Driver Guide & Frequently Asked Questions

Here you will find the answers to frequently asked questions about BD Cold Storage for drivers. A general FAQ page is also available.

How do I get to Beaver Dam Cold Storage?

We have 2 locations make sure you are going to the CORRECT location.

Beaver Dam Cold Storage NORTH – 121 Tower Drive, Beaver Dam, WI 53916.  From HWY 151 or HWY 33  take the exit or turn onto HWY B.  From HWY B turn onto Kellom RD then turn left onto Tower Drive and go all the way down we are the last building on the left into the entrance gate.  See map below BDCS North is the RED pin to the North.

Beaver Dam Cold Storage SOUTH- N6366 Jackson Road, Beaver Dam WI 53916.  From HWY 151 take the exit onto Jackson Rd then turn into the parking lot.  See map below BDCS South is the RED pin to the South.

  1. Come in with a clean trailer. You are hauling HUMAN FOOD we require clean trailers. There are trailer washout facilities 10-15 minutes North and South of us just off HWY 151 in Waupun WI and Columbus WI.  However, we do have a sweep out area with all the tools you will need to sweep out.  If there is blood or another liquid in your trailer we will require you to get a washout prior to loading.
  2. Come in with the refer unit precooled.  We will not load a hot trailer.  Most of our outbound orders leave between -5F and 0F with the refer running continuous.
  3. Have your pick-up information ready and a valid CDL.  When you get to the shipping/ receiving office it’s required that we have matching information prior to loading.
  4. If you have a second pick up after Beaver Dam Cold Storage notify the shipping/ receiving office and we will load you to ensure your second pick up will fit on the trailer.
  5. Set your refer unit to what the shipping/ receiving office tells you to running continuous.
  6. Arrive on time or early.
  7. ALL DOCK DOORS ARE ON THE FRONT OF THE BUILDING aka what you see when you drive in.
  8. When you get a door number put your tandem axels to the back of the trailer prior to backing into the door, and keep your doors closed we will open them from the inside. We will seal your trailer once loading is done and release you.
  9. Once loaded pull out when the green light is flashing. You will need to go the shipping receiving office to sign for your bills. Our guards will check your paperwork, seal, temp settings, amongst other items prior to you exiting the property.
  10. If you have any questions, feel free to ask our shipping/ receiving office or our guards we are here to help!
  1. Arrive on time or early with your paperwork and seal still attached that matches what is on your paperwork, with your refer unit running maintaining the proper temperature.
  2. Check in with the guards they will direct you to the shipping/ receiving office.
  3. The shipping receiving office will assign you a door. Leave your seal intact. We will remove the seal.  All dock doors are on the front of the building.
  4. If you are an LTL we will reseal your trailer and note the seal change on your bills.
  5. Once unloaded pull out of the door when the green light is flashing.
  6. Before exiting the property the guards will double-check that all product meant to be stored at BDCS is off the trailer.
  7. If you have any questions, feel free to ask our shipping/ receiving office or our guards we are here to help! 

BDCS North is open 6 am Monday- 6 am Saturday meaning Monday thru Friday we are open 24 hrs a day.

BDCS South is open 6 am – 2 pm Mon- Fri. Currently.

Yes, but it is product specific.  Make sure your trailer is clean and precooled prior to loading.  Shipping/ receiving will inform you what to set your temperature to prior to loading.

We prefer you provide load locks/ bars/ straps in your trailer.  We open doors from the inside so put them in your trailer prior to backing into the dock door.  If you are delivering product the trailer should have a seal on it.  If you are being loaded at BDCS we will provide and attach the seal.

As early as you want.  We do loading and unloading by appointment.  However, if you are early we will fit you in first come first serve work-load permitting.

Call or email 4 hours ahead of the scheduled appointment time if possible.  We will still load or unload you asap when late.

Ask shipping/ receiving office and they will direct you.

We have guards at the gate who will let you in and inspect your paperwork and load.

Inbounds – YES.
Outbounds – you should have your pick-up information and a valid CDL.

No, for product and everyone’s safety we do not allow overnight parking on the facility grounds.  However, overnight parking can be done on the street just outside the fence.  We are open 24 hrs Monday-Friday if you are early you may park inside our fence while waiting to be serviced- make sure to check in we may be able to load or unload you early.

Restrooms are available to drivers.  Including those sleeping on the street.

In the driver waiting room/ break room we have vending machines for your convenience.

No pets are allowed in the building or on the property.  Please keep pets in your truck while here.  There is ample room on the street to walk and relieve your animals.

No.  We have an area for smoking outside the gate.