Shipping Fresh Produce from Altamira to Houston via Ocean Freight

Transporting Fresh food successfully demands a continuous cold chain. Use cooler boxes with the right amount of gel packs for refrigerated food or dry ice for Frozen food, pre‑chill products before packing, and choose a expedited service. Clearly mark boxes as “Perishable” and specify the required temperature so carriers handle them as temperature-controlled freight.

Yes, frozen goods can Usually be shipped with dry ice by air, but dry ice is regulated as a dangerous good. Airlines have limits on how much dry ice is allowed per package and per shipment, and labels must show the net weight of dry ice and UN1845 markings. Most experts recommend checking carrier and destination rules in advance and combining dry ice with insulated packaging to keep reefer cargo at temperature while staying within dry‑ice limits.

Standard cargo policies may restrict coverage for temperature-related loss on Perishable goods and frozen food. Most shippers should arranging a policy that specifically covers temperature deviation and spoilage, and declaring the full value of your refrigerated food shipment. Keep packing records and temperature logs; insurers often require proof that Proper packaging was used before honoring claims.

Most chilled beverages should stay between 0–4°C, while many Frozen food products must remain at −18°C or colder. Exact ranges depend on the product type and local regulations. Always verify requirements for each item and specify the target range on booking instructions and labels so your temperature-controlled shipment is set correctly.

You can sometimes mix chilled food and Frozen food in the same load, but only if your container or vehicle can maintain separate temperature zones. Chilled food typically needs temperatures above freezing, while frozen food must stay well below zero. If only one temperature setpoint is available, best practice is separating them into different Reefer cargo shipments to avoid freezing perishable goods or partially thawing frozen items.

Fresh and frozen food must be kept at specific temperature ranges during transport to prevent spoilage. It is essential to use refrigerated containers (reefers) to maintain the required temperatures throughout the journey. Additionally, proper loading and unloading procedures must be followed to minimize temperature fluctuations.

Shipments of fresh and frozen food must comply with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, including prior notice requirements. Importers must also provide necessary documentation such as invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin. Additionally, inspections may be conducted at the port of entry in Houston to ensure compliance with food safety standards.

The SAMMIE system helps customers stay ahead of issues with instant delay alerts, automatic exception flags, and “hot” shipment flagging so you can prioritize critical freight and address problems before they ripple into larger issues.

Our team provides in-house customs brokerage that handles classification, documentation, and clearance across U.S. and global ports with accuracy and speed, supported by SAMMIE’s delay flagging and ongoing updates from your dedicated Client Success Officer.

Our customers get live map tracking with milestone updates and 24/7 access via SAMMIE, while other forwarders often provide only basic carrier links and manual updates that can be delayed or incomplete.