Shipping Fresh Food from Montreal to Houston via Ocean Freight

Shipping fresh produce successfully Requires a continuous cold chain. Use cooler boxes with the right amount of gel packs for refrigerated 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 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. Most experts recommend checking carrier and destination rules in advance and combining dry ice with insulated packaging to keep reefer cargo at temperature while staying within dry‑ice limits.

Standard cargo policies may Exclude coverage for temperature-related loss on fresh food and Frozen goods. Most shippers should arranging a policy that specifically covers temperature deviation and spoilage, and declaring the full value of your refrigerated food shipment. Keep packing records and temperature logs; insurers often require proof that adequate insulation 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 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. Fresh produce 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 Reefer cargo shipments to avoid freezing Fresh produce or partially thawing frozen items.

Fresh and frozen food must be kept at specific temperature ranges throughout the shipping process. It is essential to use refrigerated containers to maintain the required temperature for chilled and frozen products. Additionally, proper loading and unloading procedures should be followed to minimize temperature fluctuations and ensure product integrity.

Shipping fresh and frozen food from Canada to the United States requires compliance with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, including prior notice of imported food shipments. Importers must ensure that products meet U.S. safety standards, and proper documentation, such as health certificates and invoices, must accompany shipments to facilitate customs clearance.

Yes, we provide predictive ETAs and real-time updates, supported by SAMMIE’s AI models and tracking capabilities.

Yes, we support FTL, LTL, and drayage services for a range of shipment sizes and needs.

Yes, we offer FDA, USDA, and multi-agency support to help you navigate compliance.