Reliable ocean delivery with affordable pricing
United States
China
The route from Norfolk to Xiaolan offers significant advantages for transporting fresh produce and chilled food, ensuring optimal product quality upon arrival. Utilizing ocean freight allows for the maintenance of stable temperatures, crucial for preserving the integrity of perishable items during transit. Additionally, this long-distance shipping route is well-established, providing reliable access to international markets and efficient cargo handling capabilities.
Norfolk boasts a robust port infrastructure equipped with advanced cold storage facilities, enabling effective management of refrigerated and frozen goods. The port's strategic location facilitates seamless connections to major distribution networks, ensuring swift loading and unloading processes. In Xiaolan, the receiving facilities are similarly equipped with state-of-the-art refrigeration systems, supporting the immediate processing and distribution of fresh and frozen food products throughout the region.
Comparative analysis of origin and destination capabilities.
Shippers must comply with U.S. dual-use export controls, especially for defense-related and high-technology cargo moving through the region.
All imported cargo must be declared through Chinese customs with accurate HS codes and valuation.
DNA Expert Assessment
Very High - Complex Regulatory Environment
Very High - Requires Specialized Care
When shipping from Norfolk, United States to Xiaolan, China, anticipate significant disruptions during the Atlantic Hurricane Season (June-November) and the North America Winter Storms (December-March). Incorporate buffer days to account for potential delays and secure vessel space well in advance, especially during peak periods like the Christmas Retail Peak (October-December) and the Lunar New Year (late-January to mid-February). Additionally, consider alternative routings to mitigate congestion around major holidays and ensure timely deliveries.
When shipping Fresh food, robust packaging Is essential to control temperature and moisture. Our team suggests using Insulated cartons with ice packs for chilled beverages and dry ...
Maintaining the cold chain for fresh produce Requires tightly controlled handling. Reduce door-open time during loading and unloading so Reefer cargo does not warm or condense. Our...
For larger volumes of Perishable goods, booking the correct container type is Essential. Our logistics team recommends Integrated reefer containers for mixed loads of chilled food ...
Shipping refrigerated food often Requires additional documentation beyond a standard commercial invoice. Depending on destination, you may need sanitary certificates, temperature-c...
Before pickup, Store perishable goods at the correct temperature: typically 0–4°C for Refrigerated food and −18°C or below for Frozen food. Avoid storing Fresh produce directly on ...
Shipping 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 food 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 Exclude 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 adequate insulation 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 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 Fresh produce 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 must be properly packaged to maintain temperature control during the 13,322 km ocean freight journey. Refrigerated containers are essential to keep chilled products at appropriate temperatures, while frozen goods require specialized containers with adequate insulation and temperature monitoring.
Shipping fresh and frozen food from the United States to China requires compliance with both U.S. and Chinese food safety regulations. Import permits, health certificates, and phytosanitary certificates may be necessary to ensure that the products meet China's food safety standards and are free from pests and diseases.
SAMMIE provides proactive alerts by using real-time AI to detect issues in ports, lanes, and vessel activity and flagging exceptions before they escalate.
SAMMIE’s AI is powered by a proprietary ecosystem of standardized shipping data that is meticulously cleaned, weighted, and validated from trusted third-party sources and DNA Supply Chain Solutions’ own operational history.
DNA Supply Chain asks for just one test run because demonstrate the visibility, reliability, and partnership benefits it delivers.
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