Charleston, SC service

Reefer drayage that doesn't break the cold chain.

Reefer containers don't tolerate sloppy drayage. A wrong set point, a missed pre-trip, or a genset that runs out of fuel mid-haul, and you've got a temperature claim. Cate Freight runs reefer drays with verified set points, pre-trip inspection, and genset chassis sized for the lane.

How we handle a Charleston reefer drayage

  1. Set point verified at terminal. Driver checks the unit display matches the set point on the booking before the chassis leaves the terminal. Documented.
  2. Genset checked. Fuel level, run hours, alarm history. If anything looks off we route to a different genset rather than risk a fail in transit.
  3. Pre-trip inspection. Reefer set, supply temperature, and return air noted. Photo record on file.
  4. In transit. Genset monitored at any required fuel stops. Set point not changed without written customer instruction.
  5. Delivery. Set point and supply temperature confirmed again at the consignee. Noted on the POD.

Specialty reefer scenarios we handle

  • Plug-to-plug moves where shore power must be maintained on both sides
  • Frozen-to-fresh transitions with controlled set-point ramp
  • USDA-monitored cold chain documentation
  • Pharma reefer with strict tolerance bands
  • Reefer transload with same-day cold-side cross-dock

Pairs well with

Other Charleston drayage services we run.

Import container drayage

Releases checked before dispatch.

Read more

Port-to-warehouse drayage

Appointments confirmed at both ends.

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Overweight drayage

When reefer cargo runs heavy.

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Common questions

Charleston drayage FAQ

Do you carry genset chassis for Charleston reefer drayage?
Yes. We use genset chassis configurations sized for the lane. For long lanes we'll specify a higher fuel capacity or plan a fueling stop in advance.
How is the set point verified?
At pickup, the driver matches the unit display to the booking set point and supply temperature. We document it before the chassis leaves the gate. The same check happens again at delivery and is recorded on the POD.
What if the reefer fails in transit?
We have alarm protocols and contact you immediately if the unit alarms. We don't change the set point without written instruction from the shipper or consignee.
Can you run plug-to-plug reefer drays?
Yes. When shore power must be maintained on both ends, we plan the move so power-down time is minimized and document the plug-out and plug-in times.

Need a container moved?

Send the booking, terminal, and delivery ZIP. We'll come back with a quote — usually inside the hour during business hours.