Quick transit times and competitive rates for your Chilled Food shipments
United States
Colombia
The route from Houston to Cartagena offers optimal conditions for transporting fresh produce and frozen food, ensuring products remain at the required temperatures throughout the journey. With access to specialized refrigerated shipping containers, perishable items are protected from spoilage and maintain their quality upon arrival. This direct ocean route minimizes handling and transit risks, making it ideal for both chilled and frozen food products. Additionally, the well-established trade relationship between the U.S. and Colombia supports efficient customs processing.
Houston boasts a robust port infrastructure equipped with state-of-the-art cold storage facilities and handling equipment designed for perishable goods. The port's advanced logistics capabilities facilitate the seamless transfer of fresh and frozen food products onto vessels. In Cartagena, the port features modern unloading and storage systems that accommodate temperature-sensitive cargo, ensuring efficient distribution to local markets. This synergy between the two ports enhances the supply chain, allowing for reliable access to fresh produce and frozen items in Colombia.
Comparative analysis of origin and destination capabilities.
Shippers must ensure compliance with U.S. Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and vet parties against sanctioned party lists for all Houston-origin shipments.
Imports are subject to Colombian customs valuation, tariff classification, and technical requirements.
DNA Expert Assessment
Very High - Complex Regulatory Environment
Very High - Requires Specialized Care
When shipping from Houston to Cartagena, be mindful of the Atlantic Hurricane Season (June-November) and incorporate buffer days for potential delays. During peak storm months (August-October), arrange for alternative ports of refuge and steer clear of tight delivery schedules. Additionally, expect increased congestion during the North America Summer Holiday Peak (late June-early September) and the Christmas Retail Peak (October-December), necessitating early bookings and flexible transit plans.
When shipping Fresh food, robust packaging is critical to control temperature and moisture. Most cold-chain specialists recommend using Insulated cartons with Gel packs for refrige...
Maintaining the cold chain for fresh produce demands tightly controlled handling. Limit door-open time during loading and unloading so Reefer cargo does not warm or condense. We re...
For larger volumes of Perishable goods, booking the correct container type is critical. Most carriers recommend Integrated reefer containers for mixed loads of Refrigerated food an...
Shipping refrigerated food often demands additional documentation beyond a standard commercial invoice. Depending on destination, you may need phytosanitary or veterinary certifica...
Before pickup, Store perishable goods at the correct temperature: typically 0–4°C for chilled food and −18°C or below for frozen goods. Avoid storing Fresh produce directly on the ...
Shipping perishable goods successfully demands 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 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 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. 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 chilled food and frozen food. 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 verify 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. Chilled food typically needs temperatures above freezing, while frozen food must stay well below zero. If only one temperature setpoint is available, We recommend separating them into different Reefer cargo shipments to avoid freezing perishable goods or partially thawing frozen items.
Fresh and frozen food shipments require temperature-controlled containers to maintain appropriate conditions during transit. Proper insulation and refrigeration systems are crucial to prevent spoilage. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the cargo is loaded and unloaded quickly to minimize exposure to ambient temperatures.
Shipping Fresh & Frozen Food to Colombia requires compliance with both U.S. and Colombian regulations, including obtaining phytosanitary certificates for plant-based products and ensuring that all food items meet Colombian health and safety standards. Import permits may also be necessary depending on the specific type of food being shipped.
Yes, we are fully licensed (FMC #019344), bonded, insured, and C-TPAT compliant, with a digital-first customs process that uses automation to reduce delays, cut risk, and ensure regulatory compliance.
Yes, you will have a dedicated Client Success Officer who oversees your freight, solves problems proactively, and keeps you informed throughout each shipment.
We say this because a single shipment is enough for shippers to experience our AI-powered visibility, proactive issue management, and partner-level support, and to see how we differ from larger, less responsive forwarders.
Call or schedule a call with our sales team to discuss your Houston → Cartagena shipping needs.
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