Shipping Refrigerated Food from Los Angeles to Detroit via Air Freight

Moving perishable goods successfully Requires a continuous cold chain. Use cooler boxes with the right amount of gel packs for Chilled 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 goods 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. 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 limit coverage for temperature-related loss on chilled food and Frozen goods. 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 Proper packaging 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 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 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, We recommend separating them into different Reefer cargo shipments to avoid freezing perishable goods or partially thawing frozen items.

When shipping fresh and frozen food, it is crucial to maintain appropriate temperature controls throughout the flight. Ensure that perishables are packed in insulated containers with gel packs or dry ice to keep them at required temperatures. Additionally, monitor humidity levels to prevent spoilage and ensure compliance with food safety standards during transport.

Yes, while there are no customs requirements for domestic shipments within the U.S., compliance with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations is necessary. This includes adherence to the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) guidelines for food safety, as well as proper labeling and documentation to ensure traceability of the fresh and frozen food products.

You can use SAMMIE to generate exportable reports as PDF or Excel summaries for finance, operations, or client updates directly from the portal.

The Actionable Shipment Intelligence feature surface trends, spot delays, and enable you to run exportable reports, while the system learns from every shipment to improve the next one.

The platform improves your client service by allowing you to quickly and efficiently update your customers on their shipments and providing the visibility and data needed to meet the customer service your clients expect.