Shipping Fresh Produce from Surabaya to Charleston via Ocean Freight

Shipping fresh produce successfully demands 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 expedited service. Clearly mark boxes as “Perishable” and specify the required temperature so carriers handle them as temperature-controlled freight.

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. 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 fresh food and Frozen goods. 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 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 temperature-controlled shipment 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. Fresh produce 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.

It is essential to maintain appropriate temperature controls throughout the journey to ensure the integrity of fresh and frozen food. This includes using refrigerated containers (reefers) equipped with reliable temperature monitoring systems to manage the cold chain effectively during the 16,885 km ocean freight.

Shipments must comply with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, which include prior notice requirements. Additionally, proper documentation, such as health certificates and import permits, is necessary to facilitate customs clearance at both Surabaya and Charleston ports.

Transit times vary on lane, mode, and carrier, but SAMMIE provides up-to-date, predictive ETAs that factor in real-world conditions like port congestion and weather delays.

Yes, we manage AES filings, commercial invoices, packing lists, and export declarations to ensure accuracy and compliance for outbound shipments.

Yes, for enterprise clients we support EDI and API-based billing feeds that automatically sync with your ERP or accounting platform for seamless updates and faster financial close cycles.