Secure transport of your valuable Frozen Food cargo
South Korea
United States
The ocean route from Busan to Norfolk offers an efficient option for transporting fresh produce and frozen food over a considerable distance of 11,598 km. This pathway ensures optimal temperature control, which is critical for maintaining the quality of chilled and refrigerated items during transit. With robust shipping practices, the journey can be tailored to meet the specific needs of perishable goods, reducing spoilage and ensuring that products arrive in peak condition. Additionally, the use of specialized containers enhances the preservation of freshness throughout the voyage.
Both Busan and Norfolk are equipped with advanced infrastructure that facilitates the seamless handling of perishable goods. Busan, as a major port, boasts state-of-the-art facilities for loading and unloading refrigerated containers, ensuring a swift transition from land to sea. In Norfolk, the port features specialized cold storage options and efficient customs processing, allowing for quick distribution of chilled and frozen food upon arrival. This combination of facilities in both locations supports an effective supply chain for fresh and frozen items, meeting the demands of the market efficiently.
Comparative analysis of origin and destination capabilities.
Exporters must comply with South Korean strategic goods control regulations, especially for sensitive technologies.
All inbound cargo must comply with U.S. Customs and Border Protection requirements, including advance electronic data rules.
DNA Expert Assessment
Very High - Complex Regulatory Environment
Very High - Requires Specialized Care
When shipping from Busan to Norfolk, build in extra buffer days during the Western Pacific Typhoon Season (June-November) and North Pacific Winter Storms (December-March) to accommodate potential delays. Confirm vessel space at least 3-4 weeks in advance during peak periods, including Chuseok and Golden Week (late September-early October) and the Christmas retail peak (October-December). Avoid tight cut-off times and just-in-time arrivals during these high-demand windows, as congestion can significantly impact transit times. Additionally, communicate closely with local agents to manage logistics effectively throughout these seasonal challenges.
When shipping Fresh food, correct packing is critical to control temperature and moisture. Our team suggests using cooler boxes with Gel packs for Chilled food and dry ice for reef...
Maintaining the cold chain for chilled food demands tightly controlled handling. Reduce door-open time during loading and unloading so perishable goods does not warm or condense. W...
For larger volumes of Perishable goods, selecting the correct container type is critical. Our logistics team recommends powered reefer units for mixed loads of Refrigerated food an...
Shipping fresh food often demands additional documentation beyond a standard commercial invoice. Depending on destination, you may need sanitary certificates, temperature-control r...
Before pickup, Store fresh produce at the correct temperature: typically 0–4°C for chilled food and −18°C or below for Frozen food. Avoid storing fresh food directly on the floor; ...
Shipping fresh produce successfully demands 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 Fast transit service. Clearly mark boxes as “Perishable” and specify the required temperature so carriers handle them as temperature-controlled freight.
Yes, Frozen food can often be shipped with dry ice by air, but dry ice is regulated as a dangerous good. Airlines have 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 fresh food 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 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 verify 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. 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 Fresh produce or partially thawing frozen items.
Fresh and frozen food requires temperature-controlled containers to maintain the integrity of the products during the ocean freight journey. It is essential to monitor and manage temperature settings consistently throughout the transport process to prevent spoilage.
Shipments of fresh and frozen food must comply with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, including proper labeling and documentation. Importers must also ensure that products meet the USDA's standards for safety and quality, and that phytosanitary certificates are obtained for agricultural products.
Most customers are up and running within days, after we gather basic shipment details and compliance documents, set up your profile, configure SAMMIE access, and align your first shipment.
Most platforms only show carrier data, while SAMMIE is built on ecosystem data from third-party sources and DNA’s proprietary history, enabling predictive ETAs, intelligent alerts, and advanced automation powered by clean, validated data.
We offer international shipping by ocean (FCL and LCL), air (standard and expedited), and domestic or cross-border ground freight (FTL, LTL, and intermodal).
Call or schedule a call with our sales team to discuss your Busan → Norfolk shipping needs.
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