Shipping Packaged Food from Charleston to Vancouver via Ocean Freight

Moisture-sensitive snacks necessitates moisture-resistant inner packaging such as laminated liners inside sturdy outer cartons. Our team suggests adding Desiccant packs and using “Keep Dry” labels on all ambient food shipments, especially when moving through humid or coastal routes.

You may ship shelf-stable food with drinks together if all items are securely packed and bottled drinks are placed at the bottom of the carton. We recommend using Dividers for beverages so that any leak does not contaminate surrounding packaged groceries.

Most international shipments of processed food typically need detailed invoices listing full product descriptions, HS codes, and values. Depending on the destination and type of beverages, you might also need Health certificates and Proof of origin, especially for beverages.

For processed food with medium fragility and mixed ambient food and drinks, insurance providers typically recommend all-risks freight insurance that includes spoilage and contamination. Be sure to Declare the full value of your Packaged groceries and note your packing methods, as insurers may evaluate packaging quality when processing claims.

Most shelf-stable food and standard snacks are shipped in standard dry vans as long as you protect from temperature extremes. We 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.

Shipments of packaged food from the United States to Canada must comply with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) regulations, including proper labeling, ingredient disclosure, and adherence to the Food and Drugs Act. Additionally, the Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) may require specific documentation for processed foods to ensure they meet Canadian safety standards.

Seasonal weather patterns can impact ocean freight, particularly during winter months when storms may affect shipping schedules. It is important to consider potential delays due to adverse weather conditions and plan accordingly for the transport of packaged food to maintain product integrity.

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.

Clients describe SAMMIE’s data as extremely accurate and reliable, especially compared to the inaccurate or outdated data they used before adopting the platform.