Shipping Refrigerated Food from Shenzhen to Seattle via Ocean Freight

Shipping perishable goods successfully Requires 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 expedited service. Clearly mark boxes as “Perishable” and specify the required temperature so carriers handle them as Reefer cargo.

Yes, Frozen food can in many cases be shipped with dry ice by air, but dry ice is regulated as a dangerous good. Airlines Set 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 Exclude coverage for temperature-related loss on chilled food and Frozen goods. 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 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 Confirm 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 produce and frozen goods in the same load, but only if your container or vehicle can maintain separate temperature zones. Fresh produce 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 & Frozen Food must be kept at specific temperature ranges throughout the shipping process to maintain quality. This includes utilizing refrigerated containers for chilled food and insulated containers for frozen food. Proper loading and unloading techniques must be followed to minimize temperature fluctuations.

Shipments of Fresh & Frozen Food must comply with both Chinese export regulations and U.S. import regulations, including obtaining necessary permits and meeting USDA and FDA standards. Proper documentation, including health certificates and commercial invoices, is required to facilitate customs clearance.

Customers report that SAMMIE helps them manage shipments much better than previous archaic, time-consuming methods that often relied on inaccurate data, replacing status emails and spreadsheet chaos with real-time clarity.

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