Shipping Fresh Produce from Naples to Chicago 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 food, 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 Reefer cargo.

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 Proper packaging 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 Reefer cargo 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 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 Fresh produce or partially thawing frozen items.

Fresh and frozen food must be transported under strict temperature controls to maintain quality. This involves using refrigerated containers (reefers) that can sustain specific temperature ranges throughout the journey. Proper insulation and monitoring systems are essential to prevent spoilage during transit.

Documentation includes a bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, and specific health certificates for fresh produce and frozen food. Additionally, compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection regulations is necessary, which may involve import permits and adherence to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements.

We offer fast, secure air freight solutions with expedited and economy air options, airport-to-door coordination, consolidation, customs pre-clearance, and full visibility with live alerts and 24/7 tracking.

We provide scalable capacity for seasonal spikes as part of our ground transportation solutions.

We provide warehousing and distribution with inventory management and reporting, B2B pick/pack and palletization, cross-docking, transloading, and partnered facilities in key logistics hubs.