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

Shipping fresh produce successfully demands a continuous cold chain. Use Insulated packaging with the right amount of gel packs for refrigerated food or dry ice for frozen goods, 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 food can often 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. 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 Exclude 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 refrigerated food shipment. Keep packing records and temperature logs; insurers often require proof that correct handling 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, most logistics providers recommend separating them into different temperature-controlled shipments to avoid freezing Fresh produce or partially thawing frozen items.

It is essential to maintain appropriate temperature controls during ocean freight to ensure the freshness of perishable goods. Fresh food should be kept at optimal temperatures, while frozen food must remain below freezing to prevent thawing. Proper insulation and refrigeration units in containers are critical to safeguard product quality throughout the journey.

Shipments of fresh and frozen food must comply with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, including prior notice submissions. Additionally, importers must ensure that products meet U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) standards for food safety. Proper documentation, including bills of lading and health certificates, is required for customs clearance at Minneapolis.

Yes, we offer port-to-door service that covers customs and final-mile delivery.

Yes, we offer U.S. and Mexico cross-border coverage.

We handle ISF, AMS, and ACE filings for your shipments.