Shipping Frozen Goods from Qingdao to Baltimore via Ocean Freight

Shipping fresh produce successfully necessitates a continuous cold chain. Use thermal containers with the right amount of gel packs for refrigerated 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 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 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. Insurance specialists generally 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 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, best practice is separating them into different Reefer cargo shipments to avoid freezing perishable goods or partially thawing frozen items.

Fresh and frozen food requires temperature-controlled containers to maintain the required cold chain throughout the journey. It is essential to monitor and manage the refrigeration systems in the shipping containers to prevent spoilage. Additionally, proper loading techniques must be employed to ensure air circulation around the products.

Shipments of fresh and frozen food must comply with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, including prior notice submission. Importers need to provide documentation such as health certificates and ensure that products meet U.S. safety standards. Additionally, customs clearance procedures must be followed at both Qingdao and Baltimore ports.

We offer in-house customs brokerage that handles classification, documentation, and clearance across U.S. and global ports with accuracy and speed, supported by SAMMIE’s delay flagging and ongoing updates from your dedicated Client Success Officer.

With DNA, you get live map tracking with milestone updates and 24/7 access via SAMMIE, while other forwarders often provide only basic carrier links and manual updates that can be delayed or incomplete.

Customers report that SAMMIE makes managing shipments simple, puts accurate real-time location, status, and ETAs at their fingertips, and significantly reduces the time and effort required to manage many shipments.