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Brazil
United States
The route from Paranagua to Charlotte is strategically advantageous for transporting fresh produce and chilled food, ensuring optimal conditions during transit. By utilizing ocean shipping, this path minimizes temperature fluctuations, preserving the quality of perishable items such as fruits, vegetables, and frozen goods. The extensive maritime trade network also facilitates efficient bulk shipments, reducing costs associated with transporting these sensitive products. Overall, this route supports the integrity of the supply chain for fresh and frozen food items.
The port of Paranagua is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for handling perishable goods, including refrigerated containers and cold storage options that maintain the required temperature throughout the shipping process. In Charlotte, distribution centers are designed to accommodate a variety of temperature-sensitive products, featuring advanced refrigeration systems to keep fresh food and frozen items at optimal conditions. Both locations boast robust infrastructure and logistics capabilities, ensuring seamless transitions between ocean transport and inland distribution. This combination enhances the overall efficiency of the supply chain for chilled and frozen food products.
Comparative analysis of origin and destination capabilities.
Exporters must comply with Brazilian customs regulations and submit complete electronic export declarations before cargo arrival at the terminal.
All inbound cargo are subject to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) review and must be accompanied by complete and accurate entry paperwork.
DNA Expert Assessment
Very High - Complex Regulatory Environment
Very High - Requires Specialized Care
When shipping from Paranagua, Brazil to Charlotte, United States, prepare for significant challenges during the wet season (October-March) including heavier rainfall and longer transit times. Secure vessel space and inland transport at least 4-6 weeks in advance during the soy and fruit export peaks (February-June, January-May) to mitigate delays. Additionally, track weather patterns closely during the South Atlantic cyclone risk period (November-April) and build in buffer days to accommodate potential disruptions. Lastly, account for holiday-related slowdowns around the Western New Year (December 20-January 5) and Christmas retail peak (October-December).
When shipping perishable goods, correct packing is vital to control temperature and moisture. We recommend using cooler boxes with ice packs for refrigerated food and dry ice for F...
Preserving the cold chain for chilled food necessitates tightly controlled handling. Minimize door-open time during loading and unloading so perishable goods does not warm or conde...
For larger volumes of fresh produce, selecting the correct container type is key. We recommend powered reefer units for mixed loads of chilled food and frozen food that must travel...
Transporting fresh food often involves additional documentation beyond a standard commercial invoice. Depending on destination, you may need Health certificates, temperature-contro...
Before pickup, hold fresh produce at the correct temperature: typically 0–4°C for chilled beverages and −18°C or below for Frozen food. Avoid storing fresh food directly on the flo...
Transporting fresh produce successfully necessitates a continuous cold chain. Use Insulated packaging with the right amount of gel packs for refrigerated 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 Reefer cargo.
Yes, frozen goods 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. We 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 restrict coverage for temperature-related loss on fresh food and frozen food. We recommend 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 adequate insulation was used before honoring claims.
Most chilled beverages 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 chilled food 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, best practice is separating them into different Reefer cargo shipments to avoid freezing perishable goods or partially thawing frozen items.
Proper temperature control is essential during ocean freight to maintain the integrity of fresh and frozen food products. This includes using refrigerated containers (reefers) to ensure that chilled and frozen goods remain at appropriate temperatures throughout the journey. Additionally, it is important to monitor humidity levels to prevent spoilage of fresh produce.
Importing fresh and frozen food from Brazil to the United States requires compliance with USDA and FDA regulations. This includes obtaining necessary permits, ensuring that products meet safety standards, and providing appropriate documentation such as phytosanitary certificates for fresh produce and health certificates for frozen food. Additionally, customs clearance procedures must be followed at both Paranagua and Charlotte ports.
DNA’s SAMMIE system is an AI-powered “Shipping Analytical Maritime Manager for Imports and Exports” that delivers AI-powered ETAs, “hot” shipment flagging, instant delay alerts, live map tracking, and centralized shipment documents to give you proactive, real-time shipment control.
Our experts handle high-value or time-critical air freight through a strong air freight network focused on speed, security, and control, backed by predictive tracking and responsive logistics experts who support shippers frustrated with delays and silence from large expediters.
Our company is fully licensed (FMC #019344), bonded, insured, and C-TPAT compliant, with a digital-first customs process that uses automation to reduce delays, cut risk, and ensure regulatory compliance.
Call or schedule a call with our sales team to discuss your Paranagua → Charlotte shipping needs.
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