More than 20 years of experience in international Chilled Beverages transport
Brazil
Panama
The ocean route from Santos to Colon is ideal for transporting fresh produce and chilled food, ensuring that perishable items maintain their quality during transit. This journey allows for bulk shipping, which can be more cost-effective and environmentally friendly compared to air freight. Additionally, the stability of ocean transport minimizes the risk of temperature fluctuations, crucial for preserving the integrity of frozen food and refrigerated items.
Santos boasts a robust port infrastructure with advanced cold storage facilities designed specifically for fresh and frozen goods, ensuring optimal handling before departure. In Colon, the port is equipped with specialized equipment for unloading and distributing temperature-sensitive products, facilitating smooth transitions to local markets. These well-developed logistics capabilities at both ends enhance the overall efficiency of the supply chain for chilled and frozen food items.
Comparative analysis of origin and destination capabilities.
Exporters must comply with Brazilian customs regulations and digital export declarations via the integrated customs system.
All inbound cargo require Panamanian customs clearance and possible inspection at the terminal.
DNA Expert Assessment
Very High - Complex Regulatory Environment
Very High - Requires Specialized Care
When shipping from Santos, Brazil to Colon, Panama, prepare for significant challenges during the wet season (October-March), including heavy rainfall and port congestion. Book vessel space and equipment at least 3-4 weeks in advance during peak fruit (January-May, September-December) and soy export seasons (February-June) to avoid rollover risks. Additionally, monitor carriers for updated cut-off times and account for potential delays from cyclones (November-April) and coastal fog (May-September) that may affect transit reliability.
When shipping perishable goods, robust packaging is critical to control temperature and moisture. Our team suggests using cooler boxes with Gel packs for refrigerated food and dry ...
Preserving the cold chain for fresh produce demands tightly controlled handling. Reduce door-open time during loading and unloading so perishable goods does not warm or condense. W...
For larger volumes of fresh produce, booking the correct container type is critical. Our logistics team recommends powered reefer units for mixed loads of Refrigerated food and fro...
Transporting refrigerated food often demands additional documentation beyond a standard commercial invoice. Depending on destination, you may need sanitary certificates, temperatur...
Before pickup, hold perishable goods at the correct temperature: typically 0–4°C for chilled food and −18°C or below for frozen goods. Avoid storing fresh food directly on the floo...
Transporting perishable goods successfully demands a continuous cold chain. Use thermal containers with the right amount of gel packs for refrigerated food or dry ice for Frozen food, 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 Reefer cargo.
Yes, frozen goods 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 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. Insurance specialists generally 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 Proper packaging 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 verify 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 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 food must stay well below zero. If only one temperature setpoint is available, best practice is separating them into different Reefer cargo shipments to avoid freezing perishable goods or partially thawing frozen items.
It is essential to maintain appropriate temperature controls during transit to ensure the integrity of fresh and frozen food. This includes using refrigerated containers equipped with monitoring systems to keep products at the required temperatures throughout the journey.
Yes, shipments of fresh and frozen food must comply with both Brazilian and Panamanian regulations, which may include specific health and safety inspections, phytosanitary certificates for agricultural products, and proper documentation to ensure food safety standards are met.
Our model blends smarter tech—through the SAMMIE AI platform—with faster answers and people who truly care, including dedicated Client Success Officers, so customers get both advanced visibility and hands-on, proactive support.
New shippers are typically up and running within days, after we gather basic shipment details and compliance documents, set up your profile, configure SAMMIE access, and align your first shipment.
Many systems only display carrier data, while SAMMIE is built on ecosystem data from third-party sources and DNA’s proprietary history, enabling predictive ETAs, intelligent alerts, and advanced automation powered by clean, validated data.
Call or schedule a call with our sales team to discuss your Santos → Colon shipping needs.
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