Shipping Packaged Food from Cartagena to Savannah via Ocean Freight

Moisture-sensitive shelf-stable food demands waterproof protection such as Foil pouches inside sturdy outer cartons. Our team suggests adding drying agents and using “Keep Dry” labels on all ambient food shipments, especially when moving through humid or coastal routes.

You are allowed to ship dry food and bottled drinks together if every unit is Individually protected and bottled drinks are placed at the bottom of the carton. Most carriers recommend using Dividers for beverages so that any leak does not contaminate surrounding dry food.

Most international shipments of packaged groceries will require itemized invoices listing full product descriptions, HS codes, and values. Depending on the destination and type of Food, you might also need free-sale certificates and Proof of origin, especially for beverages.

For shelf-stable food with medium fragility and mixed dry food and bottled drinks, most shippers choose All-risk cargo insurance that includes spoilage and contamination. Be sure to list realistic replacement values of your Packaged groceries and note your packing methods, as insurers may evaluate packaging quality when processing claims.

Most processed food and standard beverages are shipped in Ambient conditions as long as you protect from temperature extremes. Most carriers recommend checking manufacturer guidelines on Maximum storage temperature, especially for oil-based dry food, and scheduling moves to minimize exposure to very hot or very cold environments.

Packaged food should be kept in a climate-controlled environment during ocean freight to prevent spoilage and maintain quality. It is important to ensure that the packaging is durable and sealed properly to protect against moisture and contamination during transit.

Shipments of packaged food must comply with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, including proper labeling, ingredient disclosure, and adherence to safety standards. Importers must also provide necessary documentation, such as a phytosanitary certificate and a bill of lading, to facilitate customs clearance at Savannah.

Our network includes partnered facilities in key logistics hubs, including locations near important ports for strategic storage and fulfillment.

We encourage you to take the DNA “One Test Run Challenge” with a single shipment so we can demonstrate our visibility, reliability, and partnership-focused approach.

Our company manages ocean freight (FCL and LCL), air freight, ground transportation (domestic and cross-border trucking), customs brokerage, and warehousing & distribution, all supported by our SAMMIE visibility platform and dedicated Client Success Officers.