Shipping Fresh Produce from Shenzhen to New York via Ocean Freight

Shipping perishable goods successfully necessitates a continuous cold chain. Use thermal containers 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 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 Frozen food 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 Reefer cargo. Keep packing records and temperature logs; insurers often require proof that correct handling 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, We recommend separating them into different temperature-controlled shipments to avoid freezing perishable goods or partially thawing frozen items.

Fresh and frozen food shipments require temperature-controlled containers throughout the journey. It is crucial to maintain appropriate refrigeration or freezing temperatures to prevent spoilage. Additionally, proper packaging is necessary to ensure the integrity of the products during transit.

Shipments must comply with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, including the submission of prior notice for food imports. Importers must also ensure that products meet U.S. safety and labeling standards. Appropriate customs documentation, including invoices and certificates of origin, is required for clearance at both ports.

It means we deliver not only exceptional logistics performance but also real, human relationships and authentic connection with our clients.

We offer end-to-end freight forwarding across ocean, air, and ground transportation, plus customs brokerage, warehousing and distribution, and access to our AI-powered SAMMIE tracking and exception management platform.

Yes, SAMMIE includes invoicing insights that flag duplicates, match line items, and streamline billing through AI-driven reconciliation and analytics.