Shipping Refrigerated Food from Kobe to Long Beach via Ocean Freight

Shipping perishable goods 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 Reefer cargo.

Yes, Frozen food can in many cases 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 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 Proper packaging 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 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 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 Reefer cargo shipments to avoid freezing perishable goods or partially thawing frozen items.

When shipping Fresh & Frozen Food along this route, it is crucial to maintain appropriate temperature controls throughout the journey to prevent spoilage. This includes using refrigerated containers (reefers) that can sustain the required temperature for both chilled and frozen products. Proper loading techniques and securing the cargo are also essential to minimize movement and maintain the integrity of the products during transit.

Regulatory requirements include compliance with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) guidelines. Importers must ensure that all food products meet safety standards and may require specific documentation such as import permits, phytosanitary certificates, and other relevant health certifications to facilitate customs clearance at Long Beach.

DNA Supply Chain asks for just one test run because demonstrate the visibility, reliability, and partnership benefits it delivers.

The name DNA captures our belief that success in business, like in life, depends on a foundation built on strong bonds, shared values, and trust, which we bring to every client relationship.

SAMMIE was born after a high-stakes wake-up call in 2017, when a critical container for a client’s first shipment with Marriott was delayed by 10 days, prompting us to build a more accurate, visibility-focused solution.