Shipping Frozen Goods from Rio Grande to Cartagena via Ocean Freight

Shipping fresh produce successfully Requires a continuous cold chain. Use cooler boxes 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 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. Most experts recommend 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 goods. Most shippers should 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 Proper packaging 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 Confirm 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. Fresh produce typically needs temperatures above freezing, while frozen food 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.

Proper temperature control is critical during the ocean freight process to maintain the quality of fresh and frozen food. This includes using refrigerated containers (reefers) and ensuring that they are pre-cooled before loading. Additionally, monitoring humidity levels is important to prevent spoilage of fresh produce.

The necessary documentation includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and health certificates for fresh food products. Import permits may also be required, and it is essential to comply with Colombia's phytosanitary regulations to ensure the products meet safety standards upon arrival in Cartagena.

SAMMIE’s Document Intelligence can auto-tag and organize bills of lading, customs forms, and invoices so you no longer need to hunt through folders or inboxes.

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