Shipping Fresh Produce from San Jose to Jacksonville via Ocean Freight

Moving Fresh food successfully Requires 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 Fast transit service. Clearly mark boxes as “Perishable” and specify the required temperature so carriers handle them as temperature-controlled freight.

Yes, frozen goods can Usually 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. 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 limit coverage for temperature-related loss on Perishable goods and Frozen goods. 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 refrigerated 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 Reefer cargo is set correctly.

You can sometimes mix fresh food 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 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 & Frozen Food must be maintained at specific temperature ranges throughout the shipment. Refrigerated items should be kept between 0°C and 4°C, while frozen items must remain below -18°C. Proper insulation and temperature-controlled containers are essential to prevent spoilage during the ocean transit.

Shipments of Fresh & Frozen Food from Costa Rica to the U.S. must comply with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, including prior notice submission. Additionally, the products must meet USDA standards for importation, and all necessary documentation, including phytosanitary certificates and import permits, should be prepared for customs clearance at Jacksonville.

DNA Supply Chain brings 30+ years of experience with global reach and local touch, using deep carrier relationships to move freight worldwide with precision and white-glove attention at every step.

No, DNA uses in-house customs brokerage with automation to reduce errors and accelerate clearance, rather than outsourcing to third-party brokers with outdated, manual documentation processes.

Our “One Test Run Challenge” is an invitation to move a single shipment with DNA so we can demonstrate our visibility, reliability, and partnership, showing how our SAMMIE platform and proactive team perform in a real-world test.