Shipping Fresh Food from Charlotte to Guayaquil via Ocean Freight

Shipping perishable goods successfully necessitates 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 Fast transit service. Clearly mark boxes as “Perishable” and specify the required temperature so carriers handle them as Reefer cargo.

Yes, Frozen food can in many cases be shipped with dry ice by air, but dry ice is regulated as a dangerous good. Airlines impose 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 Exclude coverage for temperature-related loss on chilled food and frozen food. 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 adequate insulation was used before honoring claims.

Most Chilled 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 check 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 produce and frozen goods in the same load, but only if your container or vehicle can maintain separate temperature zones. Chilled food typically needs temperatures above freezing, while frozen food must stay well below zero. If only one temperature setpoint is available, best practice is separating them into different temperature-controlled shipments to avoid freezing Fresh produce or partially thawing frozen items.

Fresh and frozen food must be transported in temperature-controlled containers to maintain appropriate storage conditions throughout the ocean freight journey. It is essential to ensure that the containers are equipped with reliable refrigeration systems and monitored for temperature compliance.

Shipments of fresh and frozen food must comply with both U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations and Ecuadorian import regulations, which include obtaining necessary health certificates, ensuring proper labeling, and meeting customs documentation requirements for food safety and quality standards.

Yes, we handle urgent, oversized, or specialized shipments, including temperature-sensitive cargo, high-value electronics, and complex FF&E rollouts across all modes.

Yes, we can. We manage documentation, declarations, and clearance protocols for electronics, apparel, machinery, and regulated goods such as food or medical devices.

Our billing is streamlined by SAMMIE, which matches shipment events with billing data so you receive clear, line-itemized invoices tied directly to shipment milestones and documents.