Fast transit times and affordable rates for your Chilled Food shipments
Canada
Colombia
The route from Montreal to Buenaventura offers significant advantages for transporting fresh produce and frozen food due to its efficient ocean shipping capabilities. Utilizing refrigerated containers ensures that chilled and frozen items maintain optimal temperatures throughout the journey, minimizing spoilage and preserving quality. Additionally, this maritime route is well-established, allowing for reliable transit of perishable goods while meeting international shipping standards.
Montreal boasts a robust port infrastructure equipped with advanced cold storage facilities, facilitating the seamless handling of fresh and frozen food products. In Buenaventura, the port is designed to accommodate refrigerated cargo, featuring specialized unloading and storage systems that support the quick transition of goods to local distribution networks. Both ports are strategically positioned to enhance connectivity and streamline the supply chain for temperature-sensitive shipments.
Comparative analysis of origin and destination capabilities.
Shipments must comply with Canadian export control regulations, including sanctions screening and controlled goods licensing where applicable
Importers must ensure accurate tariff classification and valuation to comply with Dirección de Impuestos y Aduanas Nacionales (DIAN) requirements.
DNA Expert Assessment
Very High - Complex Regulatory Environment
Very High - Requires Specialized Care
When shipping from Montreal to Buenaventura, be mindful of winter storms and ice disruptions (December-March); build in buffer days in your transit plans. During the South America fruit export peak (January-May, September-December), prepare for tight vessel space and longer handling times; lock in bookings well in advance. Additionally, monitor carriers for real-time updates on weather and congestion, especially during the peak harvest export periods (February-June).
When shipping Fresh food, Proper packaging is critical to control temperature and moisture. Most cold-chain specialists recommend using Insulated cartons with phase-change packs fo...
Maintaining the cold chain for Refrigerated food demands tightly controlled handling. Limit door-open time during loading and unloading so Reefer cargo does not warm or condense. I...
For larger volumes of Perishable goods, Using the correct container type is critical. Most carriers recommend Integrated reefer containers for mixed loads of chilled beverages and ...
Shipping Perishable goods often demands additional documentation beyond a standard commercial invoice. Depending on destination, you may need phytosanitary or veterinary certificat...
Before pickup, Store Fresh food at the correct temperature: typically 0–4°C for chilled food and −18°C or below for frozen goods. Avoid storing Fresh produce directly on the floor;...
Shipping Fresh food successfully demands a continuous cold chain. Use cooler boxes 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 Reefer cargo.
Yes, Frozen food can Usually 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. Most experts 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 food. Most shippers should 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 verify 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, We recommend separating them into different temperature-controlled shipments to avoid freezing Fresh produce or partially thawing frozen items.
Fresh and frozen food must be transported in temperature-controlled containers to maintain the required chill or freeze levels throughout the journey. Proper insulation and refrigeration systems are crucial to prevent spoilage during the ocean freight process.
The necessary documentation includes a Bill of Lading, commercial invoice, packing list, and specific health and phytosanitary certificates for fresh produce. Compliance with Colombian customs regulations is essential to ensure the importation of food products is permitted.
You can take the “One Test Run Challenge” by giving us a single shipment, which we use to demonstrate what visibility, reliability, and real partnership feel like, with a dedicated page available to get started.
SAMMIE is included with every ocean, air, land, and customs service at no extra cost.
We use SAMMIE’s AI-driven rate and route optimization to recommend optimal carriers and lanes based on current conditions and prices.
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