Shipping Fresh Produce from Seattle to Manzanillo via Ocean Freight

Moving Fresh food successfully necessitates a continuous cold chain. Use thermal containers with the right amount of gel packs for refrigerated food or dry ice for frozen goods, 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 Reefer cargo.

Yes, frozen goods can Usually 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 reefer cargo at temperature while staying within dry‑ice limits.

Standard cargo policies may limit coverage for temperature-related loss on Perishable goods and frozen food. 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 correct handling was used before honoring claims.

Most refrigerated 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 temperature-controlled shipment is set correctly.

You can sometimes mix fresh food 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 food must stay well below zero. If only one temperature setpoint is available, best practice is separating them into different temperature-controlled shipments to avoid freezing Fresh produce or partially thawing frozen items.

Fresh and frozen food must be transported in temperature-controlled containers to maintain the required temperature for both chilled and frozen products. Proper insulation and refrigeration systems are critical during the ocean freight journey to prevent spoilage.

Regulatory requirements include compliance with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Mexican health regulations. Import permits, phytosanitary certificates for fresh produce, and adherence to labeling standards are essential for customs clearance in Manzanillo.

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Customers have shared that they want to use SAMMIE for every ocean freight shipment they move because having all shipment data in one dashboard is invaluable and time-saving.