Shipping Fresh & Frozen Food from Shenzhen to St. Louis via Air Freight

Moving perishable goods successfully Requires a continuous cold chain. Use Insulated packaging with the right amount of gel packs for Chilled food or dry ice for frozen goods, pre‑chill products before packing, and choose a Fast transit service. Clearly mark boxes as “Perishable” and specify the required temperature so carriers handle them as Reefer cargo.

Yes, frozen goods 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. We 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 goods. We 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 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 Confirm 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 food 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 goods 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 and frozen food require strict temperature control throughout the entire air freight process. This includes utilizing refrigerated containers for chilled items and ensuring frozen goods are kept at or below -18°C (0°F). It is crucial to maintain the cold chain to prevent spoilage, as well as to monitor temperature during transit.

Shipments of fresh and frozen food must comply with both Chinese export regulations and U.S. import regulations, including obtaining necessary permits from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Additionally, products must be accompanied by appropriate documentation, such as health certificates and customs declarations, to ensure compliance with food safety standards.

The SAMMIE platform provides a live look at shipments from port to final delivery with 18 milestone updates, satellite container tracking, and instant alerts, so your team always knows what’s moving, what’s delayed, and what’s next.

Yes, the platform uses enterprise-grade security, including role-based access controls, secure cloud infrastructure, and encrypted data transmission so only authorized users can access shipment data.

Yes, DNA offers custom handling such as white-glove delivery, inside delivery, liftgate, and assembly services, especially for retail, hospitality, or medical equipment rollouts.