Shipping Fresh & Frozen Food from Ningbo to Houston via Air Freight

Shipping fresh produce successfully necessitates a continuous cold chain. Use cooler boxes with the right amount of gel packs for refrigerated food or dry ice for frozen goods, 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 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. 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 food. 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 correct handling 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 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. Chilled food typically needs temperatures above freezing, while frozen food must stay well below zero. If only one temperature setpoint is available, best practice is separating them into different temperature-controlled shipments to avoid freezing perishable goods or partially thawing frozen items.

Fresh and frozen food must be maintained at specific temperature ranges throughout the shipping process. This includes using refrigerated containers for chilled goods and ensuring frozen products remain below -18°C. Proper handling protocols are essential to prevent spoilage and maintain product integrity during transit.

Shipments of fresh and frozen food must comply with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, which include prior notice of importation, adherence to safety standards, and proper labeling. Additionally, all food products must pass through customs inspections upon arrival in Houston to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

The DNA Expert ETA is an arrival estimate that is more accurate and proactive than carrier estimates, powered by SAMMIE’s data and human verification.

It means that whether you are our smallest shipper or largest enterprise, you receive the same honesty, responsiveness, and care that define DNA Supply Chain Solutions.

We ask for just one test run because we believe that with one shipment we can prove our visibility, reliability, and partnership approach in a tangible way.