Shipping Fresh Food from Savannah to Cleveland via Ocean Freight

Shipping fresh produce successfully necessitates a continuous cold chain. Use thermal containers 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 food can often be shipped with dry ice by air, but dry ice is regulated as a dangerous good. Airlines impose 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 Frozen food at temperature while staying within dry‑ice limits.

Standard cargo policies may Exclude coverage for temperature-related loss on fresh 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 Reefer cargo. Keep packing records and temperature logs; insurers often require proof that Proper packaging was used before honoring claims.

Most Chilled food 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 check 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 food 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, We recommend separating them into different Reefer cargo shipments to avoid freezing Fresh produce or partially thawing frozen items.

Fresh and frozen food requires strict temperature control throughout the ocean freight process to maintain quality and safety. This includes utilizing refrigerated containers (reefers) that ensure consistent temperature during transport. Additionally, proper loading and securing methods must be employed to prevent damage and exposure to temperature fluctuations.

While both Savannah and Cleveland are within the United States, shipments of fresh and frozen food must comply with USDA and FDA regulations regarding food safety and handling. This includes proper documentation such as bills of lading and any necessary health certificates to verify that the products meet safety standards.

SAMMIE’s “DNA Expert Date” ETAs are described as the most accurate in the industry because they are AI-powered and based on real shipment events and vessel telemetry, rather than vague or static carrier schedule guesses.

SAMMIE is a proactive 24/7 virtual analyst rather than just a reactive dashboard, using AI-powered insight, predictive ETAs, anomaly alerts, and real shipment data to give you control over your freight—not just raw data.

Unlike many forwarders that rely on call centers, ticketing systems, or rotating contacts, DNA assigns dedicated Client Success Officers who provide fast answers, proactive problem-solving, and responsive, partner-level communication.