Shipping Perishable Goods from Tokyo to Omaha via Ocean Freight

Moving perishable goods successfully Requires a continuous cold chain. Use cooler boxes with the right amount of gel packs for refrigerated 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 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. Most experts 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 chilled food and Frozen goods. Most shippers should 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 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 temperature-controlled shipment 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 food 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 Fresh produce or partially thawing frozen items.

Fresh and frozen food must be maintained at specific temperature ranges throughout the shipping process. It is essential to use refrigerated containers equipped with temperature control systems to ensure the integrity of the products. Additionally, proper ventilation and humidity control are crucial to prevent spoilage during the ocean transit.

Importing fresh and frozen food into the United States requires compliance with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, including prior notice of shipment. Additionally, products must meet the standards set by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to prevent the introduction of pests and diseases. Proper documentation, including health certificates and import permits, is also necessary.

DNA’s ETAs are AI-powered and based on real data, congestion, and vessel telemetry, whereas other forwarders often rely on static estimates copied from carrier schedules.

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