Shipping Fresh & Frozen Food from Miami to Chicago via Ocean Freight

Shipping fresh produce successfully demands a continuous cold chain. Use Insulated packaging with the right amount of gel packs for Chilled 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 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 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. We 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 food. We recommend 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 correct handling was used before honoring claims.

Most Chilled food 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 Reefer cargo is set correctly.

You can sometimes mix Fresh produce 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 goods must stay well below zero. If only one temperature setpoint is available, most logistics providers recommend separating them into different temperature-controlled shipments to avoid freezing Fresh produce or partially thawing frozen items.

When shipping fresh and frozen food via ocean freight from Miami to Chicago, it is crucial to maintain appropriate temperature controls throughout the journey. Refrigerated containers must be used to ensure that chilled and frozen items remain at their required temperatures. Additionally, proper loading and unloading procedures should be followed to minimize exposure to ambient temperatures.

Shipping fresh and frozen food domestically requires compliance with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, including proper labeling and adherence to food safety standards. All shipments must be accompanied by the necessary documentation, such as invoices and packing lists, and must comply with the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) guidelines to ensure food safety throughout the transportation process.

Relationships drive results because behind every successful shipment is a team that cares, bringing experience, dedication, and human connection to every client relationship.

Human verification plays a key role because before arrival, our team verifies data to complement live carrier feeds, port tracking, and AI rules, improving the accuracy of our DNA Expert ETA.

Yes, we provide live tracking with GPS and satellite-based updates that keep you informed from port to door.