Shipping Reefer Cargo from Hong Kong to Tacoma via Ocean Freight

Moving 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 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 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 limit 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 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 check 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 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 goods 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 Fresh produce or partially thawing frozen items.

When shipping fresh and frozen food via ocean freight, it is essential to maintain appropriate temperature controls throughout the journey. This involves using refrigerated containers (reefers) that can sustain the necessary temperature for chilled and frozen products. Additionally, proper packaging is crucial to prevent spoilage and contamination during transit.

Shipments of fresh and frozen food from Hong Kong to Tacoma must comply with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, including prior notice requirements for food imports. Importers must also ensure that the products meet the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) standards, and proper documentation, such as health certificates and import permits, must be provided to customs authorities.

Yes, we do, including CE North America, where we built a custom EDI feed that pushes real-time shipment updates, documentation, and exception alerts directly into their ERP, eliminating dozens of manual tasks and improving cross-department visibility.

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

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