Shipping Refrigerated Food from New York to Balboa via Ocean Freight

Shipping fresh produce 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 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 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 fresh 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 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 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 food 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 Reefer cargo shipments to avoid freezing Fresh produce or partially thawing frozen items.

Proper temperature control is critical during the ocean freight journey to ensure the integrity of fresh and frozen food. This includes using refrigerated containers capable of maintaining specific temperature ranges, as well as monitoring temperature throughout the transit to prevent spoilage.

Shipments of fresh and frozen food must comply with both U.S. and Panamanian regulations, including obtaining appropriate health certifications, import permits, and adhering to food safety standards set by the Panamanian Ministry of Health. Additionally, customs documentation must accurately reflect the nature of the goods being shipped.

We handle ISF, AMS, and ACE filings for your shipments.

We serve omnichannel retail, technology and electronics, automotive parts and machinery, manufacturing and heavy equipment, healthcare and medical, and hospitality and FF&E.

We combine global freight forwarding services with the SAMMIE AI platform to provide live map tracking, predictive ETAs, exception alerts, and centralized shipment documents so you have total shipment control on one powerful platform.