Shipping Fresh & Frozen Food from Santo Tomas de Castilla to Mexico City via Ocean Freight

Transporting perishable goods successfully necessitates 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 in many cases 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. 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 restrict coverage for temperature-related loss on chilled food and frozen food. 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 adequate insulation was used before honoring claims.

Most chilled beverages 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 Reefer cargo is set correctly.

You can sometimes mix chilled food 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 goods must stay well below zero. If only one temperature setpoint is available, most logistics providers recommend separating them into different Reefer cargo shipments to avoid freezing Fresh produce or partially thawing frozen items.

When shipping fresh and frozen food via ocean freight, it is essential to maintain appropriate temperature controls throughout the journey to prevent spoilage. This includes using refrigerated containers (reefers) to ensure that fresh produce remains at optimal temperatures. Additionally, proper packaging is critical to safeguard the products from contamination and physical damage during transit.

Regulatory requirements for transporting fresh and frozen food include obtaining the necessary phytosanitary certificates for agricultural products and ensuring compliance with both Guatemala's and Mexico's customs regulations. Import permits may also be required, and all documentation must accurately reflect the nature of the goods to facilitate smooth customs clearance at both ports.

Our ocean freight solutions include port-to-door service that covers customs and final-mile delivery.

Our ground transportation solutions include U.S. and Mexico cross-border coverage.

Our brokerage team supports ISF, AMS, and ACE filings for your shipments.