Shipping Fresh Food from Sydney to Montreal via Ocean Freight

Shipping 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 food, 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 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 Exclude 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 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 Reefer cargo 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 goods must stay well below zero. If only one temperature setpoint is available, We recommend separating them into different Reefer cargo shipments to avoid freezing perishable goods or partially thawing frozen items.

Shipping fresh and frozen food requires strict temperature control throughout the journey. Containers must be equipped with reliable refrigeration systems to maintain appropriate temperatures, typically between -18°C for frozen food and 0°C to 4°C for fresh produce. Proper insulation and regular monitoring are critical to prevent spoilage.

Regulatory requirements include compliance with Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) standards, which mandate that all imported food products meet specific safety and quality criteria. Import permits may be required, and all shipments must be accompanied by accurate documentation, including health certificates and proof of origin, to ensure compliance with both Australian and Canadian regulations.

We serve omnichannel retail, technology and electronics, automotive parts and machinery, manufacturing and heavy equipment, healthcare and medical, and hospitality and FF&E.

We combine global freight forwarding services with the SAMMIE AI platform to provide live map tracking, predictive ETAs, exception alerts, and centralized shipment documents so you have total shipment control on one powerful platform.

Our ocean freight service uses deep carrier relationships and the SAMMIE platform to move FCL and LCL containers smarter, with fewer surprises, clearer ETAs, and proactive risk flagging before issues develop.