Reefer Shipping Cost Calculator
Refrigerated freight runs a premium over dry van — typically 20-30% — and the premium grows with how demanding your temperature band is. This prices your lane by temperature setpoint and trailer configuration.
What does this tool do?
Reefer Shipping Cost Calculator computes the result directly in your browser — Refrigerated freight runs a premium over dry van — typically 20-30% — and the premium grows with how demanding your temperature band is. This prices your lane by temperature setpoint and trailer configuration. Nothing you enter is uploaded or stored.
Formula: reefer cost = miles × dry-van rate × (1 + temperature premium + multi-zone premium). Premiums are 2026 example midpoints (MetricRig cold-chain benchmarks): reefer spot runs 20-30% above dry van; setpoint bands chilled 34-40°F, controlled 50-60°F, frozen −10-0°F; multi-zone trailers +10-20%. Use: sanity-check broker quotes and decide contract vs spot exposure — uncontracted reefer spot in a tight market is direct P&L risk.
FAQ
How much more does reefer cost than dry van?
Typically 20-30% more per mile. In 2026, reefer spot rates average $2.85-$3.20/mi versus roughly $2.30 for dry van; contracted reefer runs $2.40-$2.70/mi.
What temperature band should I quote?
Chilled (34-40°F) covers produce, dairy, most fresh food. Controlled (50-60°F) covers wine and some pharma. Frozen (−10-0°F) for frozen food. Pharma 2-8°C needs tight tolerance, monitoring, and excursion documentation — quote it higher.
When are reefer rates highest?
Produce season (April-July) and holiday food shipments (Q4). Spot rates run 30-50 cents per mile above contract in those windows — lock annual or quarterly contracts covering at least 70% of volume before Q3.
Figures are editable example defaults for planning, not rate quotes. Trucking costs and freight rates vary by region, lane, season, equipment, and negotiation — verify with current load boards, your insurance agent, and fuel receipts before committing to a rate.