Over 15 years of experience in international Reefer Cargo shipping
United States
United States
The ocean route from Charleston to Newark offers significant advantages for transporting chilled and frozen food products. This maritime journey ensures optimal temperature control, reducing the risk of spoilage and maintaining the quality of fresh produce throughout transit. The expansive capacity of shipping vessels allows for large volumes of refrigerated goods to be moved efficiently, supporting the demand for both fresh and frozen food in urban markets.
Charleston boasts a robust port infrastructure equipped with specialized facilities for handling temperature-sensitive shipments. Advanced cold storage options and efficient loading systems ensure that fresh food is quickly transferred to vessels, minimizing exposure to ambient temperatures. Similarly, Newark's port provides state-of-the-art receiving capabilities, enabling seamless distribution to local retailers and restaurants, thereby enhancing the supply chain for chilled and frozen food products.
Comparative analysis of origin and destination capabilities.
Shippers must adhere to U.S. Export Administration Regulations and file accurate Electronic Export Information via AES
All imports are subject to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) rules, including complete entry documentation and timely filings.
DNA Expert Assessment
Low - Domestic or FTA Route
Very High - Requires Specialized Care
When shipping from Charleston to Newark via ocean, anticipate significant disruptions during the Atlantic Hurricane Season (June-November) and North Atlantic Winter Storms (November-March). Build in buffer days for potential delays and secure flexible berthing windows to accommodate weather-related slowdowns. During peak retail periods like Black Friday and Christmas (mid-November to early December), expect tighter capacity and longer handling times, necessitating early bookings and additional buffer days. Stay updated on weather forecasts and adjust routes as needed to mitigate risks associated with seasonal congestion and adverse conditions.
When shipping Fresh food, correct packing is critical to control temperature and moisture. We recommend using cooler boxes with Gel packs for refrigerated food and dry ice for reef...
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 Refrigerated food and frozen food tha...
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 temperature-controlled freight.
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 Proper packaging 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.
Fresh & Frozen Food must be transported in temperature-controlled containers to maintain the required temperature throughout the journey. It is essential to monitor the refrigeration units and ensure proper ventilation to prevent spoilage or freezer burn during the ocean freight process.
Required documentation includes a bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, and any necessary health certificates or permits to comply with food safety regulations. Additionally, adherence to the FDA regulations for food transport is mandatory.
We provide ground transportation including full truckload (FTL), less-than-truckload (LTL), and drayage services, with U.S. and Mexico cross-border coverage, scalable capacity, GPS tracking, and digital documentation.
Yes, we provide tariff classification and valuation as part of our in-house expertise.
We operate partnered facilities in key logistics hubs, including locations near important ports for strategic storage and fulfillment.
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