Shipping Fresh Produce from Melbourne to San Jose via Ocean Freight

Transporting fresh produce successfully demands 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 expedited service. Clearly mark boxes as “Perishable” and specify the required temperature so carriers handle them as Reefer cargo.

Yes, frozen goods can often 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 restrict coverage for temperature-related loss on fresh food and frozen food. 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 beverages 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 chilled 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 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 Fresh produce or partially thawing frozen items.

Fresh and frozen food must be transported under strict temperature controls to maintain quality. It is essential to use refrigerated containers (reefers) that can maintain the required temperatures throughout the journey. Proper packing techniques and insulation are also necessary to prevent temperature fluctuations during loading and unloading.

Regulatory requirements include obtaining the necessary phytosanitary and health certificates for fresh produce and food products. Compliance with Costa Rican import regulations, including any specific labeling and documentation requirements, is mandatory to ensure smooth customs clearance at the San Jose port.

Our system reduces billing errors by reducing human errors, flagging duplicate invoices, suggesting corrections, auto-matching charges to shipment events and documents, and speeding up reconciliation.

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Clients have expressed that they want to use SAMMIE for every ocean freight shipment they move because having all shipment data in one dashboard is invaluable and time-saving.