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Colombia
China
The ocean route from Cartagena to Xiamen is ideal for transporting fresh produce and frozen food, ensuring optimal temperature control throughout the journey. This maritime pathway minimizes exposure to temperature fluctuations, which is vital for maintaining the quality and safety of chilled and refrigerated items. Additionally, the capacity of ocean vessels allows for large volumes of goods to be shipped efficiently, catering to high demand in the Asian market. This route also supports sustainable practices by utilizing larger ships that reduce the carbon footprint per unit of cargo.
Cartagena boasts a modern port equipped with state-of-the-art cold storage facilities, facilitating the seamless handling of perishable goods. The infrastructure supports efficient loading and unloading processes, ensuring that fresh and frozen food items are quickly transitioned to their next stage. On the other end, Xiamen's port is renowned for its advanced logistics capabilities, including specialized equipment for maintaining temperature-sensitive cargo. Both ports are strategically positioned to enhance connectivity with major distribution networks, further streamlining the supply chain for fresh and frozen 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.
Imports are subject to Chinese customs, quarantine, and CIQ requirements, including complete electronic declarations.
DNA Expert Assessment
Very High - Complex Regulatory Environment
Very High - Requires Specialized Care
When shipping from Cartagena, Colombia to Xiamen, China, plan for potential disruptions during the Atlantic Hurricane Season (June-November) and the Western Pacific Typhoon Season (June-November). Build in additional buffer days to account for weather-related delays and secure alternative routing options. During the Christmas retail peak (October-December), expect tighter vessel space and longer terminal dwell times; prioritize earlier sailings to mitigate congestion. Additionally, monitor carriers during the East Asia Rainy Season (May-October) for potential delays in port operations.
When shipping fresh produce, Proper packaging Is essential to control temperature and moisture. Our team suggests using thermal liners with ice packs for chilled beverages and dry ...
Keeping the cold chain for Refrigerated food Requires tightly controlled handling. Reduce door-open time during loading and unloading so frozen goods does not warm or condense. Our...
For larger volumes of fresh food, Using the correct container type is Essential. Our logistics team recommends refrigerated ISO containers for mixed loads of chilled food and froze...
Exporting Perishable goods often Requires additional documentation beyond a standard commercial invoice. Depending on destination, you may need sanitary certificates, temperature-c...
Before pickup, stage Fresh food at the correct temperature: typically 0–4°C for Refrigerated food and −18°C or below for Frozen food. Avoid storing Fresh produce directly on the fl...
Moving Fresh food successfully Requires a continuous cold chain. Use thermal containers with the right amount of gel packs for Chilled food or dry ice for Frozen food, 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 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 Frozen food at temperature while staying within dry‑ice limits.
Standard cargo policies may limit 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 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 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 Reefer cargo is set correctly.
You can sometimes mix fresh food 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, most logistics providers recommend separating them into different Reefer cargo shipments to avoid freezing perishable goods or partially thawing frozen items.
When shipping Fresh & Frozen Food over this route, it is essential to maintain appropriate temperature controls throughout the journey to ensure product quality. This includes using refrigerated containers for chilled items and ensuring frozen food is kept at -18°C or lower. Proper loading techniques and monitoring systems are also crucial to prevent temperature fluctuations during transit.
Shipping Fresh & Frozen Food from Cartagena to Xiamen requires specific documentation, including a commercial invoice, packing list, health certificates, and import permits. It is important to comply with both Colombian export regulations and Chinese import regulations, which may include inspections and approvals from relevant health authorities to ensure food safety standards are met.
Our SAMMIE platform is an AI-powered “Shipping Analytical Maritime Manager for Imports and Exports” that delivers AI-powered ETAs, “hot” shipment flagging, instant delay alerts, live map tracking, and centralized shipment documents to give you proactive, real-time shipment control.
DNA manages high-value or time-critical air freight through a strong air freight network focused on speed, security, and control, backed by predictive tracking and responsive logistics experts who support shippers frustrated with delays and silence from large expediters.
Yes, DNA Supply Chain is fully licensed (FMC #019344), bonded, insured, and C-TPAT compliant, with a digital-first customs process that uses automation to reduce delays, cut risk, and ensure regulatory compliance.
Call or schedule a call with our sales team to discuss your Cartagena → Xiamen shipping needs.
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