Shipping Frozen Food from San Jose to Guayaquil via Ocean Freight

Moving fresh produce successfully Requires 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 Fast transit 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 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. 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 limit coverage for temperature-related loss on fresh food and Frozen goods. 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 adequate insulation was used before honoring claims.

Most refrigerated 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 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 food and frozen goods 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, 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 control throughout the shipping process to maintain product quality. It is essential to use refrigerated containers that can sustain specific temperature ranges for both chilled and frozen items. Additionally, proper insulation and ventilation are important to prevent spoilage and ensure compliance with food safety standards.

Shipments of fresh and frozen food must comply with both Costa Rican and Ecuadorian food safety regulations, including obtaining necessary health certifications and phytosanitary certificates. Import permits may also be required by Ecuadorian authorities, and all documentation must be accurately completed to ensure smooth customs clearance at both San Jose and Guayaquil ports.

The majority of clients are up and running within days, after we gather basic shipment details and compliance documents, set up your profile, configure SAMMIE access, and align your first shipment.

Typical tools only visualize carrier data, while SAMMIE is built on ecosystem data from third-party sources and DNA’s proprietary history, enabling predictive ETAs, intelligent alerts, and advanced automation powered by clean, validated data.

DNA provides international shipping by ocean (FCL and LCL), air (standard and expedited), and domestic or cross-border ground freight (FTL, LTL, and intermodal).