Shipping Frozen Food from Chicago to Long Beach via Ocean Freight

Moving fresh produce successfully Requires a continuous cold chain. Use thermal containers 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 Reefer cargo.

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 reefer cargo 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 refrigerated food shipment. 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 food 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 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 food must stay well below zero. If only one temperature setpoint is available, most logistics providers recommend separating them into different Reefer cargo shipments to avoid freezing perishable goods or partially thawing frozen items.

Fresh and frozen food must be transported in temperature-controlled containers to maintain the required storage conditions. Refrigerated food typically requires a temperature range of 0°C to 5°C, while frozen food should be kept at -18°C or below. Proper insulation and monitoring systems are essential during the ocean transport to prevent spoilage.

Both the USDA and FDA regulations must be adhered to when shipping fresh and frozen food within the United States. This includes ensuring that all products are sourced from approved suppliers and that proper documentation, such as health certificates and packing lists, are maintained to comply with food safety standards.

Yes, our platform uses AI to match documents, verify charges, and identify anomalies such as duplicate invoices, unmatched line items, or missing customs paperwork.

Timelines differ on lane, mode, and carrier, but SAMMIE provides up-to-date, predictive ETAs that factor in real-world conditions like port congestion and weather delays.

Yes, DNA handles AES filings, commercial invoices, packing lists, and export declarations to ensure accuracy and compliance for outbound shipments.