Shipping Reefer Cargo from Istanbul to Tacoma via Ocean Freight

Shipping fresh produce successfully demands a continuous cold chain. Use Insulated packaging with the right amount of gel packs for Chilled food or dry ice for Frozen food, 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 Reefer cargo.

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. We 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 fresh food and frozen food. We 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 food should stay between 0–4°C, while many Frozen food 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 Reefer cargo is set correctly.

You can sometimes mix Fresh produce and Frozen food 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, 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 transported in temperature-controlled containers to maintain product integrity, ensuring that chilled food remains at temperatures below 5°C and frozen food at or below -18°C throughout the journey. Proper insulation and refrigeration systems are crucial to prevent spoilage during the ocean freight process.

Shipments must comply with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, which include registration of the facility where the food is processed. Additionally, importers must provide prior notice to the FDA before the arrival of the shipment, and all food products must meet USDA standards for safety and quality.

We provide ground transportation including full truckload (FTL), less-than-truckload (LTL), and drayage services, with U.S. and Mexico cross-border coverage, scalable capacity, GPS tracking, and digital documentation.

Yes, we provide tariff classification and valuation as part of our in-house expertise.

We operate partnered facilities in key logistics hubs, including locations near important ports for strategic storage and fulfillment.