Over 15 years of experience in international Fresh & Frozen Food transport
United Kingdom
China
The air route from London to Shanghai is ideal for transporting chilled and refrigerated food, ensuring that fresh produce maintains its quality during transit. With a distance of 9197 km, air freight minimizes the risk of spoilage, making it a reliable option for perishable goods. This route facilitates swift delivery of fresh and frozen products, catering to the growing demand for high-quality food items in the Chinese market. Additionally, the ability to quickly respond to market changes enhances supply chain efficiency for food distributors.
London boasts a robust logistics infrastructure, with major airports equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for handling perishable items, including temperature-controlled storage. Similarly, Shanghai's airports are well-prepared for incoming shipments of fresh foods, featuring advanced systems to ensure optimal conditions during unloading and distribution. Both cities offer seamless connectivity to local markets, further enhancing the supply chain for chilled and frozen food products. This infrastructure supports efficient handling, reducing the risk of delays and maintaining product integrity throughout the journey.
Comparative analysis of origin and destination capabilities.
Exporters must comply with United Kingdom export control regulations, including controlled goods licensing where applicable.
Imports are subject to Chinese customs, quarantine, and inspection rules, covering health, safety, and quality controls.
DNA Expert Assessment
Very High - Complex Regulatory Environment
High - Fragile/Moisture Sensitive
When shipping from London to Shanghai by air, anticipate delays due to North European winter storms (November-March), which can cause port congestion and weather-related slowdowns. Book cargo space well in advance, especially during peak periods like the Christmas retail peak (October-December) and the Lunar New Year (mid-January to late-February). Keep track of customs processing times, as they may slow during holidays (December-January). Additionally, consider potential disruptions from typhoons in the Western Pacific (June-November) and adjust schedules accordingly to maintain reliability.
When shipping Fresh food, correct packing is critical to control temperature and moisture. Most cold-chain specialists recommend using Insulated cartons with phase-change packs for...
Maintaining the cold chain for chilled food demands tightly controlled handling. Limit door-open time during loading and unloading so Reefer cargo does not warm or condense. Indust...
For larger volumes of Perishable goods, selecting the correct container type is critical. Most carriers recommend Integrated reefer containers for mixed loads of chilled beverages ...
Shipping fresh food often demands additional documentation beyond a standard commercial invoice. Depending on destination, you may need phytosanitary or veterinary certificates, te...
Before pickup, Store fresh produce at the correct temperature: typically 0–4°C for chilled food and −18°C or below for frozen goods. Avoid storing Fresh produce directly on the flo...
Shipping fresh produce successfully demands a continuous cold chain. Use cooler boxes with the right amount of gel packs for Chilled 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 Reefer cargo.
Yes, Frozen food 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. Most experts recommend checking carrier and destination rules in advance and combining dry ice with insulated packaging to keep Frozen food at temperature while staying within dry‑ice limits.
Standard cargo policies may Exclude coverage for temperature-related loss on fresh food and frozen food. Most shippers should arranging a policy that specifically covers temperature deviation and spoilage, and declaring the full value of your Reefer cargo. 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 food 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 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 food must stay well below zero. If only one temperature setpoint is available, We recommend separating them into different temperature-controlled shipments to avoid freezing perishable goods or partially thawing frozen items.
Fresh and frozen food shipments require strict temperature control throughout the transport process. This includes using refrigerated containers for chilled food and frozen food, ensuring they maintain the appropriate temperature range during transit. Additionally, proper packaging is essential to prevent spoilage and contamination.
Shipments of Fresh & Frozen Food are subject to stringent regulatory requirements, including obtaining necessary health certificates and complying with China's food safety standards. Import permits may also be required, and all documentation must be accurately prepared to avoid customs delays.
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