Shipping Ambient Food from Hamburg to Baltimore via Ocean Freight

Moisture-sensitive shelf-stable food demands moisture-resistant inner packaging such as Foil pouches inside sturdy outer cartons. Most shippers recommend adding Desiccant packs and using clear handling labels on all processed food shipments, especially when moving through humid or coastal routes.

You are allowed to ship dry food and bottled drinks together if all items are Individually protected and beverages are placed at the bottom of the carton. We recommend using separate inner boxes for liquid items so that any leak does not contaminate surrounding Snacks.

Most international shipments of packaged groceries will require detailed invoices listing full product descriptions, HS codes, and values. Depending on the destination and type of Food, you could be asked for Health certificates and origin documentation, especially for animal-derived ingredients.

For shelf-stable food with medium fragility and mixed dry food and bottled drinks, insurance providers typically recommend All-risk cargo insurance that includes damage from moisture and breakage. Be sure to Declare the full value of your beverages and record how goods are packed, as insurers may evaluate packaging quality when processing claims.

Most processed food and standard beverages are shipped in Ambient conditions as long as you keep them within labeled storage temperatures. We recommend checking manufacturer guidelines on heat sensitivity, especially for sensitive beverages, and scheduling moves to minimize exposure to very hot or very cold environments.

Packaged food shipped from Germany to the United States must comply with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, including proper labeling and ingredient disclosure. Additionally, importers must file prior notice with the FDA before the food arrives in the U.S. and ensure the products meet USDA standards if applicable.

Required documentation includes a bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, and FDA prior notice confirmation. It's essential to ensure that all documents accurately reflect the nature of the packaged food to facilitate customs clearance in Baltimore.

Yes, DNA offers full port-to-door service, managing booking, loading, customs clearance, and final-mile delivery with one point of contact and one visibility platform.

Yes, our credentials are viewable. You can see our certifications and compliance credentials, including FMC license, DOT number, and C-TPAT partnership, in the Certifications section of our FAQs.

When discrepancies arise, we address them promptly, and SAMMIE also flags duplicates or anomalies before invoices are sent, with your dedicated Client Success Officer available for clarification.