Shipping Reefer Cargo from Seattle to Toronto via Ocean Freight

Shipping perishable goods successfully necessitates 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 in many cases 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 Exclude coverage for temperature-related loss on chilled 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 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 goods 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 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 goods must stay well below zero. If only one temperature setpoint is available, most logistics providers recommend separating them into different Reefer cargo shipments to avoid freezing perishable goods or partially thawing frozen items.

Fresh & Frozen Food requires temperature-controlled containers to maintain appropriate conditions during transit. It is essential to monitor and manage temperatures throughout the journey, ensuring that chilled food remains below 4°C and frozen food remains below -18°C. Proper ventilation and humidity control within containers are also necessary to prevent spoilage.

Shipping Fresh & Frozen Food across the US-Canada border requires specific documentation, including a bill of lading, commercial invoice, and any necessary permits for food products. Additionally, customs declarations must comply with Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) regulations, which may require proof of origin and health certifications for perishable items.

Absolutely, you can access all documents—bills of lading, invoices, customs forms, and arrival notices—in SAMMIE’s centralized, searchable document hub.

Yes, we offer periodic performance reviews and account check-ins so you can review metrics and discuss needs or questions live.

You can assign roles and permissions so finance can access billing while operations focuses on tracking, without unnecessary overlap.