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Reefer Shipping Services & Transport in South Carolina (2026)

Mike Marshall, Shipping Expert
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Reefer trucking is essential for South Carolina companies that sell perishable food products and other goods that require refrigeration in transit. After evaluating top Reefer shipping services on factors like cost, dependability, safety, and customer satisfaction, Fast Freight Systems, Inc. ranks as the leading choice for moving temperature-sensitive freight.

Why Trust FreightWaves Ratings?

There’s a reason we’re one of the world’s leading authorities on the global freight market. Our expert team has an in-depth understanding of the industry and is up-to-date on employment trends, regulations, and other insights into the trucking workforce.

We conduct thorough research and data analysis to develop our recommendations for the best trucking companies in South Carolina. Every South Carolina trucking firm is closely scrutinized based on its service range and capabilities. Our team also verifies companies’ safety records and regulatory compliance and looks at what real users have to say about their experience.

From there, we narrow our focus to select only those top-performing and highest-rated firms to give you an informed and up-to-date list of the best trucking companies in South Carolina for your commercial shipping needs.

Fast Freight Systems, Inc.

950 Houston Northcutt BLVD Suite 100, Mount Pleasant, SC, 29464
  • Fleet age: 3 years
  • Insurance: $1,000,000
  • Safety rating: Satisfactory

Cargo Types

  • Chemicals
  • General
  • Intermodal containers

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Flatbed

Fast Freight Systems, Inc. (DOT: 897765) is an active and reputable trucking company operating out of South Carolina, specializing in freight transport across state lines. They maintain a fleet of 68 trucks and have a satisfactory safety rating. Established over 24 years ago, Fast Freight Systems distinguishes itself by providing both full truckload (FTL) services and less-than-truckload (LTL) for general freight and intermodal containers. Their focus on safety is evidenced by their low unsafe driving and maintenance scores.

Fast Freight Systems handles a variety of cargo, including chemicals and general freight, making them a versatile choice for shippers. They boast benefits like health, dental, and vision insurance for their drivers, enhancing workforce satisfaction. The company does not offer dedicated routes, but their regional operation ensures coverage across different areas. With a strong online presence and positive ratings on platforms like Google and Glassdoor, Fast Freight Systems positions itself as a reliable partner for business owners seeking efficient transportation solutions.

Safety

  • Crashes: 6
  • Unsafe driving: 1.47
  • Driver fitness: 0.16
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.31
  • Vehicle maintenance: 8.5
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 68
  • Revenue: $5,384,000
  • Miles driven: 3,450,869
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Carolina National Transportation, LLC

950 Houston Northcutt BLVD Suite 100, Mount Pleasant, SC, 29464
  • Fleet age: 3 years
  • Insurance: $1,000,000
  • Safety rating: Satisfactory

Cargo Types

  • Building materials
  • General
  • Intermodal containers

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Flatbed
  • Last-mile delivery

Carolina National Transportation, LLC (DOT: 659150) is a South Carolina-based trucking company distinguished by its robust operations handling general freight, building materials, and intermodal containers. Operating a fleet of approximately 185 trucks, the company specializes in full truckload, partial truckload, dry van, and flatbed services, ensuring a wide spectrum of transport solutions. Established with a focus on customer satisfaction, Carolina National Transportation maintains an active status with the USDOT.

Known for its effective logistics capabilities, Carolina National Transportation supports commercial shipments with flexible scheduling, guaranteed home time, and ongoing training programs for its drivers. With innovative parcel solutions, the company meets diverse cargo needs while maintaining a satisfactory safety rating. Offering competitive salary packages ranging from $50,000 to $60,000, they also provide comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, ensuring strong employee benefits and support.

Safety

  • Crashes: 11
  • Unsafe driving: 2.28
  • Driver fitness: 0.01
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.5
  • Vehicle maintenance: 5.75
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 185
  • Revenue: $5,384,000
  • Miles driven: 9,559,578
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Prime Time Logistics, LLC

2819 Industrial Ave, North Charleston, SC, 29405
  • Fleet age: 3 years
  • Insurance: $1,000,000

Cargo Types

  • Beverages
  • General
  • Intermodal containers
  • Paper products

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Flatbed
  • Tanker

Prime Time Logistics, LLC (DOT: 3114604) is an emerging trucking company that has operated since 2018 in South Carolina. The company specializes in general freight, including beverages, intermodal containers, US mail, paper products, and other freight types. They provide services such as full truckload, partial truckload, dry van, reefer, flatbed, and tanker transport, offering flexibility in the kinds of shipments they can handle.

