Dependable ocean transport with transparent pricing
Mexico
Colombia
The ocean route from Manzanillo to Cartagena is ideal for transporting fresh produce and chilled food, ensuring that products maintain their quality during transit. This journey allows for the efficient movement of refrigerated and frozen goods, minimizing exposure to temperature fluctuations that can compromise freshness. The direct maritime link also provides a cost-effective solution, facilitating bulk shipments of perishable items while reducing the carbon footprint compared to land transport.
Manzanillo boasts a modern port equipped with state-of-the-art cold storage facilities, ensuring optimal conditions for fresh and frozen food handling. Meanwhile, Cartagena's port infrastructure is well-suited for receiving these temperature-sensitive products, with advanced refrigeration systems in place to manage the transition from sea to land. Both ports are strategically located to support quick distribution to local markets, enhancing supply chain efficiency for fresh food suppliers.
Comparative analysis of origin and destination capabilities.
Exporters must comply with Mexican customs regulations, including accurate tariff classification and complete commercial documentation
Imports are subject to Colombian customs valuation, tariff classification, and health and safety requirements.
DNA Expert Assessment
Very High - Complex Regulatory Environment
Very High - Requires Specialized Care
When shipping from Manzanillo, Mexico to Cartagena, Colombia, expect significant delays during the Eastern Pacific Hurricane Season (June-November); secure vessel space well in advance and allow for buffer days to accommodate potential port closures. During the North America Summer Holiday Peak (late June-early September), consider tighter capacity and increased transit times, particularly around national holidays. Additionally, monitor weather conditions closely during the Western New Year holiday period (December 20-January 5) to avoid disruptions linked to reduced staffing and congestion at ports.
When shipping perishable goods, correct packing is vital to control temperature and moisture. Our team suggests using Insulated cartons with ice packs for chilled beverages and dry...
Preserving the cold chain for chilled food necessitates tightly controlled handling. Reduce door-open time during loading and unloading so Reefer cargo does not warm or condense. O...
For larger volumes of fresh produce, selecting the correct container type is key. Our logistics team recommends Integrated reefer containers for mixed loads of chilled food and fro...
Transporting fresh food often involves additional documentation beyond a standard commercial invoice. Depending on destination, you may need sanitary certificates, temperature-cont...
Before pickup, hold fresh produce at the correct temperature: typically 0–4°C for chilled beverages and −18°C or below for frozen goods. Avoid storing Fresh produce directly on the...
Transporting fresh produce successfully necessitates a continuous cold chain. Use thermal containers 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 temperature-controlled freight.
Yes, frozen goods can often be shipped with dry ice by air, but dry ice is regulated as a dangerous good. Airlines impose 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. Our compliance team recommends 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 restrict coverage for temperature-related loss on fresh food and frozen food. Insurance specialists generally 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 adequate insulation was used before honoring claims.
Most chilled beverages 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 check 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 chilled food 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 requires proper temperature control throughout the shipping process. It is essential to use refrigerated containers (reefers) to maintain the required temperature for fresh produce and frozen items. Additionally, the cargo should be loaded and unloaded promptly to minimize temperature fluctuations, and regular monitoring of temperature conditions during transit is critical.
The shipping of fresh and frozen food requires specific documentation, including a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and health certificates issued by Mexican authorities. Additionally, import permits and sanitary certificates may be required by Colombian customs to ensure compliance with food safety regulations.
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The SAMMIE system provides AI-powered ETAs, “hot” shipment flagging, instant delay alerts, live map tracking for every container globally, and centralized, searchable storage for BOLs, invoices, and customs forms.
Call or schedule a call with our sales team to discuss your Manzanillo → Cartagena shipping needs.
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