Insurance included for seamless delivery
Saudi Arabia
Panama
The ocean route from Jeddah to Colon is optimized for transporting fresh produce and chilled food, ensuring that products maintain their quality during transit. This pathway allows for bulk shipping, which is advantageous for maintaining efficient supply chain operations for perishable items. The journey's design minimizes temperature fluctuations, crucial for preserving the integrity of refrigerated and frozen food throughout the voyage.
Jeddah's port is equipped with advanced cold storage facilities and specialized handling equipment designed to manage temperature-sensitive goods effectively. Meanwhile, Colon boasts a well-developed infrastructure, including state-of-the-art distribution centers and customs processing capabilities, which streamline the receipt and distribution of fresh and frozen food products. Both locations support seamless operations, ensuring that perishable goods are handled with care at every stage of the supply chain.
Comparative analysis of origin and destination capabilities.
Exporters must comply with Saudi export control regulations, including restrictions on dual-use and sensitive goods.
All inbound cargo are subject to Panamanian customs clearance and possible inspection at the terminal.
DNA Expert Assessment
Very High - Complex Regulatory Environment
Very High - Requires Specialized Care
When planning shipments from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia to Colon, Panama, expect potential delays due to the Indian Ocean cyclone season (April-June and October-December) and allow for additional buffer days. During Ramadan (late March–late April) and Eid al Fitr (March-June), consider reduced operational hours and coordinate closely with local agents. Additionally, be mindful of congestion risks at the Suez Canal (January-March) and secure vessel space early during peak retail periods (October-December) to mitigate delays and ensure timely deliveries.
When shipping perishable goods, correct packing Is essential to control temperature and moisture. We recommend using cooler boxes with Gel packs for refrigerated food and dry ice f...
Preserving the cold chain for chilled food Requires tightly controlled handling. Minimize door-open time during loading and unloading so perishable goods does not warm or condense....
For larger volumes of fresh produce, selecting the correct container type is Essential. We recommend powered reefer units for mixed loads of Refrigerated food and Frozen goods that...
Transporting fresh food often Requires additional documentation beyond a standard commercial invoice. Depending on destination, you may need Health certificates, temperature-contro...
Before pickup, hold fresh produce at the correct temperature: typically 0–4°C for Refrigerated food and −18°C or below for Frozen food. Avoid storing fresh food directly on the flo...
Transporting fresh produce successfully Requires a continuous cold chain. Use Insulated packaging 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 goods can often 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. We recommend 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 restrict coverage for temperature-related loss on fresh food and Frozen goods. We 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 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 Reefer cargo 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 goods must stay well below zero. If only one temperature setpoint is available, best practice is separating them into different Reefer cargo shipments to avoid freezing Fresh produce or partially thawing frozen items.
Fresh and frozen food must be maintained at specific temperature ranges throughout the journey to ensure quality. Proper refrigerated containers are essential to prevent spoilage. Additionally, regular monitoring of temperature is crucial during transit to comply with safety standards.
Shipments of fresh and frozen food require compliance with both Saudi Arabian and Panamanian food safety regulations, including proper documentation such as health certificates and import permits. It is important to ensure that all products meet the sanitary and phytosanitary standards set by the Panamanian authorities.
Our network includes partnered facilities in key logistics hubs, including locations near important ports for strategic storage and fulfillment.
We encourage you to take the DNA “One Test Run Challenge” with a single shipment so we can demonstrate our visibility, reliability, and partnership-focused approach.
Our company manages 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.
Call or schedule a call with our sales team to discuss your Jeddah → Colon shipping needs.
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