Express transit times and transparent rates for your Chilled Food shipments
Brazil
Canada
The ocean route from Santos to Montreal, spanning 8203 km, offers significant advantages for transporting fresh produce and chilled food. Utilizing maritime transport ensures temperature-controlled environments, preserving the quality and safety of perishable items throughout transit. This method also allows for bulk shipping, optimizing logistics and reducing costs associated with air freight. Additionally, the route is designed to accommodate various container types, ensuring flexibility for both refrigerated and frozen food shipments.
At the origin, Santos boasts advanced port facilities equipped with state-of-the-art refrigeration technology, enabling efficient handling of fresh and frozen goods. The port's strategic location facilitates seamless connections to major supply chains in Brazil, enhancing export capabilities. In Montreal, the infrastructure includes specialized cold storage warehouses and distribution centers, ensuring that chilled and frozen food is stored and processed under optimal conditions. This robust network in both locations supports a smooth transfer of products, maintaining the integrity of the cargo while meeting market demands.
Comparative analysis of origin and destination capabilities.
Exporters must comply with Brazilian customs regulations and digital export declarations via the SISCOMEX system.
All imports are subject to Canada Border Services Agency requirements, including accurate tariff declarations and valuation
DNA Expert Assessment
Very High - Complex Regulatory Environment
Very High - Requires Specialized Care
When shipping from Santos, Brazil to Montreal, Canada, consider the Brazilian wet season (October-March) which may cause heavy rainfall and extended transit times. During the South America fruit export peak (January-May, September-December), anticipate tight vessel space and increased congestion at ports. Additionally, be mindful of potential delays due to North Atlantic winter storms (November-March) and ice conditions (December-March). Secure bookings early and build in buffer days to mitigate disruptions and ensure timely deliveries.
When shipping fresh produce, robust packaging is critical to control temperature and moisture. We recommend using thermal liners with ice packs for refrigerated food and dry ice fo...
Keeping the cold chain for fresh produce demands tightly controlled handling. Minimize door-open time during loading and unloading so frozen goods does not warm or condense. Our op...
For larger volumes of fresh food, booking the correct container type is critical. We recommend refrigerated ISO containers for mixed loads of chilled food and frozen food that must...
Exporting refrigerated food often demands additional documentation beyond a standard commercial invoice. Depending on destination, you may need Health certificates, temperature-con...
Before pickup, stage perishable goods at the correct temperature: typically 0–4°C for chilled food and −18°C or below for Frozen food. Avoid storing Fresh produce directly on the f...
Moving perishable goods successfully demands 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 expedited 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 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 Frozen food at temperature while staying within dry‑ice limits.
Standard cargo policies may limit 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 Reefer cargo. Keep packing records and temperature logs; insurers often require proof that adequate insulation was used before honoring claims.
Most refrigerated 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 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 perishable goods or partially thawing frozen items.
Fresh and frozen food must be transported in temperature-controlled containers to maintain the required cold chain throughout the journey. Proper ventilation and insulation in containers are also crucial to prevent spoilage and ensure product quality.
Shipments of fresh and frozen food must comply with both Brazilian export regulations and Canadian import regulations, including obtaining necessary permits, health certificates, and adhering to food safety standards set by Canadian authorities.
Yes, DNA Supply Chain is fully licensed (FMC #019344), bonded, insured, and C-TPAT compliant, with a digital-first customs process that uses automation to reduce delays, cut risk, and ensure regulatory compliance.
Yes, customers get a dedicated Client Success Officer who oversees your freight, solves problems proactively, and keeps you informed throughout each shipment.
DNA states this because a single shipment is enough for shippers to experience our AI-powered visibility, proactive issue management, and partner-level support, and to see how we differ from larger, less responsive forwarders.
Call or schedule a call with our sales team to discuss your Santos → Montreal shipping needs.
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