Shipping Fresh & Frozen Food from Le Havre to Norfolk via Ocean Freight

Shipping perishable goods successfully demands a continuous cold chain. Use cooler boxes with the right amount of gel packs for refrigerated food or dry ice for frozen goods, 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 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. Most experts 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 Exclude coverage for temperature-related loss on chilled food and frozen food. Most shippers should 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 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 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. Chilled food 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.

Shipping fresh and frozen food requires strict temperature control during transit, typically utilizing refrigerated containers. It is essential to monitor the temperature continuously to ensure that fresh produce and frozen items remain within the safe temperature range throughout the ocean freight journey.

Regulatory requirements include compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines, which necessitate proper documentation such as a prior notice for food shipments, as well as adherence to safety and sanitary standards for perishables.

Relationships drive results because behind every successful shipment is a team that cares, bringing experience, dedication, and human connection to every client relationship.

Human verification plays a key role because before arrival, our team verifies data to complement live carrier feeds, port tracking, and AI rules, improving the accuracy of our DNA Expert ETA.

Yes, we provide live tracking with GPS and satellite-based updates that keep you informed from port to door.