Shipping Fresh Food from Montreal to Dallas-Fort Worth via Ocean Freight

Transporting perishable goods successfully necessitates 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 goods 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 Frozen food at temperature while staying within dry‑ice limits.

Standard cargo policies may restrict 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 Reefer cargo. Keep packing records and temperature logs; insurers often require proof that correct handling was used before honoring claims.

Most chilled beverages 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 chilled 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 and frozen food, it is crucial to maintain the cold chain throughout the journey. This includes using refrigerated containers that meet specific temperature requirements for both chilled and frozen products. Proper loading and securing of the cargo to prevent movement during transit are also essential to avoid temperature fluctuations.

Regulatory requirements include compliance with the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, which may involve prior notice filings for fresh produce and frozen food. Additionally, customs documentation must be prepared, including invoices, packing lists, and any necessary health certificates to ensure compliance with both Canadian and U.S. import/export laws.

The SAMMIE system helps by combining live carrier data, independent port tracking, an AI rules engine, and human verification to provide real-time visibility, predictive alerts, and exception management.

In our operations, it means every move we make by land, air, or sea is guided by purpose, careful planning, decisive action, and precise, attentive execution.

Interested clients can hear his story by listening to podcast episodes such as “David Rosendorf – Turning Setbacks Into Success” on The Rich Equation Podcast and “We Talk with Shipping & Logistics Magician David Rosendorf of DNA Supply Chain Solutions” on The Launch Pad Podcast.