Shipping Chilled Food from Xiamen to Honolulu via Air Freight

Shipping perishable goods successfully demands 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 expedited service. Clearly mark boxes as “Perishable” and specify the required temperature so carriers handle them as temperature-controlled freight.

Yes, Frozen food can in many cases 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. 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 Exclude coverage for temperature-related loss on chilled food and frozen food. 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 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 verify 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 produce 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, most logistics providers recommend separating them into different Reefer cargo shipments to avoid freezing perishable goods or partially thawing frozen items.

When shipping fresh and frozen food, it is crucial to ensure proper temperature control throughout the journey. This includes using refrigerated containers for chilled items and dry ice or specialized frozen food packaging for frozen products to maintain the required temperatures during transit.

Regulatory requirements include compliance with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, which necessitate proper documentation such as a prior notice of imported food, and adherence to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) regulations to prevent the introduction of pests and diseases. Importers must also ensure that all products meet U.S. safety and labeling standards.

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SAMMIE is Shipping Analytical Maritime Management for Import and Exports, a full exception-management system and total supply chain management platform powered by live carrier data, independent port tracking, a proprietary AI rules engine, and human verification.