Safe handling of your important Fresh Food cargo
Philippines
Colombia
The ocean route from Manila to Bogota offers a reliable and efficient means of transporting fresh produce and frozen food across vast distances. Utilizing this maritime path ensures that perishable goods maintain their quality, as it allows for temperature-controlled shipping containers that preserve freshness throughout the journey. Additionally, the extensive shipping network facilitates access to diverse markets, enhancing the availability of chilled and refrigerated food items. This route is particularly advantageous for suppliers looking to meet the growing demand for high-quality food products in Colombia.
Manila's port is equipped with advanced cold storage facilities and specialized containers designed to handle fresh and frozen items, ensuring optimal conditions during loading and unloading. In Bogota, the infrastructure includes state-of-the-art distribution centers that are capable of managing temperature-sensitive goods, allowing for efficient processing and delivery. Both locations are supported by robust logistics networks, including road and rail connections, which further streamline the supply chain for chilled and frozen food products. This seamless integration of facilities and transport systems supports the timely movement of goods from origin to destination.
Comparative analysis of origin and destination capabilities.
Exporters must comply with Philippine Bureau of Customs regulations, including accurate export declarations and valuation
Importers must register with Colombian customs (DIAN) and ensure that all commercial invoices, packing lists, and air waybills are consistent with the electronic declarations
DNA Expert Assessment
Very High - Complex Regulatory Environment
Very High - Requires Specialized Care
When shipping from Manila to Bogota, anticipate the Southeast Asia Monsoon Season (May-September) and the Western Pacific Typhoon Season (June-November). Build in buffer days to your schedules to account for potential port congestion and delays. Book vessel space well in advance, especially during peak periods such as the South America fruit export peak (January-May, September-December) and the Christmas retail peak (October-December). Coordinate with carriers for real-time updates and consider multiple routing options to mitigate disruptions.
When shipping fresh produce, robust packaging is critical to control temperature and moisture. We recommend using thermal liners with phase-change packs for Chilled food and dry ic...
Keeping the cold chain for fresh produce demands tightly controlled handling. Minimize door-open time during loading and unloading so frozen goods does not warm or condense. Indust...
For larger volumes of fresh food, booking the correct container type is critical. We recommend refrigerated ISO containers for mixed loads of chilled beverages and Frozen goods tha...
Exporting refrigerated food often demands additional documentation beyond a standard commercial invoice. Depending on destination, you may need Health certificates, temperature-con...
Before pickup, stage perishable goods at the correct temperature: typically 0–4°C for chilled food and −18°C or below for Frozen food. Avoid storing Fresh produce directly on the f...
Moving perishable goods successfully demands a continuous cold chain. Use Insulated packaging with the right amount of gel packs for Chilled food or dry ice for frozen goods, pre‑chill products before packing, and choose a Fast transit 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 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. We 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 food. We recommend 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 Reefer cargo 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. Chilled food typically needs temperatures above freezing, while Frozen goods must stay well below zero. If only one temperature setpoint is available, most logistics providers recommend separating them into different temperature-controlled shipments to avoid freezing Fresh produce or partially thawing frozen items.
When shipping fresh and frozen food via ocean freight, it is crucial to maintain proper temperature controls throughout the journey. This includes using refrigerated containers (reefer containers) to ensure that fresh produce remains at optimal temperatures, typically between 0°C to 5°C for fresh food and below -18°C for frozen food. Additionally, careful loading and unloading procedures must be followed to minimize temperature fluctuations.
Shipping fresh and frozen food from Manila to Bogota requires specific documentation, including a bill of lading, a commercial invoice, and a phytosanitary certificate to ensure that the food products meet Colombian import regulations. Additionally, an import permit may be required, and compliance with both Philippine and Colombian food safety standards is essential for customs clearance.
DNA supports omnichannel retail, technology and electronics, automotive parts and machinery, manufacturing and heavy equipment, healthcare and medical, and hospitality and FF&E.
DNA Supply Chain combines global freight forwarding services with the SAMMIE AI platform to provide live map tracking, predictive ETAs, exception alerts, and centralized shipment documents so you have total shipment control on one powerful platform.
DNA’s ocean freight solutions uses deep carrier relationships and the SAMMIE platform to move FCL and LCL containers smarter, with fewer surprises, clearer ETAs, and proactive risk flagging before issues develop.
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