Shipping Reefer Cargo from Balboa to Puerto Quetzal via Ocean Freight

Moving Fresh food successfully Requires a continuous cold chain. Use thermal containers 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 goods 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. Our compliance team recommends 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 limit coverage for temperature-related loss on Perishable goods and Frozen goods. Insurance specialists generally 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 adequate insulation was used before honoring claims.

Most refrigerated 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 Reefer cargo is set correctly.

You can sometimes mix fresh food 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 goods 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.

When shipping fresh and frozen food via ocean freight from Balboa to Puerto Quetzal, it is critical to maintain appropriate temperature controls throughout the journey. Refrigerated containers must be used to ensure that chilled food remains at the required temperatures, while frozen food must be kept at sub-zero temperatures to prevent thawing. Proper ventilation and monitoring equipment are also essential to maintain product quality.

Shipping fresh and frozen food from Balboa to Puerto Quetzal requires specific documentation for customs clearance, including a commercial invoice, packing list, and health certificates. Additionally, import permits may be required by Guatemalan authorities to ensure compliance with food safety regulations. It is important to verify all necessary documentation prior to departure to avoid delays at customs.

DNA offers 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, DNA offers tariff classification and valuation as part of our in-house expertise.

DNA utilizes partnered facilities in key logistics hubs, including locations near important ports for strategic storage and fulfillment.