Shipping Reefer Cargo from Barcelona to Oakland via Ocean Freight

Shipping 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 goods, pre‑chill products before packing, and choose a Fast transit 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. 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 Exclude 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 correct handling 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 temperature-controlled shipments to avoid freezing Fresh produce or partially thawing frozen items.

Fresh and frozen food requires temperature-controlled containers to maintain appropriate conditions during transit. Special attention must be given to ensuring that refrigerated and frozen products remain within their required temperature ranges, utilizing reefer containers and proper insulation.

Shipments of fresh and frozen food must comply with both EU and US regulations, including obtaining necessary health certificates, complying with FDA import regulations, and ensuring that products meet the USDA standards for food safety and quality.

You can find this information by visit the “Meet the people and values behind DNA Supply Chain Solutions” section linked from the SAMMIE page.

Our founder believes the best work happens quietly when everything runs smoothly and no one’s watching, and he applies that mindset to logistics and to life.

The DNA Expert ETA is an arrival estimate that is more accurate and proactive than carrier estimates, powered by SAMMIE’s data and human verification.