Over 15 years of experience in worldwide Fresh Produce transport
Mexico
United States
The route from Manzanillo to Seattle is highly advantageous for transporting fresh produce and frozen food due to its efficient ocean passage. This route minimizes temperature fluctuations, ensuring that chilled and refrigerated goods maintain their quality throughout transit. Additionally, the shipping lanes are well-established, offering reliable access to markets in the Pacific Northwest, which is crucial for timely distribution. The ability to handle large volumes makes this route ideal for both small and large shipments of perishable items.
Manzanillo boasts state-of-the-art port facilities designed to accommodate a variety of cargo, including temperature-sensitive products. The port is equipped with modern cold storage facilities that ensure optimal conditions for fresh and frozen food before departure. In Seattle, the infrastructure supports seamless unloading and distribution, with advanced logistics capabilities that facilitate quick access to local and regional markets. Both ports are strategically positioned to enhance supply chain efficiency, making them essential nodes for the movement of chilled and frozen goods.
Comparative analysis of origin and destination capabilities.
Exporters must comply with Mexican customs regulations, including accurate tariff classification and detailed commercial documentation
All imports are subject to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations, including accurate AMS and ISF filings.
DNA Expert Assessment
Moderate - Standard International
Very High - Requires Specialized Care
When planning shipments from Manzanillo to Seattle, be mindful of the Eastern Pacific Hurricane Season (June-November) and expect potential delays due to storms, particularly from August to October. Secure vessel space early during the Christmas retail peak (October-December) to avoid congestion and allow for buffer days for delivery commitments. Additionally, plan for winter storms (December-March) that may impact transit times, and coordinate closely with carriers for real-time updates on weather conditions and routing options.
When shipping Fresh food, correct packing Is essential to control temperature and moisture. Most cold-chain specialists recommend using Insulated cartons with Gel packs for chilled...
Maintaining the cold chain for chilled food Requires tightly controlled handling. Limit door-open time during loading and unloading so Reefer cargo does not warm or condense. We re...
For larger volumes of Perishable goods, selecting the correct container type is Essential. Most carriers recommend Integrated reefer containers for mixed loads of Refrigerated food...
Shipping fresh food often Requires additional documentation beyond a standard commercial invoice. Depending on destination, you may need phytosanitary or veterinary certificates, t...
Before pickup, Store fresh produce at the correct temperature: typically 0–4°C for Refrigerated food and −18°C or below for frozen goods. Avoid storing Fresh produce directly on th...
Shipping fresh produce 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 time‑definite service. Clearly mark boxes as “Perishable” and specify the required temperature so carriers handle them as temperature-controlled freight.
Yes, Frozen food can often 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 Exclude coverage for temperature-related loss on fresh 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 Chilled 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 temperature-controlled shipment is set correctly.
You can sometimes mix Fresh produce 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 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.
Fresh and frozen food must be transported in temperature-controlled containers to maintain the required temperatures throughout the journey. Proper packaging is essential to prevent spoilage and contamination, and regular monitoring of temperature is necessary during transit.
Shipments of fresh and frozen food must comply with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, including proper labeling and documentation. Importers must also ensure that products meet safety standards and may require permits or inspections upon arrival in Seattle.
You can submit details via our Request a Quote form or talk to our team through the Contact Us page on our website.
We are fully compliant with CBP, TSA, IATA, and NMFTA standards to ensure secure, lawful, and efficient cross-border operations.
Yes, for CE North America, where we built a custom EDI feed that pushes real-time shipment updates, documentation, and exception alerts directly into their ERP, eliminating dozens of manual tasks and improving cross-department visibility.
Call or schedule a call with our sales team to discuss your Manzanillo → Seattle shipping needs.
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