Shipping Frozen Food from Santo Tomas de Castilla to Long Beach via Ocean Freight

Moving fresh produce successfully Requires a continuous cold chain. Use Insulated packaging 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 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. We recommend 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 limit coverage for temperature-related loss on fresh food and Frozen goods. We 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 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, We recommend separating them into different Reefer cargo shipments to avoid freezing perishable goods or partially thawing frozen items.

It is crucial to maintain proper temperature control throughout the journey, ensuring that fresh produce remains chilled and frozen items stay at or below freezing temperatures to prevent spoilage. Additionally, containers must be equipped with adequate refrigeration units and monitored for temperature stability during transit.

Shipments must comply with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, including registration of facilities and adherence to the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). Importers must also provide appropriate documentation, such as a phytosanitary certificate for fresh produce and import permits for frozen food, to ensure compliance with U.S. customs regulations.

To explore additional services, you can visit the section to explore DNA Supply Chain’s complete logistics services.

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