Shipping Refrigerated Food from Durban to Boston via Ocean Freight

Shipping fresh produce successfully Requires 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 Reefer cargo.

Yes, Frozen food can often be shipped with dry ice by air, but dry ice is regulated as a dangerous good. Airlines Set 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 goods. 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 adequate insulation 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 Confirm 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. Fresh produce 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 and frozen food must be transported in temperature-controlled containers to maintain the required temperature range throughout the journey. Proper insulation and refrigeration systems are essential to prevent spoilage and ensure compliance with health standards.

Shipments of fresh and frozen food must comply with both South African export regulations and U.S. import regulations, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines. Necessary documentation may include health certificates, phytosanitary certificates, and import permits to ensure that the products meet safety and quality standards.

You can export shipment-level data, invoices, event histories, and landed costs in Excel or PDF format, structured for finance audits, operations tracking, customer service updates, and performance analysis.

Yes, we handle urgent, oversized, or specialized shipments, including temperature-sensitive cargo, high-value electronics, and complex FF&E rollouts across all modes.

Yes, we can. We manage documentation, declarations, and clearance protocols for electronics, apparel, machinery, and regulated goods such as food or medical devices.