Trusted ocean delivery with competitive pricing
Brazil
Canada
The ocean route from Santos to Vancouver offers a reliable and efficient method for transporting fresh produce and chilled food items. This journey leverages advanced shipping technologies that maintain optimal temperatures, ensuring the quality and safety of refrigerated and frozen products. Additionally, the vast capacity of ocean freight allows for large shipments, making it an ideal choice for businesses looking to meet high demand for fresh and frozen food in the Canadian market.
At the Santos port, state-of-the-art facilities are equipped with temperature-controlled storage and specialized handling for perishable goods, ensuring that fresh food maintains its integrity during transit. Vancouver's port infrastructure is similarly advanced, featuring dedicated cold chain logistics solutions that facilitate swift offloading and distribution of chilled and frozen products. Both ports are strategically located, providing seamless connections to major transportation networks that support efficient delivery to retail and distribution centers.
Comparative analysis of origin and destination capabilities.
Exporters must comply with Brazilian customs regulations and digital export declarations via the integrated customs system.
All imports are subject to CBSA and Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) regulations, including eManifest and security screening.
DNA Expert Assessment
Very High - Complex Regulatory Environment
Very High - Requires Specialized Care
When shipping from Santos, Brazil to Vancouver, Canada, consider the Brazil wet season (October-March), which can cause delays due to heavy rainfall and flooding. Prepare for increased congestion during the South America fruit export peak (January-May, September-December) and soy harvest export peak (February-June); secure vessel space at least 4-6 weeks in advance. Additionally, add buffer days during the North Pacific winter storms (November-March) to mitigate potential delays from severe weather.
When shipping fresh produce, correct packing is critical to control temperature and moisture. Most cold-chain specialists recommend using Insulated cartons with phase-change packs ...
Keeping the cold chain for chilled food demands tightly controlled handling. Limit door-open time during loading and unloading so Reefer cargo does not warm or condense. Industry b...
For larger volumes of fresh food, selecting the correct container type is critical. Most carriers recommend Integrated reefer containers for mixed loads of chilled beverages and fr...
Exporting fresh food often demands additional documentation beyond a standard commercial invoice. Depending on destination, you may need phytosanitary or veterinary certificates, t...
Before pickup, stage fresh produce at the correct temperature: typically 0–4°C for chilled food and −18°C or below for frozen goods. Avoid storing Fresh produce directly on the flo...
Moving fresh produce successfully demands a continuous cold chain. Use cooler boxes with the right amount of gel packs for Chilled food or dry ice for frozen goods, pre‑chill products before packing, and choose a time‑definite service. Clearly mark boxes as “Perishable” and specify the required temperature so carriers handle them as temperature-controlled freight.
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. Most experts 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 fresh food and frozen food. Most shippers should 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 correct handling 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 temperature-controlled shipment 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 food must stay well below zero. If only one temperature setpoint is available, We recommend separating them into different temperature-controlled shipments to avoid freezing perishable goods or partially thawing frozen items.
Proper temperature control is essential during transit to maintain the quality of fresh and frozen food. Containers must be equipped with reliable refrigeration systems, and regular monitoring of temperatures is necessary to prevent spoilage.
Shipments must comply with Canadian food safety regulations, including proper documentation such as health certificates and import permits. Additionally, products must meet the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) standards for imported food items, ensuring they are safe for consumption.
The idea is that we believe that with one shipment we can prove our visibility, reliability, and partnership approach in a tangible way.
Our SAMMIE platform is an AI-driven exception management and tracking platform that provides real-time tracking, predictive ETAs, smart alerts, document intelligence, rate and route optimization, and invoicing insights for your shipments.
DNA offers global ocean freight with worldwide routing, top-tier carriers, full container loads (FCL), less-than-container loads (LCL), and port-to-door service including customs and final-mile delivery.
Call or schedule a call with our sales team to discuss your Santos → Vancouver shipping needs.
Talk to a logistics expert
Our team specializes in the Santos to Vancouver trade lane.
1-786-949-7330Join hundreds of companies who trust DNA Supply Chain for their logistics needs. Transparent pricing, real-time tracking, and dedicated support.