Question:
Why do several Reefer Companys pay better than
Dry Van Companys?
Is it because of the long wait times to get unloaded? Would figure that a Van Driver would work less hours per day because there would be a lot of drop and hooks? and wait time to unload would be less?
Reefer drivers have to be more attentive to their load because of temperature, and Diesel Reefer fuel, and have to check the crops coming onboard to make sure they are fresh and at the right temperature, and more inside Van washouts?
Do it in the Snow, packed Snow, Glazed over Snow, Deep
Snow, Crusty Snow, Ice, Black Ice and frosty roads for the same pay as Drivers in warm Climates..

Answer:
I am sure you have hit on part of it with there being slightly more work invloved with the reefer (checking temp of trailer and product, etc.), but wait time more than likely has nothing to do with it.
I have pulled both and a slow warehouse is a slow warehouse. I have had 24 hour waits to get unloaded pulling dry van and been unloaded in 20 mintues pulling reefer though the average for both seems to be around 3-4 hours.
Also if you pull reefer for a large company with lots of trailers you would be suprised at the number of drop and hooks you will find/do.
Personally I think the difference in pay is probably due more with better freight rates in the temp control sector than w/dry van. Of course this is just a theory of mine.
Only two things I know of are infinite. The universe and human stupidity, and I am not real sure about the universe.
Answer:
From your response it looks like Refers are worth a try for the extra CPM.
Yourself, Fozzy and Shuffler have passed on a lot of info that will help me break into Big Rig OTR... Thanks!

Answer:
Of course there are a few things to look at. Increased claims activity, are you charged reefer fuel, lumper costs are just a few things to look at. Reefer versus dry vans are a different animal. Research your choices.

Answer:
I've also driven both types and its true the wait times at "food" warehouses are long no matter what you have.....takes just as long with a load of toilet paper as a load of frozen food.
For example I pull a reefer now for Shaffer and we have a lot of drop and hooks, and on the loading and unloading my average wait has been maybe 2 to 3 hours.
And a good thing to remember with a reefer you can pull dry stuff or temp. (heated or cooled) freight......so you have more flexibility, and hey even job security...remember stuff thats refrigerated is usually needed quicker than dry freight....since it won't go bad as fast
GREG - a.k.a. Married Man
"Hakuna Matata...Means No Worries"