More than 15 years of experience in worldwide Reefer Cargo transport
Canada
United States
The route from Vancouver to Seattle is ideal for transporting fresh produce and chilled food, thanks to its relatively short distance of 196 kilometers. Air transport ensures that perishable items maintain their quality and freshness during transit, minimizing spoilage. This route also benefits from established logistics networks that prioritize temperature control, making it suitable for both refrigerated and frozen food products. Overall, the efficiency of air travel enhances supply chain reliability for businesses dealing in fresh and frozen food.
Both Vancouver and Seattle boast robust infrastructure tailored to the handling of perishable goods. Vancouver International Airport features specialized facilities for cold storage and efficient customs processes, ensuring swift clearance for fresh produce. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport complements this with its own advanced temperature-controlled logistics capabilities, allowing seamless transfers to local distribution centers. Together, these infrastructures facilitate a smooth flow of chilled and frozen food across the border, enhancing supply chain effectiveness.
Comparative analysis of origin and destination capabilities.
Exporters must ensure compliance with Canada’s Export and Import Permits Act, particularly for strategic goods and sensitive technologies.
All imports are subject to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations, including accurate AMS and ISF filings.
DNA Expert Assessment
Moderate - Standard International
High - Fragile/Moisture Sensitive
Anticipate potential delays due to North Pacific winter storms from (November-March), as heavy seas can extend transit times. Include buffer days for peak holiday volumes during (December-February) and (October-December) to mitigate congestion. Maintain communication with carriers for real-time updates and adjustments to avoid disruptions from coastal fog in (May-September) and (December-March). Prioritize early bookings to secure capacity during holiday peaks.
When shipping perishable goods, correct packing Is essential to control temperature and moisture. Most cold-chain specialists recommend using Insulated cartons with Gel packs for r...
Preserving the cold chain for chilled food Requires tightly controlled handling. Limit door-open time during loading and unloading so Reefer cargo does not warm or condense. We rec...
For larger volumes of fresh produce, selecting the correct container type is Essential. Most carriers recommend Integrated reefer containers for mixed loads of Refrigerated food an...
Transporting fresh food often Requires additional documentation beyond a standard commercial invoice. Depending on destination, you may need phytosanitary or veterinary certificate...
Before pickup, hold fresh produce at the correct temperature: typically 0–4°C for Refrigerated food and −18°C or below for frozen goods. Avoid storing Fresh produce directly on the...
Transporting fresh produce successfully Requires a continuous cold chain. Use cooler boxes 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 Reefer cargo.
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. Most experts 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 restrict coverage for temperature-related loss on fresh food and Frozen goods. Most shippers should 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 Proper packaging was used before honoring claims.
Most chilled beverages should stay between 0–4°C, while many Frozen food 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 chilled food and Frozen food 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, We recommend separating them into different Reefer cargo shipments to avoid freezing perishable goods or partially thawing frozen items.
Fresh and frozen food requires specialized packaging and temperature-controlled environments during air transport to maintain product integrity. It is crucial to use insulated containers and dry ice or gel packs to ensure that temperature-sensitive items remain within specified temperature ranges throughout the flight.
Shipments of fresh and frozen food from Vancouver to Seattle must comply with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, including prior notice of importation. Additionally, products must meet the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) standards, and proper documentation, such as import permits and health certificates, may be required to ensure compliance with both Canadian and U.S. regulations.
Yes, your team can access all documents—bills of lading, invoices, customs forms, and arrival notices—in SAMMIE’s centralized, searchable document hub.
Yes, our team can schedule periodic performance reviews and account check-ins so you can review metrics and discuss needs or questions live.
Your company can configure roles and permissions so finance can access billing while operations focuses on tracking, without unnecessary overlap.
Call or schedule a call with our sales team to discuss your Vancouver → Seattle shipping needs.
Talk to a logistics expert
Our team specializes in the Vancouver to Seattle trade lane.
1-786-949-7330Join hundreds of companies who trust DNA Supply Chain for their logistics needs. Transparent pricing, real-time tracking, and dedicated support.