Shipping Fresh Food from Memphis to Detroit via Ocean Freight

Shipping fresh produce successfully Requires a continuous cold chain. Use thermal containers with the right amount of gel packs for refrigerated 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 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. Our compliance team recommends 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 Exclude coverage for temperature-related loss on fresh food and Frozen goods. Insurance specialists generally 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 adequate insulation 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 Reefer cargo 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 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 perishable goods or partially thawing frozen items.

Fresh and frozen food must be maintained at specific temperature ranges throughout the shipping process. Refrigerated food typically requires temperatures between 32°F to 41°F, while frozen food should be kept at or below 0°F. Proper insulation and temperature monitoring systems are essential during ocean freight to ensure product integrity.

All shipments of fresh and frozen food must comply with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, including proper labeling and documentation. Additionally, the food must meet the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) standards to ensure safety and quality during transport.

Yes, you do. We walk you through onboarding to customize your experience and give you full access to the SAMMIE visibility platform.

Yes, DNA is fully licensed, bonded, and compliant with U.S. and international freight regulations as a Freight Forwarder, with credentials including Freight Forwarder & NVOCC License 019344, USDOT 3458744, MC-1128283, FMC Bond 91385, and C-TPAT Certification 24009050.

Yes, SAMMIE uses trained AI models to match documents, verify charges, and identify anomalies such as duplicate invoices, unmatched line items, or missing customs paperwork.