Shipping Chilled Food from Amsterdam to Montreal via Air Freight

Transporting fresh produce successfully necessitates a continuous cold chain. Use Insulated packaging with the right amount of gel packs for refrigerated food or dry ice for Frozen food, pre‑chill products before packing, and choose a time‑definite service. Clearly mark boxes as “Perishable” and specify the required temperature so carriers handle them as Reefer cargo.

Yes, frozen goods can often be shipped with dry ice by air, but dry ice is regulated as a dangerous good. Airlines impose 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. We 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 fresh food and frozen food. We recommend 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 goods products must remain at −18°C or colder. Exact ranges depend on the product type and local regulations. Always check requirements for each item and specify the target range on booking instructions and labels so your Reefer cargo is set correctly.

You can sometimes mix chilled food and frozen goods 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 goods must stay well below zero. If only one temperature setpoint is available, most logistics providers recommend 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 throughout the journey. This requires the use of refrigerated containers and monitoring equipment to ensure that products remain within safe temperature limits during transit. Additionally, proper packaging is essential to prevent spoilage and contamination.

Regulatory requirements include compliance with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) regulations, which mandate that fresh and frozen food shipments must be accompanied by proper documentation, such as health certificates and import permits. Additionally, products must meet Canadian safety and quality standards to be cleared through customs.

Our company is fully licensed (FMC #019344), bonded, insured, and C-TPAT compliant, with a digital-first customs process that uses automation to reduce delays, cut risk, and ensure regulatory compliance.

You can expect a dedicated Client Success Officer who oversees your freight, solves problems proactively, and keeps you informed throughout each shipment.

Our team believes this because a single shipment is enough for shippers to experience our AI-powered visibility, proactive issue management, and partner-level support, and to see how we differ from larger, less responsive forwarders.