Prime Time Logistics distinguishes itself with interstate carrier operations and prioritizes truck safety, reporting zero injuries or fatalities. They offer life and health insurance, including dental, vision, and disability coverage, to support their drivers. The company maintains an active status with a relatively young fleet and focuses on providing reliable logistics solutions to meet various shipping needs.

Safety

  • Crashes: 1
  • Unsafe driving: 0.0
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.33
  • Vehicle maintenance: 0.0
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 3
  • Revenue: $510,000
  • Miles driven: 2,030
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Excel Transport, LLC

161 Scalybark Rd, Summerville, SC, 29485
  • Fleet age: 3 years
  • Insurance: $1,000,000

Cargo Types

  • General
  • Intermodal containers

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Flatbed
  • Last-mile delivery

Excel Transport, LLC (DOT: 1593361) is an established trucking company based in South Carolina. They offer a diverse array of services including full and less-than-truckload (LTL) freight, partial truckload, and parcel shipments. Operating a modern fleet of 8 vehicles with an average age of 3 years, Excel Transport facilitates the movement of general freight and intermodal containers across interstate routes.

Although the company does not provide certain specialized services such as hazardous materials or oversized loads, it excels in dry van and flatbed services. Excel Transport is noted for its general freight capabilities and prioritizes the quality of service with a strong emphasis on vehicle maintenance and safe driving practices. With benefits like paid time off, health, dental, and vision insurance, Excel Transport supports its workforce, positioning itself as a reliable partner for business owners seeking efficient freight solutions.

Safety

  • Crashes: 0
  • Unsafe driving: 3.0
  • Driver fitness: 2.5
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.25
  • Vehicle maintenance: 3.0
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 3
  • Miles driven: 231,160
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J & L Transport, LLC

910 Martha Street, Columbia, SC, 29203
  • Fleet age: 3 years
  • Insurance: $750,000

Cargo Types

  • Dry bulk commodities
  • General
  • Intermodal containers

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Flatbed
  • Last-mile delivery

J & L Transport, LLC (DOT: 2314742) is a transport carrier offering reliable interstate trucking services. Specializing in dry bulk commodities, general freight, and intermodal containers, the company employs a fleet of five trucks and ten total fleet units. With reefer, dry van, and flatbed services, J & L Transport efficiently handles diverse cargo needs, making it a versatile choice for business owners.

J & L Transport prioritizes driver safety and compliance, maintaining excellent safety records with no reported crash injuries or fatalities. The firm provides support through benefits, including health insurance and paid time off, contributing to driver satisfaction. Although focused on full truckload and less-than-truckload services, they also supply local drivers to cover both short- and long-haul routes, ensuring timely distribution of products. Their active status on carriersource reflects their commitment to efficient and reliable service in commercial shipments.

Safety

  • Crashes: 0
  • Unsafe driving: 1.2
  • Driver fitness: 1.81
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 5.18
  • Vehicle maintenance: 14.83
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 6
  • Miles driven: 297,901
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Rtr, Inc.

7109 Cross County Road, North Charleston, SC, 29418
  • Fleet size: 20 to 49
  • Fleet age: 5 years
  • Insurance: $750,000

Cargo Types

  • Chemicals
  • General
  • Intermodal containers

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Flatbed

Rtr, Inc. (DOT: 713044) is a reputable trucking company founded in 1994, operating a fleet of 45 trucks in South Carolina. Specializing in full truckload and less-than-truckload services, they are adept at transporting general freight and intermodal containers. With a focus on flatbed and dry van transport, Rtr, Inc. efficiently handles cargo such as chemicals, showcasing their versatility in cargo transport.

Rtr, Inc. provides substantial support for commercial shipments, offering services like regional driving to optimize delivery efficiency. They ensure a safe and secure shipping experience, reflected by active authority and a strong emphasis on vehicle maintenance. With employees enjoying benefits such as health, dental, and vision insurance, coupled with a positive reputation on platforms like Indeed and Glassdoor, Rtr, Inc. proves to be a reliable partner for businesses seeking robust and trustworthy trucking solutions.

