Refrigerated transport (reefer) is one of the highest-paying segments of the South African freight market. Temperature-sensitive cargo — fresh produce, dairy, meat, seafood, pharmaceuticals — commands a rate premium of 20–40% above dry freight on equivalent corridors. This guide covers where reefer loads are concentrated, what they pay, and how to find temperature-controlled freight.
What Is a Reefer Truck?
A reefer (refrigerated truck) is fitted with a refrigeration unit that maintains the cargo hold at a precisely controlled temperature. Common temperature ranges in South Africa:
- Chilled (0°C to 4°C) — fresh produce, dairy, meat, flowers
- Frozen (-18°C to -22°C) — frozen meat, seafood, ice cream
- Controlled atmosphere (+8°C to +14°C) — citrus, deciduous fruit, some vegetables
- Pharmaceutical (+15°C to +25°C) — vaccines, medicines, temperature-sensitive healthcare products
Most South African reefer trailers are 13.6-metre units. Superlink reefer combinations (two temperature-controlled trailers) are also common on high-volume corridors like JHB–Cape Town.
Top Reefer Load Commodities in South Africa
Fresh Produce
- Citrus (oranges, lemons, grapefruit) — June–September. Western Cape, Limpopo, Eastern Cape. Major export volumes plus domestic distribution.
- Table grapes — January–April. Hex River Valley, Berg River, Orange River.
- Deciduous fruit (apples, pears, plums, peaches) — January–May. Elgin, Ceres, Grabouw.
- Avocados — August–January. Limpopo and Mpumalanga.
- Berries and soft fruit — year-round in hothouses, seasonal outdoors.
Meat and Dairy
- Chilled and frozen beef, pork, lamb from abattoirs in Northern Cape, Free State, Limpopo.
- Dairy: milk, cheese, yoghurt from processing plants in KZN, Western Cape, Gauteng.
Seafood
- Fresh and frozen fish from Cape Town, Saldanha Bay, and Hout Bay harbours northbound to Gauteng.
- Prawns from Mozambique southbound — cross-border reefer loads.
Pharmaceuticals
- High-value, low-weight loads. Require GDP (Good Distribution Practice) compliance and temperature monitoring throughout. Premium rates.
Reefer Rates by Corridor (2026)
| Corridor | Direction | Rate (not published) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Town → JHB | Primary (backhaul direction) | — | Peak Jun–Sep citrus season |
| JHB → Cape Town | Primary | — | Meat, dairy, frozen foods |
| Durban → JHB | Either | — | Seafood, imports |
| Limpopo → JHB | Primary | — | Avocados, subtropical fruit |
| JHB → Maputo (MZ) | Cross-border | — | Prawns return leg |
Rate figures removed, 15 August 2026. This page previously carried per-kilometre and per-load rate ranges. They were not derived from any rate dataset we hold — we could not show you where a single one came from, so we took them down rather than leave them standing as the anchor for your next negotiation. What we publish instead is computed and checkable: corridor distances from our own route geometry, toll costs from the SANRAL Class 4 schedule, and the current DMRE diesel price. Build your rate from your own cost per kilometre plus those inputs, and know your floor before you quote.
Reefer loads typically attract a 20–40% premium over dry freight on equivalent corridors. Pharmaceutical loads can command 2–3× dry freight rates. Rates for 13.6m trailer on horse-and-trailer combination.
Seasonal Reefer Load Calendar
| Month | Peak Commodity | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Jan–Apr | Table grapes, deciduous fruit | Western Cape |
| May | Late apples, early citrus | Western Cape |
| Jun–Sep | Citrus (peak) | W Cape, Limpopo, E Cape |
| Aug–Jan | Avocados | Limpopo, Mpumalanga |
| Year-round | Meat, dairy, pharmaceuticals | Nationwide |
Find Reefer Loads on Kweli
Kweli Load Exchange lists temperature-controlled loads across South African corridors. Loads show equipment requirements including temperature specifications. Apply from your phone — no app needed.
See also: JHB to Cape Town Backhaul — Citrus and Fruit Loads | Tautliner Loads South Africa
Register on Kweli free — set reefer as your equipment type and receive load alerts on Kweli LX.
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