More than 15 years of experience in international Refrigerated Food transport
Thailand
China
The route from Laem Chabang to Shanghai offers a strategic advantage for transporting fresh produce and chilled food due to its direct ocean access, minimizing handling and potential spoilage. The maritime path is equipped to support refrigerated containers, ensuring that temperature-sensitive items maintain their quality throughout the journey. Additionally, the proximity of Laem Chabang to major agricultural regions enhances the availability of fresh food, while Shanghai's vast consumer market provides an ideal destination for these products.
Laem Chabang is a well-equipped port with advanced facilities for handling refrigerated cargo, including specialized storage and quick-loading capabilities for frozen food. In Shanghai, the port infrastructure is similarly robust, featuring state-of-the-art cold chain logistics that facilitate seamless transfer and distribution of chilled food products. Both ports are connected to extensive road and rail networks, ensuring efficient onward transportation to key urban centers.
Comparative analysis of origin and destination capabilities.
Exporters must comply with Thai Customs Department regulations, including accurate HS classification and export declarations.
Imports are subject to Chinese customs, quarantine, and inspection rules, covering health, safety, and quality controls.
DNA Expert Assessment
Very High - Complex Regulatory Environment
Very High - Requires Specialized Care
When shipping from Laem Chabang to Shanghai, consider the Southeast Asia monsoon season (May-September) and the Western Pacific typhoon season (June-November). Add buffer days to schedules to mitigate delays from port congestion and weather disruptions. Arrange vessel space early during peak periods such as the Asia-Europe export peak (August-November) and Christmas retail peak (October-December) to prevent rolled cargo risks. Communicate closely with carriers for real-time updates on delays and adjust cut-off times accordingly to maintain timely deliveries.
When shipping fresh produce, correct packing is critical to control temperature and moisture. Our team suggests using cooler boxes with phase-change packs for chilled beverages and...
Keeping the cold chain for chilled food demands tightly controlled handling. Reduce door-open time during loading and unloading so perishable goods does not warm or condense. Indus...
For larger volumes of fresh food, selecting the correct container type is critical. Our logistics team recommends powered reefer units for mixed loads of chilled beverages and froz...
Exporting fresh food often demands additional documentation beyond a standard commercial invoice. Depending on destination, you may need sanitary certificates, temperature-control ...
Before pickup, stage fresh produce at the correct temperature: typically 0–4°C for chilled food and −18°C or below for frozen goods. Avoid storing fresh food directly on the floor;...
Moving fresh produce successfully demands 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 goods 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. 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 limit coverage for temperature-related loss on fresh food and Frozen goods. 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 correct handling was used before honoring claims.
Most refrigerated 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 temperature-controlled shipment is set correctly.
You can sometimes mix fresh 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 food 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.
It is crucial to maintain appropriate temperature control throughout the journey to ensure the quality of fresh produce and frozen food. This includes using refrigerated containers (reefers) that can sustain the required temperature ranges. Additionally, proper loading and unloading procedures must be followed to minimize temperature fluctuations.
Shipments of fresh and frozen food must comply with both Thai export regulations and Chinese import regulations, which may include obtaining necessary health certificates, phytosanitary certificates, and ensuring that products meet China's food safety standards. Documentation must be accurately completed to facilitate customs clearance at both ports.
DNA Supply Chain offers 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.
DNA provides secure, strategically located warehousing for scalable storage and just-in-time fulfillment, with real-time inventory control and integrated distribution powered by SAMMIE’s insight and our responsive Client Success Officers.
DNA supports seamless EDI/API connectivity tailored to your systems—including ERP, WMS, finance, and more—while many other forwarders depend on third-party platforms with limited integration and manual data entry.
Call or schedule a call with our sales team to discuss your Laem Chabang → Shanghai shipping needs.
Talk to a logistics expert
Our team specializes in the Laem Chabang to Shanghai 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.