Shipping Chilled Food from Hamburg to Puerto Caldera via Ocean Freight

Shipping fresh produce successfully Requires 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 Fast transit 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 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. 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 Exclude coverage for temperature-related loss on fresh food and Frozen goods. 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 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 Confirm 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 produce and frozen goods 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 food must stay well below zero. If only one temperature setpoint is available, most logistics providers recommend separating them into different Reefer cargo shipments to avoid freezing Fresh produce or partially thawing frozen items.

It is essential to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the shipping process to ensure the quality and safety of fresh and frozen food. Proper insulation, refrigeration, and monitoring systems should be utilized to prevent temperature fluctuations during the ocean freight journey.

Shipments of fresh and frozen food require compliance with both German export regulations and Costa Rican import regulations, including sanitary and phytosanitary certificates. Additionally, documentation such as bills of lading and customs declarations must be accurately completed to facilitate the clearance process at both ports.

Yes, we can full port-to-door service, managing booking, loading, customs clearance, and final-mile delivery with one point of contact and one visibility platform.

Yes, they are. You can see our certifications and compliance credentials, including FMC license, DOT number, and C-TPAT partnership, in the Certifications section of our FAQs.

If something looks off, our team responds quickly, and SAMMIE also flags duplicates or anomalies before invoices are sent, with your dedicated Client Success Officer available for clarification.