Professional supply chain services for Perishable Goods shipments
Turkey
United States
The air route from Istanbul to Cincinnati is ideal for transporting fresh produce and chilled food, ensuring that products maintain their quality and freshness throughout the journey. This direct connection minimizes transit delays, allowing for prompt delivery of perishable goods to meet consumer demand. Additionally, the use of temperature-controlled air freight services helps safeguard the integrity of frozen food during transport.
Istanbul Airport is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities designed for the handling of perishable items, including specialized storage units that maintain optimal conditions for fresh and frozen products. Cincinnati's logistics infrastructure is equally robust, featuring advanced cold chain capabilities and distribution centers that facilitate efficient processing and delivery of refrigerated goods. Together, these hubs create a seamless supply chain for fresh and frozen food, enhancing market access and operational efficiency.
Comparative analysis of origin and destination capabilities.
Exporters must comply with Turkish customs regulations, including accurate tariff classification and export declarations through the national single window system.
All inbound cargo routed through the Cincinnati region fall under U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations and applicable Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or other agency controls.
DNA Expert Assessment
Very High - Complex Regulatory Environment
High - Fragile/Moisture Sensitive
When planning air shipments from Istanbul to Cincinnati, anticipate potential delays due to Mediterranean winter storms (November-March) and Suez Canal congestion (January-March). Add buffer days for transit times and secure flexible delivery windows to mitigate disruptions. During peak holiday periods, such as the Christmas retail peak (October-December), focus on early bookings and steer clear of tight cut-off times. Additionally, monitor weather conditions closely, especially during winter months, to revise schedules as necessary.
When shipping fresh produce, correct packing is critical to control temperature and moisture. Our team suggests using thermal liners with Gel packs for refrigerated food and dry ic...
Keeping the cold chain for chilled food demands tightly controlled handling. Reduce door-open time during loading and unloading so frozen goods does not warm or condense. We recomm...
For larger volumes of fresh food, selecting the correct container type is critical. Our logistics team recommends refrigerated ISO containers for mixed loads of Refrigerated food a...
Exporting fresh food often demands additional documentation beyond a standard commercial invoice. Depending on destination, you may need sanitary certificates, temperature-control ...
Before pickup, stage fresh produce at the correct temperature: typically 0–4°C for chilled food and −18°C or below for frozen goods. Avoid storing fresh food directly on the floor;...
Moving fresh produce successfully demands 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 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 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. 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 fresh 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 refrigerated food shipment. Keep packing records and temperature logs; insurers often require proof that Proper packaging 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 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 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, most logistics providers recommend separating them into different Reefer cargo shipments to avoid freezing perishable goods or partially thawing frozen items.
Fresh and frozen food requires strict temperature control throughout the journey. It is essential to utilize refrigerated containers and ensure that temperature monitoring systems are in place to maintain the integrity of the products during air freight.
Shipments of fresh and frozen food must comply with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, including prior notice of importation. Additionally, products must meet USDA standards for food safety and may require specific documentation, such as health certificates from Turkish authorities.
You’re invited to take the DNA “One Test Run Challenge” with a single shipment so we can demonstrate our visibility, reliability, and partnership-focused approach.
DNA Supply Chain offers ocean freight (FCL and LCL), air freight, ground transportation (domestic and cross-border trucking), customs brokerage, and warehousing & distribution, all supported by our SAMMIE visibility platform and dedicated Client Success Officers.
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Call or schedule a call with our sales team to discuss your Istanbul → Cincinnati shipping needs.
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