Shipping Chilled Food from Chicago to Natal via Air Freight

Transporting perishable goods successfully necessitates a continuous cold chain. Use Insulated packaging with the right amount of gel packs for refrigerated food or dry ice for frozen goods, pre‑chill products before packing, and choose a time‑definite service. Clearly mark boxes as “Perishable” and specify the required temperature so carriers handle them as temperature-controlled freight.

Yes, frozen goods 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. 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 restrict coverage for temperature-related loss on chilled food and frozen food. 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 correct handling was used before honoring claims.

Most chilled beverages 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 Reefer cargo is set correctly.

You can sometimes mix chilled food 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 goods 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 perishable goods or partially thawing frozen items.

Fresh and frozen food shipments require temperature-controlled environments throughout the air freight process, including during loading and unloading at Chicago O'Hare International Airport and Natal's São Gonçalo do Amarante International Airport. Proper insulation and refrigerant materials must be utilized to maintain required temperatures during transit.

Shipments of fresh and frozen food from the U.S. to Brazil must comply with Brazilian health regulations, which include obtaining necessary import permits and ensuring that products meet the standards set by the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture. Additionally, proper documentation, such as health certificates and invoices, must be provided to customs authorities in both countries.

Our air freight services include expedited air options for urgent and high-value shipments when every hour counts.

Our trucking services feature GPS tracking and digital documentation to keep you informed on your ground freight.

Our warehousing services include inventory management and reporting to support your storage and fulfillment needs.