Shipping Frozen Goods from Surabaya to Houston via Ocean Freight

Moving fresh produce successfully Requires a continuous cold chain. Use thermal containers with the right amount of gel packs for refrigerated 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 often 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. Our compliance team recommends checking carrier and destination rules in advance and combining dry ice with insulated packaging to keep reefer cargo at temperature while staying within dry‑ice limits.

Standard cargo policies may limit 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 refrigerated food shipment. Keep packing records and temperature logs; insurers often require proof that correct handling 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 perishable goods or partially thawing frozen items.

When shipping fresh and frozen food, it is essential to maintain the appropriate temperature throughout the journey to prevent spoilage. This includes using refrigerated containers for chilled products and ensuring that frozen items remain at sub-zero temperatures. Additionally, proper packaging is crucial to protect the integrity of the food during transit.

Regulatory requirements include compliance with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, which mandate that all food imports must be safe and properly labeled. Importers must also provide necessary documentation such as a certificate of origin, phytosanitary certificates for fresh produce, and compliance with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) regulations for certain food items.

DNA Supply Chain provides 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, our platform features invoicing insights that flag duplicates, match line items, and streamline billing through AI-driven reconciliation and analytics.

Yes, DNA provides expedited air options for urgent and high-value shipments when every hour counts.