Shipping Chilled Food from Los Angeles to Salvador via Ocean Freight

Moving perishable goods 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 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 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 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, We recommend separating them into different temperature-controlled shipments to avoid freezing perishable goods or partially thawing frozen items.

Fresh and frozen food must be maintained at specific temperature ranges throughout the entire shipping process to ensure product quality. Proper insulation and refrigeration methods must be employed during loading, transit, and unloading to prevent spoilage. Additionally, containers should be equipped with temperature monitoring devices to track conditions during the journey.

Shipments of fresh and frozen food must comply with both U.S. and Brazilian food safety regulations, including obtaining necessary permits and certifications. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply (MAPA) require specific documentation to ensure that food products meet health and safety standards.

Absolutely, we do full port-to-door service, managing booking, loading, customs clearance, and final-mile delivery with one point of contact and one visibility platform.

Yes, you can. You can see our certifications and compliance credentials, including FMC license, DOT number, and C-TPAT partnership, in the Certifications section of our FAQs.

If you spot an issue, we act fast, and SAMMIE also flags duplicates or anomalies before invoices are sent, with your dedicated Client Success Officer available for clarification.