Reliable ocean transport with affordable pricing
United States
Colombia
The ocean route from Honolulu to Cartagena offers a cost-effective solution for transporting packaged food across a significant distance of 8806 km. This method ensures the integrity of shelf-stable products, allowing them to maintain their quality during transit. Additionally, ocean shipping can accommodate large volumes of ambient food, making it ideal for bulk shipments that meet demand in diverse markets. The reliability of this route supports consistent supply chains for processed food distributors.
Honolulu's port is equipped with modern facilities designed to handle various cargo, including dry food and packaged groceries. The infrastructure supports efficient loading and unloading operations, streamlining the export process. In Cartagena, the port boasts advanced capabilities for receiving international shipments, ensuring that products are processed quickly. Both locations facilitate customs clearance, which is essential for the timely distribution of food products upon arrival.
Comparative analysis of origin and destination capabilities.
Exporters must comply with U.S. Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and corresponding Bureau of Industry and Security controls.
Imports are subject to Colombian customs valuation, tariff classification, and technical requirements.
DNA Expert Assessment
Very High - Complex Regulatory Environment
High - Fragile/Moisture Sensitive
When shipping from Honolulu to Cartagena, be mindful of the Eastern Pacific Hurricane Season (June-November) and schedule sailings outside peak storm months (August-October) to avoid delays. Build in buffer days for potential port closures and track weather conditions closely. During the North America Summer Holiday Peak (late June-early September), prepare for tighter capacity and increased spot rates, necessitating early bookings. Additionally, confirm vessel space well ahead of the Christmas Retail Peak (October-December) to mitigate congestion and ensure timely deliveries.
When shipping Processed food, Proper packaging Is essential for medium‑fragility items. Our team suggests using sturdy corrugated boxes with cell partitions for shelf-stable food. ...
Medium-weight cartons of Packaged food Should be handled as “this side up” freight, especially where beverages are packed with snacks. Our team recommends clearly marking cartons w...
Selecting the right shipping container for Food Helps product integrity and safe transit. For parcel shipments of ambient food, our team suggests master cartons with inner retail p...
Even for shelf-stable Food, You must comply with Food safety regulations in both origin and destination markets. Always ensure all snacks have clear labeling, batch or lot numbers,...
Before pickup and during cross-docking, Keep Packaged food in Cool, dry, well-ventilated areas away from strong odors. Moisture-sensitive snacks must be kept off the floor on racks...
Moisture-sensitive Dry food Requires A sealed inner barrier such as poly bags inside sturdy outer cartons. Our team suggests adding silica gel and using moisture-warning labels on all Packaged groceries shipments, especially when moving through humid or coastal routes.
You Can ship Snacks and beverages together if Each item is properly cushioned and bottled drinks are placed at the bottom of the carton. Our logistics team recommends using cell partitions for Bottled drinks so that any leak does not damage surrounding Snacks.
Most international shipments of Ambient food Require Commercial invoices listing full product descriptions, HS codes, and values. Depending on the destination and type of snacks, you might also need manufacturer declarations and certificates of origin, especially for Bottled drinks.
For Packaged food with medium fragility and mixed Snacks and beverages, We recommend comprehensive cargo cover that includes spoilage and contamination. Be sure to accurately declare values of your snacks and Document packaging standards, as insurers may assess 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. Our team recommends checking manufacturer guidelines on temperature limits, especially for Chocolate snacks, and planning transit to minimize exposure to very hot or very cold environments.
Packaged food should be stored in a climate-controlled environment during transit to prevent spoilage. Proper packaging is essential to protect against moisture and contamination. Additionally, it is important to ensure compliance with both U.S. and Colombian food safety regulations.
Required documentation includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and any necessary health certificates or phytosanitary certificates as mandated by Colombian authorities. Import permits may also be required depending on the specific type of packaged food being shipped.
We operate partnered facilities in key logistics hubs, including locations near important ports for strategic storage and fulfillment.
You can start by take the DNA “One Test Run Challenge” with a single shipment so we can demonstrate our visibility, reliability, and partnership-focused approach.
We offer ocean freight (FCL and LCL), air freight, ground transportation (domestic and cross-border trucking), customs brokerage, and warehousing & distribution, all supported by our SAMMIE visibility platform and dedicated Client Success Officers.
Call or schedule a call with our sales team to discuss your Honolulu → Cartagena shipping needs.
Talk to a logistics expert
Our team specializes in the Honolulu to Cartagena trade lane.
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