Shipping Chilled Food from Surabaya to Puerto Barrios via Ocean Freight

Moving fresh produce successfully demands a continuous cold chain. Use Insulated packaging 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 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. We recommend 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 food. We 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 verify 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. Chilled food typically needs temperatures above freezing, while Frozen goods must stay well below zero. If only one temperature setpoint is available, best practice is separating them into different temperature-controlled shipments to avoid freezing perishable goods or partially thawing frozen items.

Fresh and frozen food must be transported under strict temperature controls throughout the journey. Reefer containers are essential to maintain the required temperature for chilled and frozen products, ensuring they remain within safe limits during transit. Proper packing and insulation are also critical to prevent temperature fluctuations.

Regulatory requirements include obtaining import permits and adhering to food safety standards set by the Guatemalan government. Additionally, proper documentation such as health certificates, phytosanitary certificates, and customs declarations must be prepared to ensure compliance with both Indonesian export and Guatemalan import regulations.

DNA’s One Test Run Challenge is an invitation to give DNA Supply Chain Solutions one test shipment so we can prove what visibility, reliability, and real partnership feel like with just a single shipment.

“DNA” comes from a conversation between our founder and his daughter, Ameerah, who suggested merging their names—David ‘N’ Ameerah—to create DNA, reflecting strong bonds, shared values, and trust.

Our SAMMIE platform is Shipping Analytical Maritime Management for Import and Exports, a full exception-management system and total supply chain management platform powered by live carrier data, independent port tracking, a proprietary AI rules engine, and human verification.