Shipping Ambient Food from Manzanillo to Oakland via Ocean Freight

Moisture-sensitive shelf-stable food necessitates waterproof protection such as Foil pouches inside sturdy outer cartons. Our team suggests adding silica gel and using “Keep Dry” labels on all ambient food shipments, especially when moving through humid or coastal routes.

You are allowed to ship shelf-stable food with drinks together if every unit is Individually protected and bottled drinks are placed at the bottom of the carton. Our logistics team recommends using Dividers for beverages so that any leak does not damage surrounding packaged groceries.

Most international shipments of packaged groceries typically need itemized invoices listing full product descriptions, HS codes, and values. Depending on the destination and type of Food, you might also need manufacturer declarations and Proof of origin, especially for beverages.

For shelf-stable food with medium fragility and mixed ambient food and drinks, most shippers choose All-risk cargo insurance that includes spoilage and contamination. Be sure to accurately declare values of your Packaged groceries and note your packing methods, as insurers may assess packaging quality when processing claims.

Most processed food and standard snacks are shipped in Ambient conditions as long as you protect from temperature extremes. Our team recommends checking manufacturer guidelines on Maximum storage temperature, especially for oil-based dry food, and planning transit to minimize exposure to very hot or very cold environments.

Shipments of packaged food require a commercial invoice, packing list, and may need a health certificate or phytosanitary certificate depending on the specific product. Additionally, compliance with U.S. FDA regulations is necessary, including prior notice for food imports.

Packaged food should be stored in a dry, cool environment during transit to prevent spoilage. It's important to ensure that containers are sealed properly to avoid contamination, and to monitor humidity levels, as excessive moisture can affect shelf stability.

Now, SAMMIE has become a mission-critical platform used by leading importers to manage risk, reduce delays, and reclaim control over their logistics.

We see relationships as key because behind every successful shipment is a team that cares, bringing experience, dedication, and human connection to every client relationship.

Human checks are important because before arrival, our team verifies data to complement live carrier feeds, port tracking, and AI rules, improving the accuracy of our DNA Expert ETA.