Shipping Perishable Goods from Busan to Boston via Ocean Freight

Moving perishable goods successfully necessitates a continuous cold chain. Use thermal containers with the right amount of gel packs for Chilled 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 goods 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. Our compliance team recommends 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 limit coverage for temperature-related loss on chilled food and frozen food. Insurance specialists generally 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 adequate insulation was used before honoring claims.

Most refrigerated 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 temperature-controlled shipment is set correctly.

You can sometimes mix fresh 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 food must stay well below zero. If only one temperature setpoint is available, We recommend separating them into different temperature-controlled shipments to avoid freezing Fresh produce or partially thawing frozen items.

Fresh and frozen food require temperature-controlled containers during the ocean freight journey to maintain their quality. It is essential to monitor and manage the temperature throughout the shipping process, ensuring that chilled food remains at 0-4°C and frozen food at -18°C or below. Proper insulation and ventilation in the shipping containers are also critical to prevent spoilage.

Shipments of fresh and frozen food from South Korea to the United States must comply with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, including pre-registration of facilities and adherence to import safety standards. Additionally, the USDA may require inspection for certain products, and all shipments must be accompanied by accurate documentation, including a bill of lading and health certificates confirming the products meet U.S. import requirements.

DNA Supply Chain offers domestic and cross-border trucking for cross-country hauls and final-mile delivery, with hands-on support from dedicated Client Success Officers and proactive alerts from SAMMIE to solve problems before you spot them.

Customers receive support from experienced Client Success Officers—no scripts, no outsourced call centers—who get ahead of your needs and respond like partners rather than vendors.

DNA provides actionable reports on landed cost, performance, and billing that are instantly downloadable in Excel or PDF, whereas other forwarders often have limited reporting that may require manual pulls.