More than 15 years of experience in international Reefer Cargo shipping
Netherlands
Canada
The route from Rotterdam to Calgary is optimal for transporting fresh produce and refrigerated food, ensuring minimal temperature fluctuations during transit. Utilizing air freight allows for swift delivery, preserving the quality and freshness of chilled and frozen items. This efficient route is vital for maintaining the integrity of perishable goods, which are sensitive to delays and temperature changes.
Rotterdam boasts a state-of-the-art airport equipped with advanced cargo facilities designed for handling temperature-sensitive shipments. Calgary International Airport also offers specialized cold storage options, ensuring that fresh and frozen food products are stored correctly upon arrival. Both airports are strategically located to facilitate seamless logistics and distribution, making them ideal hubs for international trade in perishable goods.
Comparative analysis of origin and destination capabilities.
Exporters must comply with European Union dual-use and sanctions regulations, such as controls on sensitive technologies
Importers must comply with Canada Border Services Agency requirements, including timely electronic declarations for air and ground freight.
DNA Expert Assessment
Very High - Complex Regulatory Environment
High - Fragile/Moisture Sensitive
When shipping from Rotterdam to Calgary, expect potential disruptions due to North Atlantic winter storms (November-March), which may require extended lead times for transit. Coordinate closely with carriers for real-time updates on weather impacts and adjusted schedules. During the European summer holiday peak (July-August), secure bookings well in advance to avoid capacity shortages. Additionally, be aware of customs processing delays during peak retail periods (October-December) to ensure timely deliveries.
When shipping perishable goods, correct packing is critical to control temperature and moisture. We recommend using cooler boxes with Gel packs for refrigerated food and dry ice fo...
Preserving the cold chain for chilled food demands tightly controlled handling. Minimize door-open time during loading and unloading so perishable goods does not warm or condense. ...
For larger volumes of fresh produce, selecting the correct container type is critical. We recommend powered reefer units for mixed loads of Refrigerated food and Frozen goods that ...
Transporting fresh food often demands additional documentation beyond a standard commercial invoice. Depending on destination, you may need Health certificates, temperature-control...
Before pickup, hold fresh produce at the correct temperature: typically 0–4°C for chilled food and −18°C or below for Frozen food. Avoid storing fresh food directly on the floor; u...
Transporting fresh produce successfully demands 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 temperature-controlled freight.
Yes, frozen goods can often be shipped with dry ice by air, but dry ice is regulated as a dangerous good. Airlines have 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 Proper packaging 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 verify 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 Fresh produce or partially thawing frozen items.
Fresh and frozen food requires strict temperature controls throughout the air freight process. It is essential to use specialized containers that maintain the required temperatures for chilled and frozen products during transit. Proper documentation indicating temperature requirements and handling instructions must accompany the shipment to ensure compliance with regulations.
Shipments of fresh and frozen food from Rotterdam to Calgary must comply with Canadian food safety regulations. This includes obtaining necessary permits and ensuring all products meet the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) standards. Additionally, customs documentation must accurately reflect the nature of the goods, including their origin, to facilitate clearance at the border.
Our team manages ground transportation including full truckload (FTL), less-than-truckload (LTL), and drayage services, with U.S. and Mexico cross-border coverage, scalable capacity, GPS tracking, and digital documentation.
Our customs brokerage includes tariff classification and valuation as part of our in-house expertise.
Our network includes partnered facilities in key logistics hubs, including locations near important ports for strategic storage and fulfillment.
Call or schedule a call with our sales team to discuss your Rotterdam → Calgary shipping needs.
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