Over 20 years of experience in international Chilled Beverages shipping
Panama
Canada
The ocean route from Colon to Prince Rupert spans 6680 kilometers, offering a reliable and efficient means of transporting fresh produce and frozen food. This pathway is particularly advantageous for maintaining the quality of chilled and refrigerated items, as it minimizes exposure to temperature fluctuations. Additionally, ocean freight allows for the bulk transport of goods, ensuring that large quantities of fresh and frozen items can be shipped simultaneously, thereby optimizing supply chain efficiency. The route benefits from established maritime logistics, which supports the safe delivery of perishable goods.
Both Colon and Prince Rupert are equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure to facilitate the handling of temperature-sensitive cargo. Colon boasts modern port facilities with specialized cold storage units, ensuring that fresh food and frozen products are kept at optimal temperatures during transit. In Prince Rupert, the terminal features advanced refrigeration capabilities and efficient customs processing, allowing for swift transfer and distribution of chilled and frozen items to various markets. This synergy between the two ports enhances the overall effectiveness of the supply chain for perishable goods.
Comparative analysis of origin and destination capabilities.
Exporters must comply with Panama Canal Authority and national customs regulations for all outbound cargo.
All imports are subject to CBSA clearance and tariff classification and valuation rules
DNA Expert Assessment
Very High - Complex Regulatory Environment
Very High - Requires Specialized Care
When planning shipments from Colon, Panama to Prince Rupert, Canada, consider the Atlantic Hurricane Season (June-November) and North Atlantic Winter Storms (November-March). Add buffer days for potential delays due to weather disruptions and arrange flexible berthing windows to mitigate congestion during peak retail periods (November-December). Additionally, anticipate increased handling times and port congestion during the holiday rush (late November-early January). Engage carriers for real-time updates and alternative routing options to ensure timely deliveries.
When shipping fresh produce, robust packaging is critical to control temperature and moisture. We recommend using cooler boxes with phase-change packs for Chilled food and dry ice ...
Keeping the cold chain for fresh produce demands tightly controlled handling. Minimize door-open time during loading and unloading so perishable goods does not warm or condense. In...
For larger volumes of fresh food, booking the correct container type is critical. We recommend powered reefer units for mixed loads of chilled beverages and Frozen goods that must ...
Exporting refrigerated food often demands additional documentation beyond a standard commercial invoice. Depending on destination, you may need Health certificates, temperature-con...
Before pickup, stage perishable goods at the correct temperature: typically 0–4°C for chilled food and −18°C or below for Frozen food. Avoid storing fresh food directly on the floo...
Moving perishable goods successfully demands 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 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 in many cases 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. 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 correct handling 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 verify 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, best practice is separating them into different temperature-controlled shipments to avoid freezing Fresh produce or partially thawing frozen items.
Shipments must include a bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, and any necessary health certificates for fresh and frozen food to comply with Canadian import regulations.
Seasonal temperature variations can impact the integrity of chilled and frozen products; therefore, it is important to ensure that appropriate refrigeration or freezing measures are in place throughout the journey, especially during warmer months.
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.
Yes, DNA handles import and export clearance to keep your shipments moving and compliant.
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