
Have a specific requirement?
Let’s talk: (858) 367-3581
What is the going rate for refrigerated freight?
Rates change with fuel prices, season, and demand on each lane, and full-truckload reefer rates don’t translate directly to van or box truck loads. For a current figure, get a quote on your specific route.
How much does it cost to ship one pallet refrigerated?
It depends mostly on distance, timing, and temperature rather than the pallet itself. A short local run and a cross-country shipment of the same pallet are priced very differently.
Is refrigerated shipping more expensive than dry freight?
Generally, yes. Refrigerated vehicles cost more to buy and maintain, and the refrigeration unit uses fuel throughout the run.
Do carriers charge for waiting time?
Many do, after a set free period at pickup or delivery. Ask how wait time is handled before you book, and we will explain how it works for your route.
Are recurring routes priced differently from one-time deliveries?
Recurring routes let a carrier plan vehicles and drivers ahead, and that is reflected in how they are quoted. Ask for both options if you are unsure how often you will ship.
Let’s get your freight moving
Tell us about
your shipment.
Four quick steps, about a minute. We’ll get back to you with availability and a price by the next business day.
- 01Share your route
What you move, where, and how often.
- 02Talk through the plan
We’ll review timing, capacity, and requirements.
- 03Start with a trial run
See how we handle your freight before you commit to a schedule.