Shipping Fresh Food from Honolulu to Seattle via Air 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 food, 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 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 adequate insulation 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 Reefer cargo shipments to avoid freezing perishable goods or partially thawing frozen items.

Fresh and frozen food must be maintained at specific temperature ranges during transit. Refrigerated items typically require temperatures between 0°C to 4°C, while frozen items need to be kept at -18°C or lower. Proper insulation and temperature monitoring are essential to prevent spoilage.

Since both locations are within the United States, federal regulations from the USDA and FDA apply. Shipments must comply with food safety standards, including proper packaging and labeling. Additionally, any perishable items may require specific documentation to ensure compliance with health regulations.

DNA’s SAMMIE system is an AI-driven exception management and tracking platform that provides real-time tracking, predictive ETAs, smart alerts, document intelligence, rate and route optimization, and invoicing insights for your shipments.

Our team manages global ocean freight with worldwide routing, top-tier carriers, full container loads (FCL), less-than-container loads (LCL), and port-to-door service including customs and final-mile delivery.

For air cargo, we provide live alerts and 24/7 tracking for full shipment visibility.