KLLM Transport
$55,000 - $85,000OTR, Regional, Dedicated, Refrigerated
Very High Demand
Refrigerated (Reefer) Driver Jobs in California
Browse reefer trucking positions across California with top carriers hiring now.
Average Pay
$62,000 - $95,000
Demand Level
Very High
Top Carriers
5+ Hiring
Key Cities
5+ Markets
Reefer Trucking in California
California is the epicenter of reefer freight in America, with California's Central Valley, Washington's apple orchards, and the region's produce industry generating massive seasonal and year-round volumes. Reefer driver demand in California is very high, with seasonal bonuses and consistent year-round frozen and dairy freight complementing produce season surges.
Top Companies Hiring Reefer Drivers in CA
View Company
Marten Transport
$55,000 - $85,000OTR, Regional, Dedicated, Refrigerated, Intermodal
Crete Carrier Corporation
$55,000 - $85,000OTR, Regional, Dedicated, Refrigerated, Flatbed
Knight-Swift Transportation
$50,000 - $85,000OTR, Regional, Dedicated, Refrigerated, Intermodal
Prime Inc.
$50,000 - $80,000+OTR, Regional, Refrigerated, Tanker, Flatbed
Driving jobs we are recruiting for in California
Each of these is a live posting with the pay, home time and requirements set out in full. Applying takes about a minute.
OTR Dry Van Driver
$57,000 - $80,500/year · Out 2–3 weeks
OTR Reefer Driver
$62,000 - $88,000/year · Out 2–3 weeks
OTR Flatbed Driver
$64,000 - $90,500/year · Out 1–2 weeks
OTR Step Deck Driver
$65,000 - $92,000/year · Out 1–2 weeks
OTR Tanker Driver
$65,500 - $92,500/year · Out 1–2 weeks
OTR Hazmat Driver
$67,500 - $95,000/year · Out 1–2 weeks
OTR Car Hauler Driver
$68,500 - $97,000/year · Out 2–3 weeks
OTR Oversized Driver
$72,000 - $101,500/year · Out 2–3 weeks
Regional Intermodal Driver
$58,000 - $82,000/year · Home weekly
Local Box Truck Driver
$48,000 - $67,500/year · Home daily
Regional Dump Truck Driver
$54,000 - $76,500/year · Home most nights
Local Cement Mixer Driver
$55,000 - $77,500/year · Home daily
OTR Hotshot Driver
$59,500 - $84,000/year · Out 1–2 weeks
Regional Less Than Truckload Driver
$60,500 - $85,500/year · Home weekly
OTR Power Only Driver
$57,000 - $80,500/year · Out 2–3 weeks
Local Straight Truck Driver
$47,000 - $66,000/year · Home daily
Top Cities for Reefer Jobs in California
Los Angeles
California
Oakland
California
Fresno
California
Sacramento
California
San Diego
California
Key Freight Routes in California
1
I-5 (full state north-south)
2
I-10 (LA to Arizona)
3
I-80 (Bay Area to Nevada/East)
Requirements for Reefer Driving in CA
- Valid CDL-A license
- 6+ months CDL-A experience (some carriers train new drivers)
- Understanding of reefer unit operation and temperature monitoring
- Knowledge of food safety regulations (FSMA)
- Clean MVR and DOT physical card
- Willingness to work seasonal peak freight periods
Start Your Reefer Driving Career in California
Submit your application and get matched with companies hiring reefer drivers in CA.
Reefer Trucking Jobs in California — FAQs
How much do reefer truck drivers make in California?
Reefer truck drivers in California earn $62,000 - $95,000 annually, depending on experience, endorsements, and carrier. Pay rates in California run above the national average due to higher cost of living and dense freight markets. Sign-on bonuses are widely advertised in this market, but the amount, the qualifying period and the clawback terms differ by carrier — read the offer letter rather than the recruiting ad, and ask when the money actually lands.
When is the busiest season for reefer drivers in California?
California's produce season peaks from May through October, with grapes, citrus, and vegetables generating surge freight volumes. Winter months bring steady frozen food and dairy loads.
Are trucking companies in California hiring reefer drivers in 2026?
Yes — reefer driver demand in California is very high heading into 2026. California is one of the top hiring markets for reefer drivers, with multiple carriers offering sign-on bonuses, increased CPM rates, and accelerated hiring processes. Check individual carrier listings for current openings and application requirements in CA.