Shipping Perishable Goods from Miami to Kansas City via Air Freight

Moving perishable goods successfully necessitates a continuous cold chain. Use Insulated packaging 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 Reefer cargo.

Yes, Frozen food can in many cases 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. We 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 limit coverage for temperature-related loss on chilled food and frozen food. We 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 correct handling was used before honoring claims.

Most refrigerated 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 check 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 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 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 perishable goods or partially thawing frozen items.

When shipping Fresh & Frozen Food, it is crucial to maintain appropriate temperature controls throughout the flight to ensure product integrity. Use insulated containers and dry ice or gel packs to keep products at the required temperatures. Additionally, ensure that the cargo is loaded and unloaded promptly to minimize exposure to ambient conditions.

Since both Miami and Kansas City are within the United States, there are no customs requirements for domestic shipments. However, compliance with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations regarding food safety and handling is necessary. Ensure that all products meet the required standards for freshness and packaging to avoid any compliance issues during transportation.

DNA uses SAMMIE’s AI-driven rate and route optimization to recommend optimal carriers and lanes based on current conditions and prices.

Yes, DNA includes consolidation and customs pre-clearance to help move your air cargo quickly and compliantly.

DNA provides in-house customs brokerage including import/export clearance, tariff classification and valuation, ISF, AMS, and ACE filings, plus FDA, USDA, and multi-agency support.