Safety

  • Crashes: 1
  • Unsafe driving: 1.48
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
  • Vehicle maintenance: 7.11
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: intrastate hazardous
  • Drivers: 45
  • Revenue: $2,647,000
  • Miles driven: 1,170,000
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Fountain Transport Services, LLC

113 Oak Hollow Ct, Columbia, SC, 29212
  • Fleet age: 3 years
  • Insurance: $1,000,000

Cargo Types

  • General
  • Intermodal containers

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Flatbed
  • Last-mile delivery

Fountain Transport Services, LLC (DOT: 3061224) is an active freight transportation company headquartered in South Carolina. Known for their specialization in general freight and intermodal containers, they operate a fleet of 32 trucks, focusing on flexibility with full and partial truckload services. Their logistics expertise extends to carrying other cargo types, ensuring that diverse shipment needs are met efficiently.

The company is committed to enhancing driver satisfaction and operational safety, offering benefits like health, dental, and vision insurance along with paid time off and a retirement plan. They promote a supportive working environment through incentives such as safety bonuses and guaranteed home time. Fountain Transport Services places emphasis on maintaining vehicle standards, reflected by their moderate unsafe driving score, showcasing their diligence in providing reliable and secure transportation solutions.

Safety

  • Crashes: 1
  • Unsafe driving: 1.12
  • Driver fitness: 0.1
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.08
  • Vehicle maintenance: 1.38
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 55
  • Miles driven: 2,878,192
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Smith Dray Line

320 Park Commerce Road, Greenville, SC, 29611
  • Fleet size: 50+
  • Fleet age: 5 years
  • Insurance: $1,000,000
  • Safety rating: Satisfactory


Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Flatbed
  • Tanker
  • Last-mile delivery
  • Cross-border
  • Drayage
  • Hazardous materials

Smith Dray Line (DOT: 122024) is a distinguished trucking company that has been operating since 1911 in South Carolina. The company possesses a fleet of over 50 trucks, including refrigerated trailers and tankers, reflecting its capacity to handle varied shipments such as household goods. With a stellar Google rating of 4.5 and a firm commitment to safety, Smith Dray Line emphasizes dependable service and client satisfaction.

Smith Dray Line provides specialized support for commercial shipments, including hazardous materials transportation, regional deliveries, and cross-border services. Their offerings include both full and partial truckloads, as well as less-than-truckload options, catering to diverse shipping needs. The company’s satisfactory safety rating alongside comprehensive employee benefits underscores their dedication to both safety and staff well-being, positioning them as a reliable partner for business owners seeking efficient freight solutions.

Safety

  • Crashes: 0
  • Unsafe driving: 0.57
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.14
  • Vehicle maintenance: 4.75
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 59
  • Revenue: $5,557,000
  • Miles driven: 104,038
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UST Select, Inc.

556 Perry Ave Suite B 106, Greenville, SC, 29611
  • Fleet age: 3 years
  • Insurance: $750,000

Cargo Types

  • Construction equipment
  • General

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Flatbed
  • Last-mile delivery

UST Select, Inc. (DOT: 3299508) is a South Carolina-based trucking company recognized for its focus on delivering comprehensive logistics solutions. With a fleet size of 764 vehicles and 382 trucks, they specialize in flatbed and dry van transportation, ensuring efficient movement of general freight and construction materials. UST Select, Inc. prides itself on team driver services, guaranteeing reliable and on-time deliveries with their extensive 15,200,000 annual mileage.

The company offers a range of support services, notably full and partial truckload shipping, complemented by advanced logistics capabilities such as last-mile delivery. Their commitment to employee welfare is evident through benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance, alongside a robust 401(k) retirement plan. UST Select, Inc. stands out for its emphasis on safety and quality service, making it an excellent choice for businesses seeking dependable transportation partners.

Safety

  • Crashes: 20
  • Unsafe driving: 0.32
  • Driver fitness: 0.2
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
  • Vehicle maintenance: 2.2
  • Controlled substances: 0.01
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 680
  • Miles driven: 15,200,000
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Carolina Material Transport

1735 Heckle BLVD Ste 103 238, Rock Hill, SC, 29732
  • Fleet age: 3 years
  • Insurance: $750,000

Cargo Types

  • Dry bulk commodities

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Flatbed

Carolina Material Transport (DOT: 1134267) is a reliable trucking company engaged in interstate transportation, specializing in dry bulk commodities. Although their fleet is modest, it includes essential truck types like flatbeds and dry vans. The company offers team driving services, ensuring efficiency and timely deliveries.

