More than 15 years of experience in worldwide Dry Food transport
Nigeria
United States
The ocean route from Lagos to Charlotte offers significant advantages for transporting packaged food, ensuring that processed items maintain their quality during transit due to stable temperature conditions. The lengthy journey allows for efficient bulk shipping, reducing costs per unit for dry food and ambient products. Additionally, this route provides access to diverse markets, enhancing distribution opportunities for shelf-stable groceries in the southeastern United States.
Lagos boasts a well-developed port infrastructure, equipped with modern facilities to handle large volumes of cargo, which streamlines the loading and unloading processes for packaged goods. In Charlotte, the logistics network is supported by extensive warehousing options and efficient road connections, facilitating quick distribution to retailers and consumers. Together, these infrastructures ensure a seamless transition for ambient food products from ocean freight to local markets.
Comparative analysis of origin and destination capabilities.
Exporters must comply with Nigerian Export Promotion Council regulations and obtain all necessary export documentation before shipment.
All inbound cargo are subject to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) inspection and must be accompanied by proper invoices and packing lists.
DNA Expert Assessment
Very High - Complex Regulatory Environment
High - Fragile/Moisture Sensitive
When shipping from Lagos to Charlotte, anticipate the West Africa rainy season (June-September), which may cause delays due to heavy rainfall and port congestion. Expect extended transit times during the Atlantic hurricane season (June-November) and secure flexible berthing windows. Additionally, account for increased demand during the year-end inventory build peak (September-December) and Christmas retail peak (October-December), which can lead to tighter capacity and longer lead times. Always reinforce contingency plans to mitigate disruptions during these critical periods.
When shipping ambient food, appropriate protection Is essential for medium‑fragility items. Our team suggests using sturdy corrugated boxes with cell partitions for ambient food. F...
Medium-weight cartons of packaged groceries must be handled as “this side up” freight, especially where beverages are packed with snacks. Our team recommends clearly marking carton...
Using suitable shipping container for processed food Helps product integrity and safe transit. For parcel shipments of ambient food, our team suggests outer shippers with inner car...
Even for shelf-stable dry food, shippers must comply with Food safety regulations in both origin and destination markets. Always ensure all snacks have clear labeling, batch or lot...
Before pickup and during cross-docking, stage ambient food in Cool, dry, well-ventilated areas away from strong odors. Moisture-sensitive snacks must be kept off the floor on shelv...
Moisture-sensitive shelf-stable food demands A sealed inner barrier such as poly bags inside sturdy outer cartons. Our team suggests adding silica gel 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 Each item is properly cushioned and bottled drinks are placed at the bottom of the carton. Our logistics team recommends using separate inner boxes for liquid items so that any leak does not contaminate surrounding dry food.
Most international shipments of packaged groceries will 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 origin documentation, especially for animal-derived ingredients.
For shelf-stable food with medium fragility and mixed dry food and bottled drinks, We recommend comprehensive cargo cover that includes spoilage and contamination. Be sure to accurately declare values of your beverages and record how goods are packed, as insurers may evaluate packaging quality when processing claims.
Most processed food and standard beverages Can be shipped in non-refrigerated transport as long as you protect from temperature extremes. Our team recommends 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 shipments from Nigeria to the United States must comply with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, including registration of the facility where the food is produced and adherence to labeling requirements. Additionally, a phytosanitary certificate may be required, and all products must meet U.S. safety standards.
Packaged food must be stored in a temperature-controlled environment during transit to maintain quality. Proper packaging is essential to prevent damage and contamination. Additionally, it's crucial to ensure that all food items are shelf-stable and have adequate expiration dates to comply with import regulations upon arrival in the U.S.
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Our team delivers 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.
Our system offers invoicing insights that flag duplicates, match line items, and streamline billing through AI-driven reconciliation and analytics.
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