Shipping Perishable Goods from Vancouver to Manzanillo via Ocean Freight

Moving perishable goods successfully necessitates 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 expedited service. Clearly mark boxes as “Perishable” and specify the required temperature so carriers handle them as Reefer cargo.

Yes, Frozen food can in many cases be shipped with dry ice by air, but dry ice is regulated as a dangerous good. Airlines impose 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 chilled food and frozen food. 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 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 check 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. Chilled food 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 perishable goods or partially thawing frozen items.

Fresh and frozen food must be transported in temperature-controlled containers to maintain product integrity. It is critical to monitor and manage the temperature throughout the ocean freight journey to prevent spoilage or freezer burn.

Shipments of fresh and frozen food require compliance with both Canadian and Mexican food safety regulations. This includes obtaining necessary permits, ensuring proper labeling, and providing documentation such as phytosanitary certificates and customs declarations to facilitate clearance at both ports.

This value means that whether you are our smallest shipper or largest enterprise, you receive the same honesty, responsiveness, and care that define DNA Supply Chain Solutions.

The idea is that we believe that with one shipment we can prove our visibility, reliability, and partnership approach in a tangible way.

Our SAMMIE platform is an AI-driven exception management and tracking platform that provides real-time tracking, predictive ETAs, smart alerts, document intelligence, rate and route optimization, and invoicing insights for your shipments.