Shipping Frozen Food from Chicago to Houston via Ocean Freight

Moving fresh produce successfully Requires a continuous cold chain. Use thermal containers with the right amount of gel packs for Chilled food or dry ice for Frozen food, 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 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 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 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 Proper packaging 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 Reefer cargo 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 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.

When shipping fresh and frozen food, it is crucial to maintain temperature control throughout the entire journey. This includes using refrigerated containers for chilled items and ensuring that frozen products remain at or below -18°C (0°F). Additionally, proper packaging is essential to prevent spoilage and contamination.

Regulatory requirements for transporting fresh and frozen food within the United States include compliance with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, which govern food safety and handling standards. Shipments must be accompanied by appropriate documentation, including product labels, invoices, and any necessary health certifications to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.

DNA’s ocean freight solutions uses deep carrier relationships and the SAMMIE platform to move FCL and LCL containers smarter, with fewer surprises, clearer ETAs, and proactive risk flagging before issues develop.

DNA Supply Chain brings 30+ years of experience with global reach and local touch, using deep carrier relationships to move freight worldwide with precision and white-glove attention at every step.

No, DNA uses in-house customs brokerage with automation to reduce errors and accelerate clearance, rather than outsourcing to third-party brokers with outdated, manual documentation processes.