Workers' comp class code · Transportation
Class code 7231 — Trucking — Refrigerated
Hauling of perishable goods in temperature-controlled trailers.
This classification covers trucking operations that haul perishable goods in refrigerated trailers, commonly known as reefer units. It applies to carriers moving food, pharmaceuticals, or other temperature-sensitive freight where maintaining a controlled environment throughout the trip is essential to the cargo's usability.
In addition to standard driving and freight-handling duties, employees in this classification often deal with monitoring and adjusting refrigeration units, working in and out of cold trailer environments during loading and unloading, and coordinating tighter delivery windows since delays can spoil the load. Payroll generally includes drivers and any dock or warehouse staff who load temperature-sensitive freight into the trailers.
The cold-environment loading process adds exposures beyond typical trucking, including slip hazards from condensation or ice buildup inside trailers and physical strain from working quickly in uncomfortable temperatures. Combined with the standard road risks of any trucking operation, this creates a distinct risk profile that insurers evaluate separately from dry-van hauling.
What code 7231 typically includes
- Driving refrigerated trailers on regional or long-distance routes
- Monitoring and setting temperature controls on reefer units
- Loading and unloading perishable freight in cold trailer environments
- Coordinating tight delivery windows for time-sensitive cargo
- Basic maintenance checks on refrigeration equipment
Codes this one gets confused with
7228 — Trucking — Long Haul
Standard long-haul trucking doesn't involve refrigeration equipment or cold-environment loading exposures.
See code 72287229 — Trucking — Local Hauling
Local hauling of non-perishable freight lacks the temperature-control and cold-loading exposures found in refrigerated work.
See code 7229What this code means for your premium
Refrigerated hauling tends to price similarly to or slightly above comparable dry-van trucking, reflecting the added cold-environment loading exposures.
Estimate your premiumClassification is not final until a carrier assigns it. Code numbers, wording and exceptions vary by state and rating bureau — several states run their own bureaus. This page is general reference written in our own words; your carrier's underwriter assigns the code based on your actual operations and payroll records.
Questions about code 7231
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