Over 15 years of experience in international Refrigerated Food transport
Panama
United States
The route from Colon to Portland is ideal for transporting fresh produce and frozen food due to its efficient maritime pathways. Utilizing ocean freight ensures temperature-controlled environments, preserving the quality of chilled and refrigerated items throughout the journey. Additionally, the lengthy distance allows for consolidation of shipments, optimizing costs while maintaining product integrity. This route also benefits from established shipping schedules that cater specifically to the needs of perishable goods.
Colon boasts modern port facilities equipped with advanced cold storage solutions, ensuring that fresh and frozen products are handled with care upon arrival. The port's infrastructure is designed to facilitate quick loading and unloading processes, minimizing exposure to temperature fluctuations. Similarly, Portland's receiving capabilities include specialized distribution centers that focus on the swift handling of perishable items. Both locations are strategically positioned to support efficient onward transportation to various markets, ensuring that chilled and frozen food reaches consumers in peak condition.
Comparative analysis of origin and destination capabilities.
Exporters must comply with Panama Canal Authority and national customs regulations for all outbound cargo.
All inbound cargo must comply with U.S. Customs and Border Protection regulations and can require advance electronic filing
DNA Expert Assessment
Very High - Complex Regulatory Environment
Very High - Requires Specialized Care
When shipping from Colon, Panama to Portland, United States, be mindful of the Atlantic Hurricane Season (June-November) by building in buffer days and securing alternative ports of refuge during peak storm months (August-October). Additionally, expect extended transit times due to North Atlantic Winter Storms (December-March) and account for potential delays caused by Saharan Dust (June-September) and seasonal coastal fog (May-September). To mitigate congestion during peak retail periods (November-December), confirm vessel space well in advance and incorporate extra buffer days for handling times.
When shipping Fresh food, Proper packaging is critical to control temperature and moisture. Most cold-chain specialists recommend using thermal liners with phase-change packs for c...
Maintaining the cold chain for Refrigerated food demands tightly controlled handling. Limit door-open time during loading and unloading so frozen goods does not warm or condense. I...
For larger volumes of Perishable goods, Using the correct container type is critical. Most carriers recommend refrigerated ISO containers for mixed loads of chilled beverages and f...
Shipping Perishable goods often demands additional documentation beyond a standard commercial invoice. Depending on destination, you may need phytosanitary or veterinary certificat...
Before pickup, Store Fresh food at the correct temperature: typically 0–4°C for chilled food and −18°C or below for frozen goods. Avoid storing fresh food directly on the floor; us...
Shipping Fresh food successfully demands a continuous cold chain. Use cooler boxes 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 Reefer cargo.
Yes, Frozen food can Usually be shipped with dry ice by air, but dry ice is regulated as a dangerous good. Airlines have 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. Most experts 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 Exclude coverage for temperature-related loss on Perishable goods and Frozen goods. Most shippers should 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 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 verify 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 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 temperature-controlled shipments to avoid freezing perishable goods or partially thawing frozen items.
Shipments of fresh and frozen food require compliance with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations and must include a prior notice to the FDA, as well as import permits if applicable. Additionally, a phytosanitary certificate may be necessary for certain fresh produce.
It is crucial to maintain proper temperature control throughout the shipping process. Refrigerated containers should be used to ensure that fresh and frozen food remains in optimal condition. Monitoring temperature throughout the journey is essential to prevent spoilage.
Customers describe SAMMIE’s data as extremely accurate and reliable, especially compared to the inaccurate or outdated data they used before adopting the platform.
Yes, you do. We walk you through onboarding to customize your experience and give you full access to the SAMMIE visibility platform.
Yes, DNA is fully licensed, bonded, and compliant with U.S. and international freight regulations as a Freight Forwarder, with credentials including Freight Forwarder & NVOCC License 019344, USDOT 3458744, MC-1128283, FMC Bond 91385, and C-TPAT Certification 24009050.
Call or schedule a call with our sales team to discuss your Colon → Portland shipping needs.
Talk to a logistics expert
Our team specializes in the Colon to Portland 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.