Free calculator
Free Reefer Load Calculator
Reefer loads pay more per mile than dry van, but they also carry more cost and more risk — reefer fuel, temperature liability, and detention at cold-storage docks. Higher gross rate does not always mean higher take-home. Run any reefer load through the free calculator to see what actually lands in your pocket.
- Weigh the higher reefer rate against reefer fuel and operating cost.
- See effective RPM after deadhead, plus a risk score that counts reefer temp liability automatically.
- Get a Book / Negotiate / Pass call and a suggested counteroffer in seconds.
Run a reefer load now
Free, no account needed. The reefer equipment type is preselected — just enter the rate, miles, and deadhead.
Want the math behind it? Read how to calculate rate per mile and how to know if a load is worth it, or browse the full resource library.
Running a different trailer? Try the dry van load calculator or the flatbed load calculator.
How the math works
A $1,450 reefer load, worked end to end
Offer: $1,450 · 480 loaded miles · 40 deadhead miles
Loaded RPM: $1,450 ÷ 480 mi = $3.02/mi
Effective RPM: $1,450 ÷ 520 total mi = $2.79/mi
Example cost floor: $2.10/mi × 520 mi = $1,092 (reefer fuel raises the floor)
Gross margin: $1,450 − $1,092 = $358
Read: the margin is real, but one out-of-temp claim costs more than $358. Temp risk rides on every reefer mile.
Common questions
- Do reefer loads pay more than dry van?
- The gross rate is usually higher, but so are the costs. The reefer unit burns its own fuel, washouts come out of your pocket, and cold-storage docks are known for long waits. Run the full math on each load instead of assuming the bigger number wins. Typical lane ranges by equipment are on the benchmarks page.
- Who pays when a reefer load arrives out of temp?
- Temp claims usually land on the carrier, and a rejected trailer of produce can cost more than the load paid. Set the unit exactly as the rate con reads, including continuous versus cycle, pre-cool before loading, and keep the temperature download from the unit. This is educational content, not legal advice; your contract and insurance control what happens on a claim.
- What does a reefer washout cost?
- It varies by location and by what came out of the trailer, so treat it as part of the load's cost rather than a surprise. When a shipper requires a washout, that money and the miles to reach one come off the same margin the calculator shows you. Ask about washout requirements before you book, not at the dock.
LoadMerit provides educational content, simulations, calculators, and decision-support tools for freight load analysis. Content is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be treated as legal, financial, tax, regulatory, insurance, brokerage, carrier, or dispatching advice.