Shipping Refrigerated Food from Dalian to San Jose via Ocean Freight

Transporting perishable goods successfully necessitates a continuous cold chain. Use thermal containers 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 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. Our compliance team recommends 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 restrict coverage for temperature-related loss on chilled food and frozen food. Insurance specialists generally 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 chilled beverages 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 temperature-controlled shipment is set correctly.

You can sometimes mix chilled 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, best practice is separating them into different temperature-controlled shipments to avoid freezing perishable goods or partially thawing frozen items.

The documentation typically required includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, sanitary and phytosanitary certificates, and any specific import permits mandated by Costa Rican authorities for fresh and frozen food products.

It is essential to maintain appropriate temperature controls throughout the journey, utilizing refrigerated containers for fresh and frozen food. Additionally, proper ventilation and humidity control must be ensured to prevent spoilage and maintain product quality during transit.

Shippers can expect support from experienced Client Success Officers—no scripts, no outsourced call centers—who get ahead of your needs and respond like partners rather than vendors.

Our platform offers actionable reports on landed cost, performance, and billing that are instantly downloadable in Excel or PDF, whereas other forwarders often have limited reporting that may require manual pulls.

Our model blends smarter tech—through the SAMMIE AI platform—with faster answers and people who truly care, including dedicated Client Success Officers, so customers get both advanced visibility and hands-on, proactive support.