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The ocean route from Seattle to Bogota is ideal for transporting fresh produce and frozen food due to its capacity for large shipments and temperature-controlled containers. This method minimizes the risk of spoilage while ensuring that chilled and refrigerated items maintain their quality throughout the journey. Additionally, the route provides a reliable and cost-effective option for businesses looking to expand their market reach in South America. The ability to ship both fresh and frozen food together enhances logistical efficiency.
Seattle boasts a robust port infrastructure equipped with advanced cold storage facilities, essential for handling perishable goods. The city's strategic location and efficient cargo handling systems facilitate smooth loading and unloading processes for refrigerated containers. In Bogota, the arrival port is well-equipped to manage the import of chilled and frozen items, with customs facilities designed to expedite clearance for perishable products. Both cities' infrastructures support a seamless transition from sea to land transport, ensuring timely distribution to local markets.
Comparative analysis of origin and destination capabilities.
Exporters must comply with U.S. Export Administration Regulations (EAR), especially for aerospace and dual-use technologies.
Importers must register with Colombian customs (DIAN) and verify that all commercial invoices, packing lists, and air waybills are consistent with the electronic declarations
DNA Expert Assessment
Very High - Complex Regulatory Environment
Very High - Requires Specialized Care
When shipping from Seattle to Bogota, anticipate significant delays due to North Pacific winter storms (November-March) and build in buffer days to your schedules. During peak hurricane season (June-November), secure alternative ports and track weather updates closely. Additionally, account for increased congestion during the South America fruit export peak (January-May, September-December) and the soy harvest export peak (February-June), which may require flexible delivery windows. Lastly, communicate with carriers to ensure timely pickups and deliveries, especially during Ramadan (late March-late April).
When shipping Fresh food, Proper packaging is critical to control temperature and moisture. Our team suggests using cooler boxes with ice packs for chilled beverages and dry ice fo...
Maintaining the cold chain for Refrigerated food demands tightly controlled handling. Reduce door-open time during loading and unloading so perishable goods does not warm or conden...
For larger volumes of Perishable goods, Using the correct container type is critical. Our logistics team recommends powered reefer units for mixed loads of chilled food and frozen ...
Shipping Perishable goods often demands additional documentation beyond a standard commercial invoice. Depending on destination, you may need sanitary certificates, temperature-con...
Before pickup, Store Fresh food 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 floor; us...
Shipping Fresh food 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 time‑definite service. Clearly mark boxes as “Perishable” and specify the required temperature so carriers handle them as temperature-controlled freight.
Yes, Frozen food can Usually 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 Exclude coverage for temperature-related loss on Perishable goods and Frozen goods. 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 adequate insulation 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 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 produce 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 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.
When shipping fresh and frozen food via ocean, it is crucial to ensure proper temperature control throughout the journey. This includes utilizing refrigerated containers to maintain appropriate temperatures for chilled and frozen products and ensuring minimal exposure to ambient temperatures during loading and unloading at both the Seattle and Bogota ports.
Exporting fresh and frozen food from the United States to Colombia requires compliance with both U.S. and Colombian food safety regulations. This includes obtaining health certificates, ensuring products meet Colombian import standards, and completing necessary customs documentation to facilitate the import process into Colombia.
You can hear more by listening to podcast episodes such as “David Rosendorf – Turning Setbacks Into Success” on The Rich Equation Podcast and “We Talk with Shipping & Logistics Magician David Rosendorf of DNA Supply Chain Solutions” on The Launch Pad Podcast.
“DNA Expert Date” uses AI models with lane history, port trends, and weather data to deliver dynamic, accurate delivery timeframes.
Yes, we handle both full container loads (FCL) and less-than-container loads (LCL) shipments.
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