More than 15 years of experience in global Reefer Cargo transport
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The air route from Seattle to Toronto offers optimal conditions for transporting fresh produce and chilled food, ensuring that products maintain their quality during transit. With a direct flight path covering 3328 kilometers, the journey minimizes exposure to temperature fluctuations, which is crucial for both fresh and frozen food items. This efficiency not only preserves the integrity of the products but also enhances shelf life, making it an ideal choice for suppliers aiming to deliver high-quality goods to the Canadian market.
Seattle’s cargo facilities are equipped with advanced refrigeration systems, allowing for the seamless handling of temperature-sensitive goods before departure. Similarly, Toronto's airport boasts state-of-the-art cold storage facilities, ensuring that fresh and frozen items are stored under optimal conditions upon arrival. Both locations are strategically positioned to facilitate swift customs clearance, further streamlining the logistics process for perishable products.
Comparative analysis of origin and destination capabilities.
Exporters must comply with U.S. Export Administration Regulations (EAR), especially for aerospace and dual-use technologies.
All imports are subject to Canada Border Services Agency requirements, including valuation rules.
DNA Expert Assessment
Moderate - Standard International
High - Fragile/Moisture Sensitive
Prepare for potential delays due to North Pacific winter storms from (November-March), and add buffer days to your schedules. Plan around tight connections during peak storm periods (December-February) as port closures may occur. Adjust lead times and secure capacity early for the back to school peaks (late July-early September|mid-November to early December) to mitigate congestion. Monitor carriers for real-time updates and evaluate alternative routes to navigate potential disruptions effectively.
When shipping perishable goods, Proper packaging is vital to control temperature and moisture. Most cold-chain specialists recommend using thermal liners with phase-change packs fo...
Preserving the cold chain for Refrigerated food necessitates tightly controlled handling. Limit door-open time during loading and unloading so frozen goods does not warm or condens...
For larger volumes of fresh produce, Using the correct container type is key. Most carriers recommend refrigerated ISO containers for mixed loads of chilled beverages and Frozen go...
Transporting Perishable goods often involves additional documentation beyond a standard commercial invoice. Depending on destination, you may need phytosanitary or veterinary certi...
Before pickup, hold Fresh food at the correct temperature: typically 0–4°C for chilled beverages and −18°C or below for frozen goods. Avoid storing Fresh produce directly on the fl...
Transporting Fresh food successfully necessitates 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 Fast transit 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. 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 restrict coverage for temperature-related loss on Perishable goods 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 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 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 chilled 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, most logistics providers recommend separating them into different temperature-controlled shipments to avoid freezing Fresh produce or partially thawing frozen items.
Fresh and frozen food must be kept at specific temperature ranges throughout the air freight process. Fresh produce typically requires refrigeration between 0°C to 4°C, while frozen food must be kept at -18°C or lower. Proper insulation and temperature-controlled containers are essential to prevent spoilage during transit.
Shipments of fresh and frozen food require compliance with both U.S. and Canadian food safety regulations. This includes obtaining necessary permits, adhering to labeling requirements, and ensuring that products meet the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) standards. Additionally, documentation such as customs declarations and phytosanitary certificates may be required for certain food items.
Our team manages coordinated delivery of furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) for hotels, resorts, and new builds.
Our team delivers live map tracking with milestone updates, 24/7 access via SAMMIE, centralized shipment documents, and real-time exception alerts so you always know where your freight is and what’s happening with it.
Our approach reduces customs delays and risk through in-house brokerage, a digital-first customs process with automation, SAMMIE’s ability to flag potential delays before they happen, and continuous communication from your Client Success Officer.
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