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Colombia
Panama
The ocean route from Cartagena to Colon is ideal for transporting fresh produce and chilled food, ensuring optimal preservation during transit. With a distance of 496 km, this maritime pathway offers a reliable solution for maintaining the integrity of refrigerated and frozen food items. The route minimizes exposure to temperature fluctuations, which is crucial for extending shelf life and maintaining quality. Additionally, the ocean transport reduces the risk of damage compared to overland logistics, making it a preferred choice for sensitive cargo.
Cartagena boasts a well-equipped port with advanced cold storage facilities, ensuring that fresh and frozen food can be loaded and unloaded efficiently. The infrastructure supports seamless handling of temperature-sensitive goods, with specialized equipment for maintaining optimal conditions. In Colon, the port is similarly equipped with modern refrigeration capabilities and efficient customs processes, facilitating smooth transitions for refrigerated shipments. Together, these facilities enhance the overall effectiveness of the supply chain for fresh and frozen food products.
Comparative analysis of origin and destination capabilities.
Exporters must comply with Colombian customs regulations and submit accurate export documentation, including commercial invoices and packing lists.
All inbound cargo must undergo Panamanian customs clearance and possible inspection at the terminal.
DNA Expert Assessment
Very High - Complex Regulatory Environment
Very High - Requires Specialized Care
When shipping from Cartagena, Colombia to Colon, Panama, anticipate challenges during the Atlantic Hurricane Season (June-November) by building in buffer days and securing alternative ports. Expect potential delays due to Saharan Dust (June-September) and seasonal coastal fog (May-September), which can impact visibility and port operations. Additionally, secure vessel space well in advance of the Christmas retail peak (October-December) to avoid congestion and ensure timely deliveries. Monitor weather conditions and adjust plans accordingly to mitigate disruptions throughout these critical periods.
When shipping Fresh food, correct packing is critical to control temperature and moisture. We recommend using cooler boxes with ice packs for refrigerated food and dry ice for froz...
Maintaining the cold chain for chilled food demands tightly controlled handling. Minimize door-open time during loading and unloading so perishable goods does not warm or condense....
For larger volumes of Perishable goods, selecting the correct container type is critical. We recommend powered reefer units for mixed loads of chilled food and frozen food that mus...
Shipping fresh food often demands additional documentation beyond a standard commercial invoice. Depending on destination, you may need Health certificates, temperature-control rec...
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 Insulated packaging 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 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. We 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 fresh food and Frozen goods. We 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 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 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 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.
It is crucial to maintain appropriate temperature controls during ocean freight to ensure the freshness and safety of chilled and frozen food products. This includes using refrigerated containers that comply with temperature regulations to prevent spoilage and maintain product quality throughout the journey.
Shipments of Fresh & Frozen Food between Colombia and Panama must adhere to both countries' food safety regulations, including obtaining necessary phytosanitary certificates and ensuring compliance with import/export documentation. Additionally, proper labeling and customs declarations are required to facilitate the clearance process at both ports.
We provide global ocean freight with worldwide routing, top-tier carriers, full container loads (FCL), less-than-container loads (LCL), and port-to-door service including customs and final-mile delivery.
Our air freight services include live alerts and 24/7 tracking for full shipment visibility.
Yes, we manage import and export clearance to keep your shipments moving and compliant.
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