More than 20 years of experience in global Food transport
Philippines
United States
The ocean route from Manila to Houston offers significant advantages for transporting packaged food, ensuring the integrity and quality of shelf-stable items during transit. The extended journey allows for careful handling and temperature control, minimizing the risk of spoilage. Additionally, shipping via sea is often more cost-effective for bulk shipments of processed food, enabling businesses to optimize their logistics budgets. This route also connects two major markets, facilitating access to a diverse consumer base in North America.
In Manila, the Port of Manila serves as a key hub with modern facilities designed for efficient loading and unloading of dry goods, ensuring streamlined operations. The port is equipped with advanced customs processing capabilities, which helps expedite the export of packaged groceries. In Houston, the Port of Houston is one of the busiest in the United States, featuring extensive warehousing and distribution networks tailored for ambient food products. Both ports are supported by robust transportation infrastructure, including road and rail connections, enhancing the overall supply chain efficiency.
Comparative analysis of origin and destination capabilities.
Exporters must comply with Philippine Bureau of Customs regulations, including accurate export declarations and valuation
All imports are subject to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requirements, including accurate filing of Importer Security Filing (ISF) 10+2 and customs entries.
DNA Expert Assessment
Very High - Complex Regulatory Environment
High - Fragile/Moisture Sensitive
When shipping from Manila to Houston, prepare for significant delays due to the Southeast Asia Monsoon Season (May-September) and the Western Pacific Typhoon Season (June-November). Add extra buffer days to your schedules and maintain communication with carriers for real-time updates. During peak export periods (July-October), book vessel space well in advance to avoid congestion and plan for flexible routing options. Additionally, expect increased handling times during the Christmas retail peak (October-December) and the Black Friday surge (mid-November to early December).
When shipping ambient food, appropriate protection is critical for medium‑fragility items. Our team suggests using sturdy corrugated boxes with Tight internal dividers for Snacks. ...
Medium-weight cartons of packaged groceries must be handled as orientation-sensitive freight, especially where beverages are packed with snacks. We recommend clearly marking carton...
Using suitable shipping container for processed food supports product integrity and safe transit. For parcel shipments of ambient food, We recommend RSC cartons with inner cases to...
Even for shelf-stable dry food, shippers must comply with applicable food laws in both origin and destination markets. Always ensure all snacks have Legible ingredient lists, batch...
Before pickup and during cross-docking, stage ambient food in clean, dry, odor-free areas away from strong odors. Moisture-sensitive snacks Should be kept off the floor on Pallets ...
Moisture-sensitive shelf-stable food demands moisture-resistant inner packaging such as poly bags inside sturdy outer cartons. Our team suggests adding Desiccant packs and using “Keep Dry” 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 properly cushioned and bottled drinks are placed at the bottom of the carton. We recommend using Dividers for liquid items so that any leak does not damage 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 snacks, you might also need Health certificates and Proof of origin, especially for animal-derived ingredients.
For shelf-stable food with medium fragility and mixed dry food and bottled drinks, insurance providers typically recommend comprehensive cargo cover that includes spoilage and contamination. Be sure to Declare the full value of your Packaged groceries and record how goods are packed, as insurers may assess packaging quality when processing claims.
Most processed food and standard beverages are shipped in non-refrigerated transport as long as you protect from temperature extremes. We recommend checking manufacturer guidelines on Maximum storage temperature, especially for sensitive beverages, and planning transit to minimize exposure to very hot or very cold environments.
Required documentation includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and any necessary import permits or health certificates specific to food products, as per U.S. Customs and Border Protection regulations.
Yes, all packaged food must comply with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, including labeling requirements and safety standards. Additionally, products may need to be registered with the FDA if they are subject to prior notice requirements.
Our approach to risk and delays involves using SAMMIE as a mission-critical platform with live data, predictive alerts, and exception management so importers can manage risk, reduce delays, and reclaim control.
You receive smart, preemptive alerts about delays, reroutes, or exceptions so you are notified before you even ask.
Our ocean freight solutions include port-to-door service that covers customs and final-mile delivery.
Call or schedule a call with our sales team to discuss your Manila → Houston shipping needs.
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