Shipping Fresh Produce from Charleston to Long Beach via Air Freight

Moving perishable goods successfully Requires a continuous cold chain. Use thermal containers with the right amount of gel packs for refrigerated 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 temperature-controlled freight.

Yes, Frozen food can in many cases 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 reefer cargo at temperature while staying within dry‑ice limits.

Standard cargo policies may limit coverage for temperature-related loss on chilled 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 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 Confirm 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. Fresh produce 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.

It is essential to maintain appropriate temperature controls during air transport to ensure the integrity of fresh and frozen food. This includes using insulated containers and temperature monitoring devices to prevent spoilage or thawing.

Both Charleston and Long Beach adhere to USDA and FDA regulations for transporting fresh and frozen food, which include proper labeling, documentation of temperature controls, and compliance with food safety standards throughout the shipping process.

The platform improves internal visibility by providing immediate visibility across departments and to your clients, which supports better alignment between purchasing, logistics, and finance.

The platform’s document tools will auto-tag and organize bills of lading, customs forms, and invoices so you no longer need to hunt through folders or inboxes.

To learn about the people and values, visit the “Meet the people and values behind DNA Supply Chain Solutions” section linked from the SAMMIE page.