Over 15 years of experience in international Refrigerated Food shipping
China
Colombia
The ocean route from Shanghai to Buenaventura offers a reliable and efficient means of transporting fresh produce and chilled food. This pathway is particularly advantageous for maintaining optimal temperature controls, essential for the integrity of refrigerated and frozen food items. Additionally, the vast shipping networks available facilitate the movement of large quantities, ensuring that perishable goods reach their destination in peak condition. The route’s accessibility enhances the supply chain's flexibility, catering to varying demand across markets.
Both Shanghai and Buenaventura possess robust port infrastructures, equipped to handle diverse cargo types, including refrigerated containers. Shanghai's advanced facilities support efficient loading and unloading processes, with state-of-the-art cold storage options. In Buenaventura, the port is designed to accommodate the specific needs of fresh and frozen food, featuring temperature-controlled environments to safeguard product quality. This synergy between the two ports ensures a seamless transition for chilled and frozen items throughout the supply chain.
Comparative analysis of origin and destination capabilities.
Exporters must comply with Chinese customs regulations, including proper product coding and full value disclosure.
Importers must ensure accurate tariff classification and valuation to comply with Dirección de Impuestos y Aduanas Nacionales (DIAN) requirements.
DNA Expert Assessment
Very High - Complex Regulatory Environment
Very High - Requires Specialized Care
When shipping from Shanghai, China to Buenaventura, Colombia, secure vessel space and equipment at least 3-4 weeks in advance during critical periods such as the Lunar New Year (mid-January to late-February) and the South America fruit export peak (January-May, September-December). Expect port congestion and longer transit times due to seasonal factors like typhoons (June-November) and harvest surges (February-September). Allow for extra buffer days in your schedules to accommodate potential delays and coordinate closely with local agents to manage logistics effectively during these peak seasons.
When shipping Fresh food, correct packing is critical to control temperature and moisture. We recommend using thermal liners with ice packs for refrigerated food and dry ice for Fr...
Maintaining the cold chain for chilled food demands tightly controlled handling. Minimize door-open time during loading and unloading so frozen goods does not warm or condense. Our...
For larger volumes of Perishable goods, selecting the correct container type is critical. We recommend refrigerated ISO containers for mixed loads of chilled food and frozen food t...
Shipping fresh food often demands additional documentation beyond a standard commercial invoice. Depending on destination, you may need Health certificates, temperature-control rec...
Before pickup, Store fresh produce at the correct temperature: typically 0–4°C for chilled food and −18°C or below for Frozen food. Avoid storing fresh food directly on the floor; ...
Shipping fresh produce successfully demands a continuous cold chain. Use Insulated packaging with the right amount of gel packs for refrigerated food or dry ice for Frozen food, 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 food can often 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. We recommend 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 fresh food and frozen food. We 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 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, most logistics providers recommend separating them into different Reefer cargo shipments to avoid freezing perishable goods or partially thawing frozen items.
Fresh and frozen food requires temperature-controlled containers to maintain appropriate conditions during the ocean transport. It is crucial to monitor refrigeration systems and ensure proper loading techniques to prevent temperature fluctuations that could compromise product quality.
Shipping fresh and frozen food requires compliance with both Chinese export regulations and Colombian import regulations. Export documentation from China must include health certificates, phytosanitary certificates for fresh produce, and compliance with Colombian food safety standards. Additionally, shipments must adhere to temperature control regulations set by Colombian authorities to ensure food safety upon arrival.
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