Insurance included for hassle-free delivery
United States
Colombia
The ocean route from Charleston to Cartagena is particularly advantageous for transporting fresh produce and chilled food, given the extensive maritime infrastructure and reliable shipping options available. This route minimizes transit risks, ensuring that refrigerated and frozen food items maintain optimal temperatures throughout the journey. Additionally, the direct access to international markets enhances supply chain efficiency, making it easier to meet consumer demand for fresh products in the Colombian market.
Charleston boasts a robust port facility equipped with state-of-the-art cold chain logistics, facilitating seamless handling of both fresh and frozen goods. In Cartagena, the port is well-prepared to accommodate incoming shipments with specialized storage options and efficient customs processes, ensuring quick turnover for perishable items. Both locations are strategically positioned to support the timely distribution of chilled and frozen food across the region, enhancing overall supply chain effectiveness.
Comparative analysis of origin and destination capabilities.
Shippers must adhere to U.S. Export Administration Regulations and submit accurate Electronic Export Information via AES
Imports are subject to Colombian customs valuation, tariff classification, and health and safety requirements.
DNA Expert Assessment
Very High - Complex Regulatory Environment
Very High - Requires Specialized Care
When planning shipments from Charleston to Cartagena, anticipate the Atlantic Hurricane Season (June-November) and build in buffer days to accommodate potential weather disruptions. During the peak winter storm months (December-March), expect increased transit times and secure flexible berthing windows. Additionally, anticipate tight capacity during the South America fruit export peak (January-May, September-December) and lock in vessel space well in advance to avoid rollovers.
When shipping perishable goods, Proper packaging Is essential to control temperature and moisture. We recommend using Insulated cartons with Gel packs for refrigerated food and dry...
Preserving the cold chain for Refrigerated food Requires tightly controlled handling. Minimize door-open time during loading and unloading so Reefer cargo does not warm or condense...
For larger volumes of fresh produce, Using the correct container type is Essential. We recommend Integrated reefer containers for mixed loads of Refrigerated food and Frozen goods ...
Transporting Perishable goods often Requires additional documentation beyond a standard commercial invoice. Depending on destination, you may need Health certificates, temperature-...
Before pickup, hold 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 flo...
Transporting Fresh food successfully Requires a continuous cold chain. Use Insulated packaging with the right amount of gel packs for Chilled 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 goods 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. We 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 restrict coverage for temperature-related loss on Perishable goods and Frozen goods. We 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 Proper packaging was used before honoring claims.
Most chilled beverages 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 chilled 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, We recommend separating them into different Reefer cargo shipments to avoid freezing Fresh produce or partially thawing frozen items.
Fresh and frozen food requires strict temperature control during transit to maintain quality. It is essential to use refrigerated containers capable of maintaining appropriate temperatures for both chilled and frozen products throughout the ocean freight journey.
Required documentation typically includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and health certificates for perishable items. Additionally, import permits may be necessary for specific food products to comply with Colombian regulations.
Yes, one example is CE North America, where we built a custom EDI feed that pushes real-time shipment updates, documentation, and exception alerts directly into their ERP, eliminating dozens of manual tasks and improving cross-department visibility.
Yes, DNA offers full port-to-door service, managing booking, loading, customs clearance, and final-mile delivery with one point of contact and one visibility platform.
Yes, our credentials are viewable. You can see our certifications and compliance credentials, including FMC license, DOT number, and C-TPAT partnership, in the Certifications section of our FAQs.
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