Quick transit times and affordable rates for your Chilled Food shipments
China
United Kingdom
The air route from Zhongshan to London is strategically advantageous for transporting fresh produce and chilled food due to its efficiency and speed. Utilizing air freight ensures that perishable goods maintain their quality, reducing spoilage and preserving freshness upon arrival. Additionally, this route supports the growing demand for refrigerated food in international markets, allowing suppliers to reach consumers quickly and effectively. The ability to transport frozen food with minimal handling also enhances product integrity throughout the journey.
Zhongshan boasts a well-developed logistics infrastructure, including modern air cargo facilities equipped for handling temperature-sensitive shipments. The city's proximity to major transportation hubs facilitates seamless access to air freight services, ensuring timely departures and arrivals. In London, the extensive network of cold storage facilities and distribution centers is designed to accommodate the needs of chilled and frozen food products. This robust infrastructure in both locations supports efficient supply chain operations, enabling businesses to meet the demands of the market effectively.
Comparative analysis of origin and destination capabilities.
Exporters must comply with Chinese customs regulations and submit accurate HS codes and commercial documentation.
All imports are subject to United Kingdom customs, sanitary, and phytosanitary controls, with additional checks on food, animal products, and chemicals.
DNA Expert Assessment
Very High - Complex Regulatory Environment
High - Fragile/Moisture Sensitive
Plan for potential delays due to the East Asia Rainy Season (May-October) and the Southwest Monsoon (May-November), which can cause congestion at ports and increased transit times. Secure air cargo space well in advance during peak periods such as the Golden Week (October 1-7) and the Christmas retail peak (October-December) to avoid capacity shortages. Adjust for customs processing delays during the Western New Year (December 20-January 5) and Lunar New Year (late-January to mid-February) to ensure timely deliveries.
When shipping fresh produce, correct packing is critical to control temperature and moisture. Our team suggests using cooler boxes with Gel packs for chilled beverages and dry ice ...
Keeping the cold chain for chilled food demands tightly controlled handling. Reduce door-open time during loading and unloading so perishable goods does not warm or condense. We re...
For larger volumes of fresh food, selecting the correct container type is critical. Our logistics team recommends powered reefer units for mixed loads of Refrigerated food and froz...
Exporting fresh food often demands additional documentation beyond a standard commercial invoice. Depending on destination, you may need sanitary certificates, temperature-control ...
Before pickup, stage fresh produce at the correct temperature: typically 0–4°C for chilled food and −18°C or below for frozen goods. Avoid storing fresh food directly on the floor;...
Moving fresh produce successfully demands a continuous cold chain. Use thermal containers with the right amount of gel packs for refrigerated food or dry ice for Frozen food, pre‑chill products before packing, and choose a time‑definite service. Clearly mark boxes as “Perishable” and specify the required temperature so carriers handle them as Reefer cargo.
Yes, Frozen food can often 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. 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 fresh food and Frozen goods. 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 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 temperature-controlled shipment 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 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 perishable goods or partially thawing frozen items.
Fresh and frozen food must be maintained at specific temperature ranges throughout the air freight process to ensure product integrity. Packaging should be insulated and include temperature monitoring devices to track conditions during transit.
Shipments of fresh and frozen food must comply with both Chinese export regulations and UK import requirements, including health and safety standards. Proper documentation, such as health certificates and import permits, is required for customs clearance in London.
Yes, DNA provides expedited air options for urgent and high-value shipments when every hour counts.
Yes, DNA includes GPS tracking and digital documentation to keep you informed on your ground freight.
Yes, DNA offers inventory management and reporting to support your storage and fulfillment needs.
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