Quick transit times and competitive rates for your Frozen Goods cargo
Belgium
China
The route from Antwerp to Ningbo offers significant advantages for transporting fresh produce and frozen food. Utilizing ocean freight ensures the maintenance of optimal temperature controls, crucial for preserving the quality of chilled and refrigerated items during transit. Additionally, this route provides access to a wide network of ports and shipping lines, facilitating efficient handling and distribution upon arrival. The long-standing trade relations between Europe and Asia further enhance reliability and support for perishable goods.
Antwerp boasts state-of-the-art port facilities equipped with advanced cold chain logistics, ensuring that fresh and frozen items are handled with care from the moment they are loaded. The port's extensive storage capabilities allow for the seamless integration of refrigerated containers, vital for maintaining product integrity. Similarly, Ningbo is recognized for its modern infrastructure and efficient customs processes, enabling swift clearance and distribution of perishable goods throughout China. This synergy between the two ports enhances the overall supply chain efficiency for fresh and frozen food products.
Comparative analysis of origin and destination capabilities.
Exporters must comply with European Union dual-use and strategic goods regulations when routing cargo via Antwerp
Imports are subject to Chinese customs, quarantine, and CIQ inspection requirements, including product standards and labeling rules.
DNA Expert Assessment
Very High - Complex Regulatory Environment
Very High - Requires Specialized Care
When shipping from Antwerp to Ningbo, anticipate significant disruptions due to seasonal factors. During winter storms (November-March), allow extra buffer days for potential port congestion and weather-related delays. Secure vessel space well in advance for the pre-summer export peak (April-June) and the Asia-Europe export peak (August-November) to avoid rolled bookings. Adjust schedules for the Golden Week holiday (October 1-7) and Lunar New Year (late-January to mid-February) to account for factory shutdowns and increased congestion. Always communicate closely with carriers for updated ETAs and flexible routing options.
When shipping Fresh food, Proper packaging Is essential to control temperature and moisture. Most cold-chain specialists recommend using cooler boxes with Gel packs for refrigerate...
Maintaining the cold chain for Refrigerated food Requires tightly controlled handling. Limit door-open time during loading and unloading so perishable goods does not warm or conden...
For larger volumes of Perishable goods, Using the correct container type is Essential. Most carriers recommend powered reefer units for mixed loads of Refrigerated food and frozen ...
Shipping Perishable goods often Requires additional documentation beyond a standard commercial invoice. Depending on destination, you may need phytosanitary or veterinary certifica...
Before pickup, Store Fresh food at the correct temperature: typically 0–4°C for Refrigerated food and −18°C or below for frozen goods. Avoid storing fresh food directly on the floo...
Shipping Fresh food successfully Requires 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 Reefer cargo.
Yes, Frozen food can Usually be shipped with dry ice by air, but dry ice is regulated as a dangerous good. Airlines Set 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 Exclude coverage for temperature-related loss on Perishable goods and Frozen goods. 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 food 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 Confirm 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 Fresh produce and Frozen food in the same load, but only if your container or vehicle can maintain separate temperature zones. Fresh produce 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 packed in temperature-controlled containers to maintain the required temperature throughout the journey. It is essential to monitor the refrigeration units and ensure that the containers are sealed properly to avoid contamination and spoilage during the 9107 km ocean freight.
Shipments must comply with both Belgian and Chinese food safety regulations, including obtaining necessary health certificates and import permits. Additionally, documentation must include a phytosanitary certificate for fresh produce and a veterinary certificate for meat and dairy products to ensure compliance with customs regulations at both ports.
Yes, we handle both full container loads (FCL) and less-than-container loads (LCL) shipments.
We provide ground transportation including full truckload (FTL), less-than-truckload (LTL), and drayage services, with U.S. and Mexico cross-border coverage, scalable capacity, GPS tracking, and digital documentation.
Yes, we provide tariff classification and valuation as part of our in-house expertise.
Call or schedule a call with our sales team to discuss your Antwerp → Ningbo shipping needs.
Talk to a logistics expert
Our team specializes in the Antwerp to Ningbo trade lane.
1-786-949-7330Join hundreds of companies who trust DNA Supply Chain for their logistics needs. Transparent pricing, real-time tracking, and dedicated support.