Shipping Chilled Food from Istanbul to Charlotte via Air Freight

Transporting perishable goods successfully Requires a continuous cold chain. Use thermal containers 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 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 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. Our compliance team recommends 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 restrict coverage for temperature-related loss on chilled food and Frozen goods. Insurance specialists generally recommend 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 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 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 chilled food 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, We recommend 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 throughout the air freight process. This includes the use of insulated packaging and temperature-controlled containers to ensure product integrity. Additionally, handling protocols should minimize exposure to ambient temperatures to prevent spoilage.

Shipments of Fresh & Frozen Food from Turkey to the United States must comply with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, including prior notice requirements. Importers must also ensure that products meet USDA standards for meat and poultry, if applicable, and provide appropriate documentation for customs clearance.

You receive smart, preemptive alerts about delays, reroutes, or exceptions so you are notified before you even ask.

Our ocean freight solutions include port-to-door service that covers customs and final-mile delivery.

Our ground transportation solutions include U.S. and Mexico cross-border coverage.