Shipping Fresh & Frozen Food from Antwerp to Houston via Ocean Freight

Shipping perishable goods successfully necessitates a continuous cold chain. Use Insulated packaging with the right amount of gel packs for Chilled 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 food can in many cases 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 Frozen food at temperature while staying within dry‑ice limits.

Standard cargo policies may Exclude coverage for temperature-related loss on chilled food and frozen food. We recommend arranging a policy that specifically covers temperature deviation and spoilage, and declaring the full value of your Reefer cargo. Keep packing records and temperature logs; insurers often require proof that Proper packaging was used before honoring claims.

Most Chilled food 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 Fresh produce 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.

When shipping fresh and frozen food via ocean freight, it is critical to maintain the appropriate temperature throughout the journey. This requires using refrigerated containers (reefers) that can keep the cargo at the required temperature ranges, typically between -18°C for frozen food and 0°C to 4°C for fresh food. Additionally, the cargo should be properly packaged to prevent contamination and spoilage, and regular monitoring of temperature is essential during transit.

Regulatory requirements for shipping fresh and frozen food from Belgium to the United States include compliance with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations. Importers must register with the FDA and submit prior notice of food shipments. Additionally, food products must meet USDA standards and may require specific labeling, including country of origin and ingredient lists. Documentation such as health certificates and phytosanitary certificates may also be necessary, depending on the type of food being shipped.

SAMMIE gives you a live look at shipments from port to final delivery with 18 milestone updates, satellite container tracking, and instant alerts, so your team always knows what’s moving, what’s delayed, and what’s next.

Yes, SAMMIE is built with enterprise-grade security, including role-based access controls, secure cloud infrastructure, and encrypted data transmission so only authorized users can access shipment data.

Yes, we provide custom handling such as white-glove delivery, inside delivery, liftgate, and assembly services, especially for retail, hospitality, or medical equipment rollouts.