Shipping Fresh Food from Veracruz to Houston via Ocean Freight

Transporting fresh produce successfully Requires a continuous cold chain. Use cooler boxes with the right amount of gel packs for refrigerated food or dry ice for Frozen food, pre‑chill products before packing, and choose a Fast transit 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 reefer cargo 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 refrigerated food shipment. 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 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 chilled 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 Reefer cargo shipments to avoid freezing Fresh produce or partially thawing frozen items.

Fresh and frozen food require temperature-controlled containers to maintain their quality during transit. It is essential to ensure that refrigerated and frozen goods are loaded and secured properly to prevent spoilage and maintain compliance with health standards.

Shipments must comply with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, including the submission of prior notice for food imports. Additionally, proper documentation, such as invoices and certificates of origin, must be prepared to meet customs requirements at both Veracruz and Houston ports.

Once onboarded, you are assigned a dedicated support team led by a Client Success Officer, so you work with real people who know your freight instead of call centers or scripts.

Our company takes ACH, wire transfer, and credit card payments, with payment terms set during onboarding and adjustable for specific enterprise requirements.

SAMMIE’s predictive DNA Expert Date uses highly accurate dynamic forecasts based on historical data, vessel telemetry, weather, and port congestion so you can plan ahead, reduce rush freight costs, and avoid stockouts.