Shipping Fresh Produce from Lagos to Atlanta via Ocean Freight

Shipping perishable goods successfully Requires 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 temperature-controlled freight.

Yes, Frozen food can in many cases 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. 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 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 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 Confirm 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 produce 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 Reefer cargo shipments to avoid freezing Fresh produce or partially thawing frozen items.

Fresh and frozen food must be carefully packed in insulated containers with gel packs or dry ice to maintain temperature during ocean freight. Proper temperature monitoring and quick loading and unloading at ports are essential to ensure product integrity.

Shipments of fresh and frozen food must comply with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, including obtaining necessary permits and adhering to labeling requirements. Additionally, a phytosanitary certificate may be required for certain agricultural products to ensure they are free from pests and diseases.

SAMMIE impacts cross-department visibility by providing immediate visibility across departments and to your clients, which supports better alignment between purchasing, logistics, and finance.

SAMMIE’s Document Intelligence can auto-tag and organize bills of lading, customs forms, and invoices so you no longer need to hunt through folders or inboxes.

You can find this information by visit the “Meet the people and values behind DNA Supply Chain Solutions” section linked from the SAMMIE page.