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China
Panama
The route from Dalian to Colon is optimized for transporting fresh produce and frozen food, ensuring that temperature-sensitive items maintain their quality throughout the journey. With access to advanced refrigeration technology during transit, this pathway minimizes spoilage and maximizes product integrity. Additionally, the ocean route provides a cost-effective solution for bulk shipments, accommodating large quantities of chilled and frozen items. This efficiency is crucial in meeting the demands of global markets for fresh and refrigerated goods.
Dalian boasts a well-equipped port with specialized facilities designed for handling perishable items, featuring state-of-the-art cold storage and loading systems. This infrastructure supports seamless transitions from land to sea, enabling quick and efficient processing of shipments. On the other end, Colon's strategic location in the Panama Canal offers excellent connectivity and access to international shipping routes, enhancing distribution capabilities for fresh and frozen food products. Both ports are equipped to facilitate the safe and timely handling of temperature-sensitive cargo.
Comparative analysis of origin and destination capabilities.
Exporters must comply with Chinese customs regulations, including correct tariff code declaration and complete export documentation.
All inbound cargo must undergo Panamanian customs clearance and possible inspection at the terminal.
DNA Expert Assessment
Very High - Complex Regulatory Environment
Very High - Requires Specialized Care
When shipping from Dalian, China to Colon, Panama, anticipate significant delays due to the East Asia Rainy Season (May-October) and Western Pacific Typhoon Season (June-November). Include additional buffer days for port operations and confirm vessel space well in advance, especially around the Golden Week holiday (October 1-7) and Lunar New Year (mid-January to late-February). Plan around tight connections during peak shipping periods (July-October) to mitigate congestion risks. Monitor weather conditions and adjust schedules accordingly to ensure timely deliveries.
When shipping fresh produce, robust packaging is critical to control temperature and moisture. Most cold-chain specialists recommend using Insulated cartons with ice packs for refr...
Keeping the cold chain for fresh produce demands tightly controlled handling. Limit door-open time during loading and unloading so Reefer cargo does not warm or condense. Our opera...
For larger volumes of fresh food, booking the correct container type is critical. Most carriers recommend Integrated reefer containers for mixed loads of chilled food and Frozen go...
Exporting refrigerated food often demands additional documentation beyond a standard commercial invoice. Depending on destination, you may need phytosanitary or veterinary certific...
Before pickup, stage perishable goods at the correct temperature: typically 0–4°C for chilled food and −18°C or below for frozen goods. Avoid storing Fresh produce directly on the ...
Moving perishable goods successfully demands a continuous cold chain. Use cooler boxes with the right amount of gel packs for Chilled food or dry ice for Frozen food, pre‑chill products before packing, and choose a expedited 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. Most experts recommend checking carrier and destination rules in advance and combining dry ice with insulated packaging to keep Frozen food at temperature while staying within dry‑ice limits.
Standard cargo policies may limit coverage for temperature-related loss on chilled food and frozen food. Most shippers should arranging a policy that specifically covers temperature deviation and spoilage, and declaring the full value of your Reefer cargo. Keep packing records and temperature logs; insurers often require proof that adequate insulation 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 temperature-controlled shipment 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 food must stay well below zero. If only one temperature setpoint is available, We 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 shipping process to ensure quality and safety. It is essential to use refrigerated containers that can sustain the required temperatures for both chilled and frozen products. Proper packing techniques, such as using insulated materials and ensuring adequate ventilation, are also crucial to minimize temperature fluctuations during transit.
Regulatory requirements include compliance with both Chinese export regulations and Panamanian import regulations for food safety. This may involve obtaining necessary health certifications, phytosanitary certificates for fresh produce, and ensuring that all products meet the food safety standards set by Panamanian authorities. Accurate documentation is essential to facilitate customs clearance at both ports.
Yes, DNA offers predictive ETAs and real-time updates, supported by SAMMIE’s AI models and tracking capabilities.
Yes, DNA handles FTL, LTL, and drayage services for a range of shipment sizes and needs.
Yes, DNA provides FDA, USDA, and multi-agency support to help you navigate compliance.
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