Refrigerated Transportation

Century Express Virginia dispatchers manage hundreds of refrigerated container shipments through the Port of Virginia each year.

Virginia's Trusted Drayage Partner

Our extensive knowledge of reefer requirements enables us to serve your needs. 

Adequate cold storage, in particular, can be crucial to prevent quantitative and qualitative losses. Century Express Virginia offers refrigerated container storage while providing reefer monitoring services, electrical services, and genset refueling.

Port of Virginia aerial view

A Premier Drayage Carrier at the Port of Virginia

Without proper management, you could lose thousands of dollars due to damaged goods.  We always look for ways to safeguard your temperature sensitive cargo whether storing for early return date delays or to avoid port demurrage.

Port of Virginia container operations

Trusted Carrier

Having your port drayage handled by a trusted carrier can make a difference not only in how quickly your freight moves, but also in your peace of mind.

Complete Coverage

Let Century Express Virginia handle all your container trucking needs within the Port of Virginia — from standard containers to refrigerated and hazmat cargo.

Planning & Forecasting

From planning to forecasting, Century is here to assist you with moving your freight efficiently and on schedule.

Our Full Range of Services

Beyond port drayage, we offer a comprehensive suite of transportation and logistics services. Select a service to learn more:

Port Drayage

Standard container transport to and from marine terminals.

Rail Drayage

Container movement between rail yards and final destinations.

Heavy Cargo Permitting

Overweight permits and heavy haul logistics expertise.

Transloading

Efficient transfer of cargo between containers and trailers.

Refrigerated Drayage

Climate-controlled transport for temperature-sensitive cargo.

Hazmat Drayage

Certified handling of hazardous materials with full compliance.

Specialized Equipment

Flatbeds, step decks, and triaxles for non-standard loads.

Yard Storage

Secure container storage at our facility when you need flexibility.

Why Choose Century Express Virginia

Experience, reliability, and a commitment to your success set us apart.

Terminal Relationships

Twenty years of terminal relationships give us the unique rapport to resolve delays and keep your cargo in motion.

Cargo Expertise

From consumer goods to heavy machinery, we handle a wide variety of cargo types with specialized equipment and trained drivers.

Planning & Forecasting

We work with you to forecast container volumes, plan for peak seasons, and ensure capacity is always available when you need it.

On-Time Delivery

Our commitment to punctuality means your containers arrive when expected, keeping your supply chain running smoothly.

Equipment & Capabilities

We maintain a diverse fleet to handle any container drayage need.

Triaxle Chassis

20' & 40' Containers

Flatbeds & Step Decks

Heavy Haul Capable

Refrigerated Units

Overweight Permits

Port Drayage FAQ

Everything you need to know about port drayage services.

Port drayage trucks
What is Reefer Drayage trucking and how does it work?

Reefer freight is not like dry containers that can stay in ports without damage. With a much shorter delivery deadline, reefer cargo needs faster logistical solutions. This is where reefer drayage trucking services step in. It involves the transportation of refrigerated containers over short distances. They are designed for the time-sensitive cargo such as:

  • Fresh fruits and vegetables
  • Fresh or frozen meat and seafood
  • Dairy Products
  • Juices
  • Concentrates
  • Chocolates
  • Beer and wine
  • Electronics
  • Hazardous chemicals
  • Pharmaceutical goods
  • Photographic film
  • Seedlings and flowers

Reefer drayage trucking ensures that the temperature-sensitive cargo preserves its integrity.  Reefer trucks often require specialized chassis. These chassis come equipped with fuel tanks to power generators. They help maintain the cooling systems within the containers. As a result, these trucks offer an optimal temperature environment for perishable goods.

How do reefer containers work?

Reefers have dedicated internal refrigeration units that maintain the climate inside the container during transit. Typically, these refrigeration containers have four settings to control the following:

Ventilation
Effective ventilation removes all internal reefer heat and gases, ensuring proper chilling of the internal environment. A critical aspect of this process is product packaging. Fruits, vegetables, and other reefer contents must be properly packaged to facilitate the free flow of air throughout this environment. Besides packaging for other items, frozen goods must be well situated for proper airing during transit. The cargo must be stowed in blocks without gaps between the reefer walls and the cargo.

Humidity
Reefer containers also control humidity, which is essential to protect some items. Reefer units tend to lower relative humidity (HR) inside the containers to between 60% and 85%.

Temperatures
Regular reefer container temperatures range from +77 °F to -77 °F to keep chilled or frozen items in the best possible condition.

What is a Cold Chain?

A cold chain refers to end-to-end logistics that require specific actions and equipment to maintain products in good condition while in refrigerated shipping containers. Due to the sensitive nature of some container products, the temperature must be maintained at a certain level for the duration of storage up to its destination.

Get in Touch

Ready to move your cargo? Contact us or request a quote below.

Phone

(757) 494-9200

Office & Norfolk

810 Ford Dr, Norfolk, VA 23523

Portsmouth Yard

3228 West Norfolk Road Portsmouth, VA 23703

Request a Quote

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