Shipping Food from Chicago to Long Beach via Ocean Freight

Moisture-sensitive snacks demands waterproof protection such as poly bags inside sturdy outer cartons. Our team suggests adding Desiccant packs and using “Keep Dry” labels on all processed food shipments, especially when moving through humid or coastal routes.

You may ship dry food and bottled drinks together if every unit is properly cushioned and bottled drinks are placed at the bottom of the carton. We recommend using Dividers for liquid items so that any leak does not Soak surrounding Snacks.

Most international shipments of processed food will require itemized invoices listing full product descriptions, HS codes, and values. Depending on the destination and type of snacks, you might also need Health certificates and Proof of origin, especially for animal-derived ingredients.

For processed food with medium fragility and mixed dry food and bottled drinks, most shippers choose comprehensive cargo cover that includes spoilage and contamination. Be sure to Declare the full value of your Packaged groceries and record how goods are packed, as insurers may Review packaging quality when processing claims.

Most shelf-stable food and standard beverages are shipped in non-refrigerated transport as long as you protect from temperature extremes. We recommend checking manufacturer guidelines on Maximum storage temperature, especially for sensitive beverages, and Routing shipments to minimize exposure to very hot or very cold environments.

Required documentation includes a Bill of Lading, commercial invoice, packing list, and any relevant food safety certifications. Since both locations are within the United States, additional customs documentation is typically not required, but compliance with FDA regulations for food products must be ensured.

Packaged food should be securely packed to prevent damage during transit. It's important to ensure that the cargo is properly ventilated and stored at appropriate temperatures to maintain product integrity, especially if the goods are sensitive to heat or humidity during shipping.

Yes, DNA offers coordinated delivery of furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) for hotels, resorts, and new builds.

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.