While Carolina Material Transport does not handle hazardous materials, they provide less-than-truckload (LTL) and full-truckload (FTL) services, catering to various shipping needs. Their drivers benefit from safety bonuses, health insurance, and retirement plans, promoting job satisfaction and retention. With a commendable Google rating of 4.5, Carolina Material Transport is a dependable choice for businesses seeking trustworthy shipping partners in South Carolina.

Safety

  • Crashes: 0
  • Unsafe driving: 0.0
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
  • Vehicle maintenance: 0.0
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 1
  • Miles driven: 28,000
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How Safety Ratings Work in South Carolina

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Compliance, Safety & Accountability (CSA) program evaluates trucking companies using BASICS (Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories)

Here’s a look at what each of the BASICS cover:

  • Crashes: Trucking companies are required to report any accidents that result in injury or death. The FMSCA uses these state-reported crashes to determine any patterns of crash involvement and potential behaviors contributing to that pattern.
  • Unsafe driving: This CSA category covers behaviors like texting and speeding that can lead to accidents
  • Driver fitness: The FMCSA requires trucking companies to keep up-to-date records on their drivers. That includes identification and paperwork like CDLs, annual driving reviews, and any relevant medical certifications or documentation. Violations of this category will result in lower overall safety scores.
  • Hours-of-service compliance: The FMCSA cites truckers and trucking companies that do not follow or enforce hours-of-service regulations that limit how much time a large commercial vehicle operator can be on the road without rest.
  • Vehicle maintenance: Truckers are responsible for completing inspections before hitting the road on a route. They must also log any issues and have repairs to those identified problems completed before operating the truck.
  • Controlled substances: As with all vehicle operators, truckers must be sober behind the wheel. This category accounts for violations issued to a trucking company’s driver(s) for being under the influence of or in possession of alcohol and street drugs or prescriptionor over-the-counter medicines that could impair judgement.
  • Hazardous materials violations: Trucking companies and their drivers must exhibit proper loading and handling of hazardous materials, including labeling these items correctly, ensuring packaging meets regulations, and follows all restrictions and rules for the vehicle type.

Companies scoring a zero for any or all of the above categories did not receive any citations or other violations within a given month. Essentially, any trucking company that has multiple zeroes in these categories can likely be considered a safe freight shipper in compliance with all FMCSA standards and regulatory requirement.

Choosing the Right Reefer Trucking Company in South Carolina for Your Shipments

Whether you manage a food, pharmaceutical, or retail operation in South Carolina, here are some tips on what to look for in reefer trucking company for your refrigerated shipments:

  • Temperature-control capabilities: Choose a carrier that provides precise temperature monitoring and control to ensure your products stay within safe temperature ranges throughout the journey.
  • Specialized Reefer options: Look for companies with a variety of Reefer trailer sizes and configurations to accommodate different loads and product requirements.
  • Driver experience and training: Experienced drivers trained in handling Reefer loads can help prevent temperature fluctuations and ensure safe, timely deliveries.
  • Tracking tools: Carriers with GPS and real-time monitoring tools keep you informed on the location and condition of your shipment.
  • Fleet maintenance: Well-maintained reefer trucks minimize the risk of breakdowns that could compromise the quality of your products.
  • Customer support: A company with a reputation for customer service and dedicated logistics and freight management teams will be better able to handle any changes or issues with your shipment.
  • Safety record and compliance: Check a company’s CSA score to make sure they have a history of safe transport and are compliant with industry regulations.

FAQs

What products are best transported by truck in South Carolina?

The products that are best transported by truck in the U.S. include commodities like:

  • Building materials
  • Food and beverages
  • Furniture
  • Clothing
  • Electronics

What is Reefer shipping, and when is it needed for businesses in South Carolina?

Reefer shipping is commercial transport via refrigerated trucks and trailers that maintain controlled temperatures for products that are sensitive to heat or cold. In South Carolina, businesses that ship food, pharmaceuticals, flowers, and other perishables rely on Reefer shipping to ensure product quality and prevent spoilage or damage during transit.

How does Reefer shipping protect temperature-sensitive goods?

Reefer shipping protects temperature-sensitive goods by utilizing trucks equipped with refrigeration units that can maintain specific temperature settings. By controlling the climate inside the trailer, Reefer shipping reduces the risk of spoilage and extends product shelf life during transport.

Other Types of Transport Options for Your Shipments


Mike Marshall