This article analyzes the trends in the repositioning of empty reefer containers in Santa Catarina state port terminals from Itajaí, São Francisco do Sul, Navegantes, Itapoá and Imbituba, from 2010 to 2017. As a methodology, a quantitative approach was used, with a multiple case study method, through exploratory and descriptive research, using secondary data. The results show handling concentration of full reefer containers in export and empty ones in import, well above the average related to the proportion of the worldwide fleet of reefer and dry container, with impacts on the logistics of shipowners and port terminals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]