Fast transit times and affordable rates for your Perishable Goods shipments
Panama
China
The ocean route from Colon to Shenzhen is particularly advantageous for transporting fresh produce and frozen food due to its capacity for large shipments and temperature-controlled containers. This method ensures that chilled and refrigerated items maintain their quality during transit, minimizing spoilage. Additionally, the extensive maritime infrastructure supports efficient handling and transfers, making it ideal for perishable goods that require careful management.
Both Colon and Shenzhen boast advanced port facilities equipped with state-of-the-art cold storage solutions, which are essential for the handling of fresh and frozen food. Colon's strategic location serves as a major transshipment hub, while Shenzhen's port is one of the busiest in the world, providing seamless connectivity to various distribution networks. These infrastructure elements facilitate efficient customs processes and ensure reliable access to markets, enhancing the overall supply chain for chilled and frozen products.
Comparative analysis of origin and destination capabilities.
Exporters must comply with Panama Canal Authority and national customs regulations for all outbound cargo.
Imports must meet Chinese customs requirements, including accurate invoices and packing lists and compliant labeling.
DNA Expert Assessment
Very High - Complex Regulatory Environment
Very High - Requires Specialized Care
When shipping from Colon, Panama to Shenzhen, China, build in additional buffer days during peak hurricane activity (June-November) and secure alternative ports of refuge for potential rerouting. Anticipate extended transit times due to weather disruptions, especially during the typhoon season (August-October) and the rainy season (May-October). Plan critical sailings to avoid congestion around major holidays, such as Golden Week (October 1-7) and Lunar New Year (late January to mid-February). Adjust for port operations closely during these periods to mitigate delays and ensure timely delivery.
When shipping Fresh food, correct packing is critical to control temperature and moisture. We recommend using cooler boxes with Gel packs for chilled beverages and dry ice for froz...
Maintaining the cold chain for chilled food demands tightly controlled handling. Minimize door-open time during loading and unloading so perishable goods does not warm or condense....
For larger volumes of Perishable goods, selecting the correct container type is critical. We recommend powered reefer units for mixed loads of Refrigerated food and frozen food tha...
Shipping fresh food often demands additional documentation beyond a standard commercial invoice. Depending on destination, you may need Health certificates, temperature-control rec...
Before pickup, Store fresh produce 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 floor; ...
Shipping fresh produce successfully demands 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 time‑definite service. Clearly mark boxes as “Perishable” and specify the required temperature so carriers handle them as temperature-controlled freight.
Yes, Frozen food can often 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 Exclude coverage for temperature-related loss on fresh 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 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 Reefer cargo 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. 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 Reefer cargo shipments to avoid freezing perishable goods or partially thawing frozen items.
Fresh & Frozen Food requires temperature-controlled containers to maintain the integrity of the products during transit. It is essential to monitor and manage the temperature throughout the journey to prevent spoilage or degradation. Additionally, proper ventilation and humidity control are necessary to ensure optimal conditions for fresh produce.
Shipments of Fresh & Frozen Food must comply with Chinese import regulations, which include obtaining a phytosanitary certificate for plant products and adhering to food safety standards set by Chinese authorities. Additionally, proper documentation such as invoices, packing lists, and health certificates must accompany the shipment to facilitate customs clearance in Shenzhen.
Yes, we offer U.S. and Mexico cross-border coverage.
We handle ISF, AMS, and ACE filings for your shipments.
We serve omnichannel retail, technology and electronics, automotive parts and machinery, manufacturing and heavy equipment, healthcare and medical, and hospitality and FF&E.
Call or schedule a call with our sales team to discuss your Colon → Shenzhen shipping needs.
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