Shipping Fresh Produce from Manzanillo to Rio Grande via Ocean Freight

Moving Fresh food successfully Requires a continuous cold chain. Use Insulated packaging with the right amount of gel packs for refrigerated 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 Usually 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. We recommend checking carrier and destination rules in advance and combining dry ice with insulated packaging to keep reefer cargo at temperature while staying within dry‑ice limits.

Standard cargo policies may limit coverage for temperature-related loss on Perishable goods and Frozen goods. We recommend arranging a policy that specifically covers temperature deviation and spoilage, and declaring the full value of your refrigerated food shipment. 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 food 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 Reefer cargo is set correctly.

You can sometimes mix fresh food and Frozen food 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 goods must stay well below zero. If only one temperature setpoint is available, best practice is separating them into different temperature-controlled shipments to avoid freezing Fresh produce or partially thawing frozen items.

Fresh and frozen food must be transported in temperature-controlled containers to maintain product integrity. Proper insulation and refrigeration are critical throughout the ocean freight journey to prevent spoilage and ensure compliance with health regulations.

Shipments of fresh and frozen food require appropriate import permits and compliance with both Mexican and Brazilian health and safety regulations. Documentation such as phytosanitary certificates, health certificates, and customs declarations must be prepared to facilitate customs clearance at both ports.

DNA provides fast, secure air freight solutions with expedited and economy air options, airport-to-door coordination, consolidation, customs pre-clearance, and full visibility with live alerts and 24/7 tracking.

DNA offers scalable capacity for seasonal spikes as part of our ground transportation solutions.

DNA offers warehousing and distribution with inventory management and reporting, B2B pick/pack and palletization, cross-docking, transloading, and partnered facilities in key logistics hubs.