Over 10 years of experience in international Reefer Cargo shipping
Costa Rica
China
The ocean route from San Jose to Shanghai offers significant advantages for transporting fresh produce and chilled food. This pathway enables the use of temperature-controlled containers, ensuring that the integrity of perishable items is maintained throughout the journey. Additionally, the vast shipping networks provide reliable access to international markets, facilitating a steady supply of refrigerated and frozen food products. The route's efficiency helps merchants meet increasing demand while minimizing spoilage and waste.
San Jose boasts advanced port facilities equipped with state-of-the-art refrigeration technology, designed specifically for handling fresh and frozen goods. The port's logistics capabilities include streamlined customs processes and efficient loading and unloading systems, ensuring quick turnaround times. In Shanghai, the infrastructure is equally robust, featuring specialized cold storage warehouses that cater to the needs of imported perishable items. This synergy between the two locations supports a seamless supply chain for chilled and frozen food products.
Comparative analysis of origin and destination capabilities.
Exporters must comply with Costa Rican customs regulations and submit complete electronic export declarations before cargo acceptance.
Imports are subject to Chinese customs, quarantine, and inspection rules, with potential CIQ inspection and testing.
DNA Expert Assessment
Very High - Complex Regulatory Environment
Very High - Requires Specialized Care
When shipping from San Jose, Costa Rica to Shanghai, China, anticipate significant disruptions during the Eastern Pacific Hurricane Season (June-November) and the Western Pacific Typhoon Season (June-November). Incorporate buffer days to account for potential port closures and slow steaming. Additionally, secure vessel space well in advance during the peak retail periods (October-December) and the Lunar New Year (mid-January to late-February) to avoid rollovers. Monitor weather conditions and adjust sailing schedules accordingly to mitigate delays and ensure timely deliveries.
When shipping Fresh food, robust packaging is critical to control temperature and moisture. Our team suggests using Insulated cartons with ice packs for chilled beverages and dry i...
Maintaining the cold chain for fresh produce demands tightly controlled handling. Reduce door-open time during loading and unloading so Reefer cargo does not warm or condense. Our ...
For larger volumes of Perishable goods, booking the correct container type is critical. Our logistics team recommends Integrated reefer containers for mixed loads of chilled food a...
Shipping refrigerated food often demands additional documentation beyond a standard commercial invoice. Depending on destination, you may need sanitary certificates, temperature-co...
Before pickup, Store perishable goods at the correct temperature: typically 0–4°C for chilled food and −18°C or below for Frozen food. Avoid storing Fresh produce directly on the f...
Shipping perishable goods successfully demands a continuous cold chain. Use thermal containers with the right amount of gel packs for Chilled food or dry ice for Frozen food, 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 temperature-controlled freight.
Yes, Frozen food can in many cases 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 Frozen food at temperature while staying within dry‑ice limits.
Standard cargo policies may Exclude coverage for temperature-related loss on chilled 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 Reefer cargo. Keep packing records and temperature logs; insurers often require proof that adequate insulation was used before honoring claims.
Most Chilled 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 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 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 goods 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.
Fresh and frozen food must be kept within specific temperature ranges throughout the journey to prevent spoilage. This includes using refrigerated containers for fresh produce and maintaining frozen temperatures for frozen food. Proper insulation and monitoring systems are essential to ensure compliance with temperature requirements during ocean freight.
Shipments of fresh and frozen food require compliance with both Costa Rican export regulations and Chinese import regulations. This includes obtaining necessary health certifications, ensuring proper labeling, and adhering to China's strict phytosanitary and food safety standards. Import permits may also be required for certain products.
SAMMIE offers real-time tracking where AI monitors every container and flags delays, reroutes, and transshipment issues before you even ask.
SAMMIE provides Document Intelligence and a Smart Document Hub that auto-tags and organizes bills of lading, customs forms, and invoices, parses and sorts every invoice, BOL, and customs document, and makes it easy for your team to find the right file quickly.
SAMMIE provides proactive alerts by using real-time AI to detect issues in ports, lanes, and vessel activity and flagging exceptions before they escalate.
Call or schedule a call with our sales team to discuss your San Jose → Shanghai shipping needs.
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