End-to-end logistics solutions with real-time tracking
Colombia
China
The ocean route from Cartagena to Shanghai offers significant advantages for shipping packaged food. This method ensures a stable environment for ambient food products, preserving their quality during transit over the long distance of 15,045 kilometers. Utilizing bulk carriers allows for efficient transport of processed and shelf-stable groceries, minimizing handling and reducing the risk of damage. Additionally, the ocean freight option is often more cost-effective for large shipments, making it an ideal choice for distributors looking to optimize their supply chain.
Cartagena's port is equipped with modern facilities capable of efficiently handling a variety of cargo, including dry food products. Advanced loading and unloading technologies ensure that packaged groceries are processed swiftly, reducing dwell time. In contrast, Shanghai boasts one of the world's largest and most sophisticated ports, featuring extensive warehousing and distribution capabilities. This infrastructure supports seamless customs clearance and provides access to a vast network for further distribution throughout Asia, enhancing the overall logistics strategy for processed food shipments.
Comparative analysis of origin and destination capabilities.
Exporters must comply with Colombian customs regulations and ensure full export documentation, including commercial invoices and packing lists.
Imports are subject to Chinese customs, quarantine, and inspection rules, covering health, safety, and quality controls.
DNA Expert Assessment
Very High - Complex Regulatory Environment
High - Fragile/Moisture Sensitive
When shipping from Cartagena, Colombia to Shanghai, China, anticipate several seasonal challenges. During the Atlantic Hurricane Season (June-November), allow for extra buffer days to account for potential delays and arrange alternative ports of refuge. Expect increased congestion during the Christmas Retail Peak (October-December) and the Western New Year holiday period (December 20-January 5), necessitating early bookings and flexible schedules. Additionally, plan for the East Asia Rainy Season (May-October), which may impact port operations and inland transport.
When shipping dry food, appropriate protection is critical for medium‑fragility items. Most carriers recommend using reinforced shipping boxes with cell partitions for ambient food...
Medium-weight cartons of processed food must be handled as orientation-sensitive freight, especially where liquid products are packed with shelf-stable food. Our team recommends cl...
Choosing the appropriate shipping container for processed food supports product integrity and damage reduction. For parcel shipments of shelf-stable food, our team suggests outer s...
Even for shelf-stable processed food, shippers must comply with applicable food laws in both origin and destination markets. You should ensure all beverages have clear labeling, ba...
Before pickup and during cross-docking, store ambient food in clean, dry, odor-free areas away from contaminants. Moisture-sensitive shelf-stable food must be kept off the floor on...
Moisture-sensitive snacks demands moisture-resistant inner packaging such as laminated liners inside sturdy outer cartons. Most shippers recommend adding silica gel and using clear handling labels on all ambient food shipments, especially when moving through humid or coastal routes.
You may ship dry food and bottled drinks together if all items are securely packed and beverages are placed at the bottom of the carton. Our logistics team recommends using separate inner boxes for beverages so that any leak does not contaminate surrounding dry food.
Most international shipments of processed food will require detailed invoices listing full product descriptions, HS codes, and values. Depending on the destination and type of beverages, you could be asked for manufacturer declarations and origin documentation, especially for beverages.
For processed food with medium fragility and mixed dry food and bottled drinks, insurance providers typically recommend all-risks freight insurance that includes damage from moisture and breakage. Be sure to accurately declare values of your beverages and note your packing methods, as insurers may evaluate packaging quality when processing claims.
Most shelf-stable food and standard beverages are shipped in standard dry vans as long as you keep them within labeled storage temperatures. Our team recommends checking manufacturer guidelines on heat sensitivity, especially for oil-based dry food, and scheduling moves to minimize exposure to very hot or very cold environments.
When shipping packaged food via ocean freight from Cartagena to Shanghai, it is essential to ensure that the products are stored in climate-controlled containers to maintain their quality. Proper packaging is necessary to prevent damage during transit, and adherence to hygiene standards is critical to avoid contamination.
Shipping packaged food from Colombia to China requires compliance with both Colombian export regulations and Chinese import regulations. This includes obtaining necessary health and safety certifications, ensuring that the packaging meets Chinese labeling requirements, and completing customs documentation accurately to facilitate clearance at both ports.
DNA Supply Chain provides live map tracking with milestone updates, 24/7 access via SAMMIE, centralized shipment documents, and real-time exception alerts so you always know where your freight is and what’s happening with it.
DNA reduces customs delays and risk through in-house brokerage, a digital-first customs process with automation, SAMMIE’s ability to flag potential delays before they happen, and continuous communication from your Client Success Officer.
DNA’s ETAs are AI-powered and based on real data, congestion, and vessel telemetry, whereas other forwarders often rely on static estimates copied from carrier schedules.
Call or schedule a call with our sales team to discuss your Cartagena → Shanghai shipping needs.
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