Safe handling of your valuable Fresh Food cargo
Canada
China
The ocean route from Vancouver to Shanghai is ideal for transporting fresh produce and frozen food, ensuring optimal temperature control throughout the journey. This route leverages specialized refrigerated containers, maintaining the integrity of chilled and frozen items while minimizing spoilage. Additionally, the extensive maritime network allows for efficient scaling of shipments, accommodating varying volumes of fresh and frozen goods as demand fluctuates.
Vancouver boasts a state-of-the-art port facility equipped with advanced cold storage capabilities, facilitating the seamless handling of perishable items. On the other end, Shanghai's logistics infrastructure is well-prepared for receiving refrigerated shipments, featuring multiple cold chain facilities that support the swift distribution of fresh and chilled products to local markets. Both locations are strategically positioned to enhance connectivity, ensuring a smooth supply chain for fresh food and frozen items.
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.
Imports are subject to Chinese customs, quarantine, and inspection rules, with potential CIQ inspection and testing.
DNA Expert Assessment
Very High - Complex Regulatory Environment
Very High - Requires Specialized Care
When shipping from Vancouver to Shanghai, expect significant delays due to North Pacific winter storms (November-March) and Lunar New Year (late January to mid-February). Build in additional buffer days to accommodate potential port congestion and ice conditions (December-March). During peak export seasons (July-October), secure vessel space early and coordinate closely with carriers to manage schedules effectively. Additionally, monitor coastal fog impacts (May-September) to ensure timely arrivals.
When shipping fresh produce, Proper packaging is critical to control temperature and moisture. We recommend using Insulated cartons with Gel packs for refrigerated food and dry ice...
Keeping the cold chain for Refrigerated food demands tightly controlled handling. Minimize door-open time during loading and unloading so Reefer cargo does not warm or condense. We...
For larger volumes of fresh food, Using the correct container type is critical. We recommend Integrated reefer containers for mixed loads of Refrigerated food and Frozen goods that...
Exporting Perishable goods often demands additional documentation beyond a standard commercial invoice. Depending on destination, you may need Health certificates, temperature-cont...
Before pickup, stage Fresh food at the correct temperature: typically 0–4°C for chilled food and −18°C or below for Frozen food. Avoid storing Fresh produce directly on the floor; ...
Moving Fresh food successfully demands 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 goods can Usually 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 Frozen food at temperature while staying within dry‑ice limits.
Standard cargo policies may limit coverage for temperature-related loss on Perishable goods 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 Proper packaging was used before honoring claims.
Most refrigerated food 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 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 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 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 Fresh produce or partially thawing frozen items.
Fresh and frozen food requires temperature-controlled containers to maintain the integrity of the products during transit. Proper insulation and refrigeration systems must be in place to ensure that fresh produce and frozen items remain at optimal temperatures throughout the journey. Additionally, careful loading and unloading procedures are essential to minimize exposure to temperature fluctuations.
Shipping fresh and frozen food from Canada to China involves compliance with both countries' food safety regulations. Exporters must ensure that all products meet Canadian export requirements and Chinese import regulations, which may include obtaining health certificates, phytosanitary certificates for fresh produce, and ensuring packaging meets China's standards. It is also crucial to stay updated on any changes in regulations that may affect the importation of food products.
DNA supports omnichannel retail, technology and electronics, automotive parts and machinery, manufacturing and heavy equipment, healthcare and medical, and hospitality and FF&E.
DNA Supply Chain combines 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.
DNA’s ocean freight solutions 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.
Call or schedule a call with our sales team to discuss your Vancouver → Shanghai shipping needs.
Talk to a logistics expert
Our team specializes in the Vancouver to Shanghai 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.