Shipping Fresh Produce from Guangzhou to Charleston via Ocean Freight

Shipping perishable goods successfully demands a continuous cold chain. Use thermal containers 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 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. 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 Exclude 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 Proper packaging was used before honoring claims.

Most Chilled 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 produce 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 Reefer cargo shipments to avoid freezing perishable goods or partially thawing frozen items.

When shipping fresh and frozen food via ocean freight, it is crucial to maintain proper temperature control throughout the journey. This includes using refrigerated containers for chilled and frozen products to prevent spoilage. Additionally, ensuring that the cargo is secured to prevent movement during transit is important for maintaining quality.

Regulatory requirements include compliance with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, which may involve prior notice of shipments. Importers must also ensure that the products meet U.S. standards for food safety and labeling. Additionally, proper documentation such as bills of lading, customs declarations, and health certificates may be required for customs clearance in Charleston.

SAMMIE flags potential issues such as rerouted containers or port congestion early, giving our team time to step in quickly, resolve problems, and keep you proactively updated.

Yes, your data is secure. All shipment, billing, and documentation data is encrypted in transit and at rest, and SAMMIE uses secure protocols and authentication layers to control access.

SAMMIE offers real-time tracking where AI monitors every container and flags delays, reroutes, and transshipment issues before you even ask.