Shipping Chilled Food from Charlotte to Chicago via Air Freight

Moving fresh produce successfully demands a continuous cold chain. Use thermal containers with the right amount of gel packs for Chilled food or dry ice for frozen goods, pre‑chill products before packing, and choose a Fast transit service. Clearly mark boxes as “Perishable” and specify the required temperature so carriers handle them as Reefer cargo.

Yes, frozen goods 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. 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 fresh 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 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 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 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 temperature-controlled shipments to avoid freezing Fresh produce or partially thawing frozen items.

When shipping fresh and frozen food via air, it is crucial to ensure that products are properly packaged with temperature control measures in place to maintain their quality. Use insulated containers and refrigerants to keep fresh produce and frozen food at appropriate temperatures throughout the journey. Additionally, ensure that the cargo is loaded and unloaded quickly to minimize exposure to temperature fluctuations.

Since both Charlotte and Chicago are within the United States, there are no customs regulations to consider. However, it is essential to comply with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations regarding the safe transport of perishable food items. Proper documentation, such as health certificates and product specifications, may be required to ensure compliance with food safety standards.

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