Shipping Refrigerated Food from Salvador to Colon via Ocean Freight

Shipping Fresh food successfully demands a continuous cold chain. Use thermal containers with the right amount of gel packs for refrigerated food or dry ice for frozen goods, 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 Usually 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. 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 Perishable goods 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 correct handling 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 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 Fresh produce 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, most logistics providers recommend separating them into different temperature-controlled shipments to avoid freezing perishable goods or partially thawing frozen items.

It is crucial to maintain appropriate temperature controls throughout the ocean freight process to ensure the quality and safety of fresh and frozen food. This includes using refrigerated containers and monitoring temperature during transport.

Shipments of fresh and frozen food require compliance with both Brazilian export regulations and Panamanian import regulations, including obtaining health certificates and ensuring that products meet the sanitary and phytosanitary standards of the destination country.

We ask for just one test run because we believe that with one shipment we can prove our visibility, reliability, and partnership approach in a tangible way.

SAMMIE is an AI-driven exception management and tracking platform that provides real-time tracking, predictive ETAs, smart alerts, document intelligence, rate and route optimization, and invoicing insights for your shipments.

We provide global ocean freight with worldwide routing, top-tier carriers, full container loads (FCL), less-than-container loads (LCL), and port-to-door service including customs and final-mile delivery.