More than 15 years of experience in international Reefer Cargo shipping
Brazil
China
The ocean route from Santos to Shanghai is ideal for transporting fresh produce and frozen food, ensuring products maintain optimal quality throughout the journey. By utilizing refrigerated containers, the integrity of chilled items is preserved, minimizing spoilage and waste. This route also allows for bulk shipments, which can enhance cost efficiency for suppliers. Additionally, the extensive maritime network supports reliable access to key markets in Asia, making it a strategic choice for distributors of perishable goods.
Santos boasts a modern port equipped with advanced cold storage facilities, enabling seamless handling of refrigerated and frozen shipments. The port's infrastructure includes specialized loading and unloading equipment designed for temperature-sensitive products, ensuring swift transitions. In Shanghai, the port is complemented by a robust logistics network, including state-of-the-art warehousing and distribution centers that cater specifically to fresh and frozen food. This combination of facilities enhances supply chain efficiency, facilitating timely deliveries to local markets.
Comparative analysis of origin and destination capabilities.
Exporters must comply with Brazilian customs regulations and electronic export declarations via the SISCOMEX system.
Imports are subject to Chinese customs, quarantine, and inspection rules, with potential CIQ inspection and testing.
DNA Expert Assessment
Very High - Complex Regulatory Environment
Very High - Requires Specialized Care
When shipping from Santos, Brazil to Shanghai, China, consider the Brazilian wet season (October-March) by building extra buffer days into schedules and increasing waterproof coverings during peak rains (November-February). Expect tight vessel space during South America’s fruit export peak (January-May, September-December) and soy export peak (February-June), necessitating early bookings. Additionally, anticipate potential delays during the South Atlantic cyclone risk period (November-April) and the Western Pacific typhoon season (June-November), which may require flexible routing and adjusted transit times.
When shipping perishable goods, correct packing is critical to control temperature and moisture. We recommend using thermal liners with ice packs for Chilled food and dry ice for f...
Preserving the cold chain for chilled food demands tightly controlled handling. Minimize door-open time during loading and unloading so frozen goods does not warm or condense. Our ...
For larger volumes of fresh produce, selecting the correct container type is critical. We recommend refrigerated ISO containers for mixed loads of chilled food and Frozen goods tha...
Transporting fresh food often demands additional documentation beyond a standard commercial invoice. Depending on destination, you may need Health certificates, temperature-control...
Before pickup, hold fresh produce 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 floor...
Transporting fresh produce 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 Fast transit service. Clearly mark boxes as “Perishable” and specify the required temperature so carriers handle them as Reefer cargo.
Yes, frozen goods 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 Frozen food at temperature while staying within dry‑ice limits.
Standard cargo policies may restrict 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 Reefer cargo. 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 food 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 chilled food and Frozen food 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 Reefer cargo shipments to avoid freezing Fresh produce or partially thawing frozen items.
Fresh and frozen food requires temperature-controlled containers to maintain the required conditions during transit. Proper packaging is essential to prevent spoilage and contamination. Additionally, regular monitoring of temperature is crucial throughout the journey.
Shipments must comply with both Brazilian export regulations and Chinese import regulations, including obtaining necessary phytosanitary certificates for fresh produce and health certificates for frozen food. Compliance with labeling and documentation standards is also required to ensure smooth customs clearance.
Our system delivers real-time tracking where AI monitors every container and flags delays, reroutes, and transshipment issues before you even ask.
Our system includes Document Intelligence and a Smart Document Hub that auto-tags and organizes bills of lading, customs forms, and invoices, parses and sorts every invoice, BOL, and customs document, and makes it easy for your team to find the right file quickly.
Our proactive alert system using real-time AI to detect issues in ports, lanes, and vessel activity and flagging exceptions before they escalate.
Call or schedule a call with our sales team to discuss your Santos → Shanghai shipping needs.
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