Shipping Perishable Goods from Miami to San Juan via Ocean Freight

Moving fresh produce successfully necessitates a continuous cold chain. Use Insulated packaging 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 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 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 Frozen food at temperature while staying within dry‑ice limits.

Standard cargo policies may limit 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 Proper packaging 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 Reefer cargo shipments to avoid freezing perishable goods or partially thawing frozen items.

Fresh and frozen food must be kept at appropriate temperatures throughout the journey, utilizing refrigerated containers to maintain required conditions. Proper loading and unloading procedures are essential to minimize temperature fluctuations and ensure product integrity.

Shipments must comply with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, including appropriate labeling and documentation, as well as any specific agricultural restrictions by the Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture to prevent the introduction of pests or diseases.

DNA works with U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP), the FDA, USDA, DOT, and other regulatory bodies, and we maintain active certifications including C-TPAT and FMC.

Yes, we do provide coverage for urgent cases, which are escalated and managed with after-hours monitoring when needed, especially for high-volume or time-critical shipments.

DNA adheres to industry best practices and relevant data protection regulations for international shipping and technology platforms, including GDPR and CCPA where applicable.