Shipping Refrigerated Food from La Guaira to Chicago via Ocean Freight

Shipping Fresh food successfully necessitates 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 Usually 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 Perishable goods 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 food 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 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, best practice is 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 refrigerated containers to maintain appropriate temperatures throughout the journey. It is crucial to monitor the temperature settings to prevent spoilage, and proper loading techniques should be employed to optimize airflow and minimize temperature fluctuations.

The shipment requires a bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, and any necessary phytosanitary certificates. Additionally, compliance with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations is necessary, including prior notice of imported food shipments.

Yes, we provide consolidation and customs pre-clearance to help move your air cargo quickly and compliantly.

We offer in-house customs brokerage including import/export clearance, tariff classification and valuation, ISF, AMS, and ACE filings, plus FDA, USDA, and multi-agency support.

Yes, we offer B2B pick/pack and palletization services.