Reliable ocean shipping with transparent pricing
Mexico
United States
The route from Mexico City to Seattle offers significant advantages for transporting fresh produce and frozen food. Utilizing ocean freight ensures a stable temperature control throughout the journey, preserving the quality and freshness of perishable items. Additionally, this route allows for larger volume shipments, optimizing costs while maintaining product integrity. The strategic positioning of both cities enhances access to major markets, facilitating efficient distribution upon arrival.
In Mexico City, the logistics infrastructure is robust, featuring modern ports equipped with advanced cold storage facilities that cater specifically to chilled and frozen goods. Similarly, Seattle's port is well-equipped with the necessary refrigeration capabilities, ensuring that products maintain their required temperatures during unloading and warehousing. Both cities boast seamless connectivity to road and rail networks, enabling efficient transfer of goods to their final destinations.
Comparative analysis of origin and destination capabilities.
Exporters must ensure strict compliance to 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 shipping from Mexico City to Seattle via ocean, be mindful of the Eastern Pacific Hurricane Season (June-November) by scheduling sailings outside peak storm activity and allowing for buffer days due to potential port closures. Additionally, expect winter storms (December-March) that may disrupt transit and require flexible delivery windows. During the summer holiday peak (late June-early September), lock in capacity early to avoid congestion, and consider the back-to-school demand surge (late July-September) by adjusting lead times and delivery commitments accordingly.
When shipping Fresh food, Proper packaging is vital to control temperature and moisture. Most cold-chain specialists recommend using cooler boxes with phase-change packs for refrig...
Maintaining the cold chain for Refrigerated food necessitates tightly controlled handling. Limit door-open time during loading and unloading so perishable goods does not warm or co...
For larger volumes of Perishable goods, Using the correct container type is key. Most carriers recommend powered reefer units for mixed loads of chilled beverages and Frozen goods ...
Shipping Perishable goods often involves additional documentation beyond a standard commercial invoice. Depending on destination, you may need phytosanitary or veterinary certifica...
Before pickup, Store Fresh food at the correct temperature: typically 0–4°C for chilled beverages and −18°C or below for frozen goods. Avoid storing fresh food directly on the floo...
Shipping Fresh food successfully necessitates a continuous cold chain. Use cooler boxes with the right amount of gel packs for refrigerated food or dry ice for frozen goods, 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 food can Usually 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. Most experts 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 Exclude coverage for temperature-related loss on Perishable goods and frozen food. Most shippers should 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 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 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 Fresh produce 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, best practice is separating them into different temperature-controlled shipments to avoid freezing Fresh produce or partially thawing frozen items.
When shipping fresh and frozen food, it is crucial to maintain appropriate temperature controls throughout the journey. This includes using refrigerated containers for chilled products and ensuring that frozen items remain at sub-zero temperatures. Additionally, proper packaging is essential to prevent spoilage and contamination during transit.
Fresh and frozen food shipments from Mexico to the United States must comply with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, including prior notice requirements. Importers must also ensure that products meet the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) standards for food safety and quality. Proper documentation, including import permits and health certificates, is necessary for customs clearance at the port of entry in Seattle.
Yes, SAMMIE includes invoicing insights that flag duplicates, match line items, and streamline billing through AI-driven reconciliation and analytics.
Yes, we offer expedited air options for urgent and high-value shipments when every hour counts.
Yes, we provide GPS tracking and digital documentation to keep you informed on your ground freight.
Call or schedule a call with our sales team to discuss your Mexico City → Seattle shipping needs.
Talk to a logistics expert
Our team specializes in the Mexico City to Seattle trade lane.
1-786-949-7330Join hundreds of companies who trust DNA Supply Chain for their logistics needs. Transparent pricing, real-time tracking, and dedicated support.