About project
Period: Mar – Jun 2025
Client: Regional Grocery Chain (Confidential)
Subject: Refrigerated Imports — Reefer Drayage + Cross-Dock + Expedited Linehaul to DCs
Goal: stabilize cold-chain performance for fresh produce imports by reducing temperature excursions, avoiding demurrage/per diem, and improving on-time arrival to distribution centers in the Northeast.
Our Task Was
Engineer a port-to-DC program for reefer containers arriving PHL/MIA: provide genset-powered drayage, same-day cross-dock with pulp checks and photo capture, then dispatch expedited 53′ reefers to two DCs while meeting retailer appointment windows and protecting shelf life.
Process
Six-step cold-chain operating plan from vessel arrival to DC delivery.
ISF/entry aligned pre-arrival; arrival watches set; LFD tracked daily
Reefer drayage with genset power; setpoints verified; seals recorded
Cross-dock within 4 hours: pulp temperatures logged; photos at each touch
Palletization to spec; airflow and stack patterns checked; labels applied
Expedited reefer TL to DCs; appointments scheduled; check calls en route
Empty returns posted to nominated depot; POD + temperature logs issued
Result
Program outcomes measured over 24 import containers.
Temperature excursions ↓ 78% vs. prior baseline
Demurrage/per diem avoided on 23/24 boxes; ~$12,600 fees saved
On-time to DC appointments 98.7% with expedited reefer TL
Average dwell at port/warehouse ↓ 46% (faster turns)
Shrink related to temp deviations ↓ 35% across SKUs
Standardized SOP and checklist adopted for peak season
Conclusion
By aligning ISF/entry, powering drays with gensets, and enforcing rapid cross-dock with pulp checks, the chain stabilized product temps and cut storage exposure. Expedited reefer linehaul and tight appointment control lifted on-time performance while reducing shrink and total landed cost.