Over 10 years of experience in international Dry Food transport
Sri Lanka
China
The ocean route from Colombo to Shanghai offers significant advantages for transporting packaged food. This pathway ensures that ambient food products remain stable during transit, minimizing the risk of spoilage. Additionally, shipping via ocean freight is often more cost-effective for bulk shipments, allowing for competitive pricing in the marketplace. The long-distance journey also provides adequate time for proper handling and storage, maintaining the quality of dry food items.
Colombo's port is equipped with modern facilities and a well-established logistics network, facilitating efficient loading and unloading of groceries. The infrastructure supports temperature-controlled storage, essential for maintaining the integrity of shelf-stable food during transit. In Shanghai, the port boasts advanced cargo handling systems and extensive distribution channels, ensuring that processed food reaches its final destination swiftly. Both ports are strategically located, enhancing connectivity for international trade and distribution.
Comparative analysis of origin and destination capabilities.
Exporters must comply with Sri Lanka Customs regulations, including accurate HS classification and valuation.
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 Colombo, Sri Lanka to Shanghai, China, anticipate significant delays due to Indian Ocean cyclone season (April-June and October-December). Build in extra buffer days to account for weather-related slow steaming and secure flexible berthing windows. During the Christmas retail peak (October-December), plan for tighter capacity and longer transit times. Coordinate closely with carriers for real-time updates and consider alternative routings to mitigate disruptions.
When shipping Processed food, Proper packaging is critical for medium‑fragility items. Our team suggests using sturdy corrugated boxes with compartment inserts for ambient food. Fo...
Medium-weight cartons of Packaged food Should be handled as orientation-sensitive freight, especially where beverages are packed with snacks. Most shippers recommend clearly markin...
Selecting the right shipping container for Food supports product integrity and safe transit. For parcel shipments of ambient food, most logistics providers suggest outer shippers w...
Even for shelf-stable Food, You must comply with applicable food laws in both origin and destination markets. Always ensure all snacks have accurate product labels, batch or lot nu...
Before pickup and during cross-docking, Keep Packaged food in clean, dry, odor-free areas away from strong odors. Moisture-sensitive snacks is best kept off the floor on shelving w...
Moisture-sensitive Dry food Requires moisture-resistant inner packaging such as poly bags inside sturdy outer cartons. Our team suggests adding drying agents and using clear handling labels on all ambient food shipments, especially when moving through humid or coastal routes.
You Can ship Snacks and beverages together if all items are properly cushioned and bottled drinks are placed at the bottom of the carton. Most carriers recommend using separate inner boxes for beverages so that any leak does not contaminate surrounding packaged groceries.
Most international shipments of Ambient food Require detailed invoices listing full product descriptions, HS codes, and values. Depending on the destination and type of snacks, you might also need free-sale certificates and origin documentation, especially for beverages.
For Packaged food with medium fragility and mixed Snacks and beverages, insurance providers typically recommend comprehensive cargo cover that includes spoilage and contamination. Be sure to list realistic replacement values of your beverages and note your packing methods, as insurers may evaluate packaging quality when processing claims.
Most Ambient food and standard Bottled drinks Can be shipped in non-refrigerated transport as long as you protect from temperature extremes. Most carriers recommend 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.
Packaged food must be stored in a temperature-controlled environment during transit to prevent spoilage. Proper packaging is essential to protect against moisture and contamination. Additionally, adherence to hygiene standards is crucial during loading and unloading at both ports.
Shipments of packaged food require compliance with China's food safety regulations, including obtaining necessary permits and certificates, such as health certificates and phytosanitary certificates. Documentation must be accurate and complete to ensure smooth customs clearance at the port of Shanghai.
It means we deliver not only exceptional logistics performance but also real, human relationships and authentic connection with our clients.
We offer end-to-end freight forwarding across ocean, air, and ground transportation, plus customs brokerage, warehousing and distribution, and access to our AI-powered SAMMIE tracking and exception management platform.
Yes, SAMMIE includes invoicing insights that flag duplicates, match line items, and streamline billing through AI-driven reconciliation and analytics.
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