Shipping Fresh & Frozen Food from Montreal to Tampa via Ocean Freight

Transporting perishable goods successfully Requires a continuous cold chain. Use thermal containers with the right amount of gel packs for Chilled food or dry ice for Frozen food, pre‑chill products before packing, and choose a time‑definite service. Clearly mark boxes as “Perishable” and specify the required temperature so carriers handle them as Reefer cargo.

Yes, frozen goods can in many cases 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. 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 restrict coverage for temperature-related loss on chilled food and Frozen goods. 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 Proper packaging 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 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 chilled food and frozen goods 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 Reefer cargo shipments to avoid freezing perishable goods or partially thawing frozen items.

Fresh and frozen food requires specific handling to maintain appropriate temperature controls throughout the journey. This includes the use of refrigerated containers (reefers) to ensure that chilled and frozen products remain within the required temperature ranges. Additionally, proper loading and unloading procedures must be followed to minimize exposure to ambient temperatures.

Shipping fresh and frozen food between Canada and the United States requires compliance with both U.S. and Canadian food safety regulations. Importers must ensure that products meet the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements, including proper labeling and adherence to health and safety standards. Additionally, customs documentation, including a bill of lading and any required health certificates, must be prepared for clearance at the border.

Our trucking services feature GPS tracking and digital documentation to keep you informed on your ground freight.

Our warehousing services include inventory management and reporting to support your storage and fulfillment needs.

Our services cover just-in-time delivery of industrial components, machinery, and replacement parts with full visibility across global lanes.