Shipping Reefer Cargo from Montreal to Detroit via Ocean Freight

Shipping perishable goods successfully necessitates a continuous cold chain. Use thermal containers with the right amount of gel packs for Chilled food or dry ice for frozen goods, pre‑chill products before packing, and choose a Fast transit service. Clearly mark boxes as “Perishable” and specify the required temperature so carriers handle them as temperature-controlled freight.

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. Our compliance team recommends 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 chilled food and frozen food. Insurance specialists generally 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 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 temperature-controlled shipment is set correctly.

You can sometimes mix Fresh produce 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 food 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 Fresh produce or partially thawing frozen items.

Shipping fresh and frozen food from Montreal to Detroit requires specific documentation, including a bill of lading, a commercial invoice, and a certificate of origin. Additionally, compliance with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) requirements for food imports is necessary.

Seasonal considerations for this route include temperature fluctuations that can impact the integrity of fresh and frozen food products. During warmer months, it is crucial to ensure adequate refrigeration and temperature control throughout the ocean transport to prevent spoilage, while winter months may necessitate additional measures to prevent freezing of certain fresh produce.

The “One Test Run Challenge” is an invitation to move a single shipment with DNA so we can demonstrate our visibility, reliability, and partnership, showing how our SAMMIE platform and proactive team perform in a real-world test.

Yes, you can. You don’t have to move your whole operation; you can give us one shipment in any mode or lane as a “test run,” and we’ll handle it end-to-end with precision, transparency, and care.

SAMMIE gives you a live look at shipments from port to final delivery with 18 milestone updates, satellite container tracking, and instant alerts, so your team always knows what’s moving, what’s delayed, and what’s next.