Expert supply chain services for Chilled Food cargo
Turkey
United States
The ocean route from Istanbul to New York offers significant advantages for transporting fresh produce and chilled food. This journey allows for the preservation of the quality and integrity of perishable items, as the controlled temperature environments on cargo vessels help maintain optimal conditions throughout transit. Additionally, the capacity of ocean freight enables bulk shipments, making it cost-effective for suppliers of frozen food and other refrigerated goods. The extended shelf life of these products during transit further enhances marketability upon arrival.
Istanbul's port facilities are well-equipped for handling fresh and frozen food, featuring advanced cold storage options and efficient loading systems to minimize handling time. The port's strategic location also allows for seamless access to various distribution channels. In New York, the infrastructure is similarly robust, with specialized terminals designed for perishable goods that ensure swift customs clearance and effective distribution to local markets. This interconnected network supports the smooth flow of fresh and chilled items from dock to destination.
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 imports are subject to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations, including advance manifest and security filing requirements.
DNA Expert Assessment
Very High - Complex Regulatory Environment
Very High - Requires Specialized Care
When shipping from Istanbul to New York, anticipate delays due to North Atlantic winter storms (November-March); build in additional buffer days for port calls and transits. Arrange flexible berthing windows and consider alternative ports to mitigate disruptions. During peak congestion periods at the Suez Canal (January-March), plan for longer transit times and potential queuing. Additionally, track weather forecasts closely to adjust ETAs and avoid just-in-time deliveries during critical holiday peaks (November-December).
When shipping Fresh food, robust packaging is vital to control temperature and moisture. Our team suggests using cooler boxes with ice packs for chilled beverages and dry ice for r...
Maintaining the cold chain for fresh produce necessitates tightly controlled handling. Reduce door-open time during loading and unloading so perishable goods does not warm or conde...
For larger volumes of Perishable goods, booking the correct container type is key. Our logistics team recommends powered reefer units for mixed loads of chilled food and frozen foo...
Shipping refrigerated food often involves additional documentation beyond a standard commercial invoice. Depending on destination, you may need sanitary certificates, temperature-c...
Before pickup, Store perishable goods at the correct temperature: typically 0–4°C for chilled beverages and −18°C or below for Frozen food. Avoid storing fresh food directly on the...
Shipping 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 time‑definite 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 Exclude 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 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 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 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 perishable goods or partially thawing frozen items.
Fresh and frozen food must be maintained at specific temperature controls throughout the journey to prevent spoilage. Proper insulation, temperature monitoring systems, and expedited loading and unloading processes are essential to maintaining the integrity of chilled and frozen products during ocean freight.
Shipments of fresh and frozen food must comply with FDA regulations, including proper labeling, documentation of temperature controls, and adherence to import health standards. Additionally, a phytosanitary certificate may be required for certain fresh produce, and all products must pass customs inspections upon arrival in New York.
SAMMIE is a smart platform built with AI and powered by clean, structured data that provides real-time tracking, proactive insights, and full control from port to delivery.
Smart Route Planning in SAMMIE uses AI to hunt for the best carrier, lane, and timing in real time, optimizing for cost, speed, and reliability.
SAMMIE supports project-based ocean freight by allows teams to quickly and efficiently update their customers regarding project-based ocean freight shipments and provides the tools needed to deliver the customer service their clients expect.
Call or schedule a call with our sales team to discuss your Istanbul → New York shipping needs.
Talk to a logistics expert
Our team specializes in the Istanbul to New York trade lane.
1-786-949-7330Join hundreds of companies who trust DNA Supply Chain for their logistics needs. Transparent pricing, real-time tracking, and dedicated support.