Shipping Food from Durban to Long Beach via Ocean Freight

Moisture-sensitive Dry food demands A sealed inner barrier such as poly bags inside sturdy outer cartons. Most shippers recommend adding silica gel and using “Keep Dry” labels on all Packaged groceries shipments, especially when moving through humid or coastal routes.

You Can ship dry food and bottled drinks together if Each item is properly cushioned and beverages are placed at the bottom of the carton. Our logistics team recommends using Dividers for Bottled drinks so that any leak does not Soak surrounding dry food.

Most international shipments of Ambient food will require Commercial invoices listing full product descriptions, HS codes, and values. Depending on the destination and type of snacks, you could be asked for manufacturer declarations and Proof of origin, especially for Bottled drinks.

For Packaged food with medium fragility and mixed dry food and bottled drinks, We recommend comprehensive cargo cover that includes damage from moisture and breakage. Be sure to accurately declare values of your Packaged groceries and Document packaging standards, as insurers may Review packaging quality when processing claims.

Most Ambient food and standard beverages Can be shipped in non-refrigerated transport as long as you keep them within labeled storage temperatures. Our team recommends checking manufacturer guidelines on Maximum storage temperature, especially for Chocolate snacks, and Routing shipments to minimize exposure to very hot or very cold environments.

Packaged food should be properly sealed and stored in climate-controlled containers to prevent spoilage during the long ocean transit. It is important to ensure that the containers are waterproof and well-ventilated to avoid moisture accumulation and maintain product integrity throughout the journey.

Shipments of packaged food must comply with both South African export regulations and U.S. import regulations, which include obtaining necessary permits and certificates, such as a health certificate from the relevant South African authorities and adherence to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines. Proper documentation must be provided to facilitate customs clearance at both departure and arrival ports.

Users have stated that they want to use SAMMIE for every ocean freight shipment they move because having all shipment data in one dashboard is invaluable and time-saving.

The “One Test Run Challenge” is an invitation to give DNA Supply Chain Solutions one test shipment so we can prove what visibility, reliability, and real partnership feel like with just a single shipment.

The name comes from a conversation between our founder and his daughter, Ameerah, who suggested merging their names—David ‘N’ Ameerah—to create DNA, reflecting strong bonds, shared values, and trust.