Shipping Frozen Food from Santo Tomas de Castilla to Los Angeles via Ocean Freight

Shipping fresh produce successfully necessitates a continuous cold chain. Use cooler boxes with the right amount of gel packs for Chilled food or dry ice for frozen goods, pre‑chill products before packing, and choose a expedited service. Clearly mark boxes as “Perishable” and specify the required temperature so carriers handle them as temperature-controlled freight.

Yes, Frozen food can often be shipped with dry ice by air, but dry ice is regulated as a dangerous good. Airlines impose 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. Most experts 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 Exclude coverage for temperature-related loss on fresh food and frozen food. Most shippers should 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 check 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 produce and frozen goods 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 food 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.

Fresh and frozen food requires temperature-controlled containers, such as reefers, to maintain appropriate temperatures during ocean freight. It is crucial to monitor temperature settings throughout the journey to ensure product quality and compliance with food safety standards.

Regulatory requirements include compliance with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, which necessitate prior notice for food imports, as well as adherence to USDA guidelines for fresh produce. Importers must ensure proper documentation, including import permits and phytosanitary certificates for certain products.

Unlike many forwarders that rely on call centers, ticketing systems, or rotating contacts, DNA assigns dedicated Client Success Officers who provide fast answers, proactive problem-solving, and responsive, partner-level communication.

Yes, we support growing SKUs, shipment volume, and integration needs with agile processes and scalable systems, while many other forwarders struggle with rigid processes and patchwork systems that break under growth.

Shippers choose us because we offer smarter tech, faster answers, AI-backed visibility, deep carrier relationships, and support from people who act like an extension of their team, rather than relying on slow, impersonal processes.