Express transit times and transparent rates for your Fresh Food cargo
United States
Taiwan
The route from Chicago to Taipei offers optimal conditions for transporting fresh produce and frozen food, ensuring quality preservation during transit. Utilizing ocean freight allows for a larger volume of chilled and refrigerated items, minimizing the risk of spoilage. The consistent temperature management throughout the journey is crucial for maintaining the integrity of perishable goods. Additionally, this route benefits from established shipping lanes that favor timely and efficient delivery.
Chicago's logistics infrastructure is robust, featuring advanced cold storage facilities and efficient distribution networks that cater specifically to perishable goods. Meanwhile, Taipei’s port is equipped with state-of-the-art reefer container capabilities, designed to handle both fresh and frozen food with precision. Both cities offer seamless customs processes that facilitate the swift movement of chilled products, ensuring compliance with international food safety standards. These infrastructure advantages enhance the overall efficiency of the supply chain.
Comparative analysis of origin and destination capabilities.
Shippers must ensure compliance with U.S. Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and any specific sanctions programs administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
Imports are subject to Taiwan Food and Drug Administration and Bureau of Standards regulations for health, safety, and quality-controlled items.
DNA Expert Assessment
Very High - Complex Regulatory Environment
Very High - Requires Specialized Care
When shipping from Chicago to Taipei via ocean, anticipate winter storms (December-March) that can disrupt schedules; allow for buffer days and flexible delivery windows. During the rainy season in East Asia (May-October), account for delays due to heavy rainfall and potential flooding. Additionally, secure vessel space well in advance for peak periods like Black Friday and Cyber Monday (mid-November to early December) to avoid congestion and rollovers. Always communicate with carriers for real-time updates and contingency plans.
When shipping fresh produce, robust packaging is vital to control temperature and moisture. We recommend using thermal liners with Gel packs for Chilled food and dry ice for Frozen...
Keeping the cold chain for fresh produce necessitates tightly controlled handling. Minimize door-open time during loading and unloading so frozen goods does not warm or condense. W...
For larger volumes of fresh food, booking the correct container type is key. We recommend refrigerated ISO containers for mixed loads of Refrigerated food and Frozen goods that mus...
Exporting refrigerated food often involves additional documentation beyond a standard commercial invoice. Depending on destination, you may need Health certificates, temperature-co...
Before pickup, stage perishable goods at the correct temperature: typically 0–4°C for chilled beverages and −18°C or below for Frozen food. Avoid storing fresh food directly on the...
Moving 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 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 Reefer cargo.
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 limit 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 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 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 fresh 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, most logistics providers recommend separating them into different Reefer cargo shipments to avoid freezing Fresh produce or partially thawing frozen items.
Fresh and frozen food must be maintained at specific temperature ranges throughout the journey. Refrigerated food typically requires a temperature range of 0°C to 4°C, while frozen food must remain below -18°C. Proper insulation and temperature monitoring devices are essential to ensure compliance with these temperature requirements during ocean transport.
Shipments of fresh and frozen food are subject to both U.S. export regulations and Taiwanese import regulations. Importers in Taiwan must provide necessary documentation, including health certificates and import permits, to comply with Taiwan's food safety standards. Additionally, products may undergo inspections at the port of entry in Taipei to ensure they meet local health and safety regulations.
Our SAMMIE platform is an AI-driven exception management and tracking platform that provides real-time tracking, predictive ETAs, smart alerts, document intelligence, rate and route optimization, and invoicing insights for your shipments.
DNA offers global ocean freight with worldwide routing, top-tier carriers, full container loads (FCL), less-than-container loads (LCL), and port-to-door service including customs and final-mile delivery.
With our air solutions, you receive live alerts and 24/7 tracking for full shipment visibility.
Call or schedule a call with our sales team to discuss your Chicago → Taipei shipping needs.
Talk to a logistics expert
Our team specializes in the Chicago to Taipei trade lane.
1-786-949-7330Join hundreds of companies who trust DNA Supply Chain for their logistics needs. Transparent pricing, real-time tracking, and dedicated support.