Shipping Fresh Food from Mombasa to Seattle via Ocean Freight

Shipping Fresh food successfully Requires 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 Usually 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. 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 Perishable goods and Frozen goods. 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 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, We recommend separating them into different temperature-controlled shipments to avoid freezing perishable goods or partially thawing frozen items.

Fresh and frozen food requires temperature-controlled shipping containers to maintain the necessary cold chain during transit. It's essential to monitor and manage the temperature closely throughout the journey to prevent spoilage.

Shipments of fresh and frozen food must comply with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, including proper labeling and prior notice of shipment. Additionally, customs documentation, such as a bill of lading and import permits, is required for clearance at both Mombasa and Seattle ports.

Actionable Shipment Intelligence in SAMMIE surface trends, spot delays, and enable you to run exportable reports, while the system learns from every shipment to improve the next one.

SAMMIE helps with customer service by allowing you to quickly and efficiently update your customers on their shipments and providing the visibility and data needed to meet the customer service your clients expect.

You can learn more by visit the section to explore DNA Supply Chain’s complete logistics services.