Shipping Perishable Goods from Shanghai to Vancouver via Air Freight

Moving perishable goods 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 time‑definite service. Clearly mark boxes as “Perishable” and specify the required temperature so carriers handle them as temperature-controlled freight.

Yes, frozen goods 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. 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 limit coverage for temperature-related loss on chilled food 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 adequate insulation was used before honoring claims.

Most refrigerated 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 temperature-controlled shipment is set correctly.

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

Fresh and frozen food must be maintained at specific temperature ranges throughout the shipping process. Proper packaging, such as insulated containers and dry ice or gel packs, is critical to ensure temperature control during air freight. Additionally, compliance with the regulations regarding food safety and handling is essential to prevent spoilage.

Regulatory requirements include obtaining necessary permits and ensuring that all food products comply with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) standards. Import documentation such as a bill of lading, customs declaration, and health certificates may be required to verify the safety and origin of the food products.

DNA works with U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP), the FDA, USDA, DOT, and other regulatory bodies, and we maintain active certifications including C-TPAT and FMC.

Yes, we do provide coverage for urgent cases, which are escalated and managed with after-hours monitoring when needed, especially for high-volume or time-critical shipments.

DNA adheres to industry best practices and relevant data protection regulations for international shipping and technology platforms, including GDPR and CCPA where applicable.