Safe handling of your important Fresh Food freight
Colombia
Mexico
The ocean route from Cartagena to Veracruz is ideal for transporting fresh produce and frozen food, ensuring temperature-controlled conditions throughout the journey. This maritime pathway significantly reduces the risk of spoilage, maintaining the quality of chilled and refrigerated items. The distance of 2422 km allows for efficient bulk shipping, making it a cost-effective solution for businesses dealing with perishable goods. Additionally, the route supports sustainable practices by minimizing carbon emissions compared to land transport.
Cartagena boasts a modern port equipped with advanced cold chain facilities, ensuring that fresh and frozen products are handled with the utmost care. Its strategic location facilitates seamless access to international shipping lanes, enhancing connectivity for exporters. In Veracruz, the port is similarly well-equipped, featuring state-of-the-art refrigeration units and quick customs processing to streamline the import of chilled food. Together, these infrastructures provide a robust framework for the efficient handling and distribution of perishable items between the two cities.
Comparative analysis of origin and destination capabilities.
Exporters must comply with Colombian customs regulations and provide complete export documentation, including commercial invoices and packing lists.
Imports are subject to Mexican customs law, including advance manifest filing, proper valuation, and payment of applicable duties and taxes.
DNA Expert Assessment
Very High - Complex Regulatory Environment
Very High - Requires Specialized Care
When shipping from Cartagena, Colombia to Veracruz, Mexico, prepare for significant challenges during the Atlantic Hurricane Season (June-November) and the Christmas Retail Peak (October-December). Allow for extra buffer days to account for potential delays due to weather-related disruptions and increased terminal congestion. Confirm vessel space and trucking capacity well in advance, especially during peak periods, to avoid rollovers. Stay updated on weather forecasts and adjust sailing schedules accordingly to ensure timely deliveries throughout these critical seasons.
When shipping fresh produce, robust packaging is vital to control temperature and moisture. Most cold-chain specialists recommend using thermal liners with phase-change packs for c...
Keeping the cold chain for fresh produce necessitates tightly controlled handling. Limit door-open time during loading and unloading so frozen goods does not warm or condense. Indu...
For larger volumes of fresh food, booking the correct container type is key. Most carriers recommend refrigerated ISO containers for mixed loads of chilled beverages and frozen foo...
Exporting refrigerated food often involves additional documentation beyond a standard commercial invoice. Depending on destination, you may need phytosanitary or veterinary certifi...
Before pickup, stage perishable goods at the correct temperature: typically 0–4°C for chilled beverages and −18°C or below for frozen goods. Avoid storing Fresh produce directly on...
Moving perishable goods successfully necessitates a continuous cold chain. Use cooler boxes with the right amount of gel packs for Chilled food or dry ice for frozen goods, pre‑chill products before packing, and choose a time‑definite 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. Most experts recommend 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. Most shippers should 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 correct handling 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, most logistics providers recommend separating them into different temperature-controlled shipments to avoid freezing perishable goods or partially thawing frozen items.
When shipping fresh and frozen food via ocean freight, it is crucial to maintain the appropriate temperature throughout the journey to prevent spoilage. This typically involves using refrigerated containers, known as reefers, which are designed to control temperatures effectively. Proper loading and securing of products are also essential to avoid damage during transit.
Shipping fresh and frozen food between Colombia and Mexico requires compliance with both countries' food safety regulations. This includes obtaining the necessary phytosanitary certificates for fresh produce and ensuring that all products meet the health and safety standards set by Mexican authorities. Additionally, proper documentation, including invoices and packing lists, must accompany the shipment to facilitate customs clearance.
Yes, DNA offers predictive ETAs and real-time updates, supported by SAMMIE’s AI models and tracking capabilities.
Yes, DNA handles FTL, LTL, and drayage services for a range of shipment sizes and needs.
Yes, DNA provides FDA, USDA, and multi-agency support to help you navigate compliance.
Call or schedule a call with our sales team to discuss your Cartagena → Veracruz shipping needs.
Talk to a logistics expert
Our team specializes in the Cartagena to Veracruz trade lane.
1-786-949-7330Join hundreds of companies who trust DNA Supply Chain for their logistics needs. Transparent pricing, real-time tracking, and dedicated support.