Shipping Packaged Food from Piraeus to New Orleans via Ocean Freight

Moisture-sensitive shelf-stable food demands waterproof protection such as poly bags inside sturdy outer cartons. Our team suggests adding Desiccant packs and using clear handling labels on all ambient food shipments, especially when moving through humid or coastal routes.

You are allowed to ship dry food and bottled drinks together if every unit is properly cushioned and bottled drinks are placed at the bottom of the carton. We recommend using separate inner boxes for beverages so that any leak does not damage surrounding packaged groceries.

Most international shipments of packaged groceries will require itemized invoices listing full product descriptions, HS codes, and values. Depending on the destination and type of snacks, you might also need Health certificates and origin documentation, especially for beverages.

For shelf-stable food with medium fragility and mixed dry food and bottled drinks, most shippers choose comprehensive cargo cover that includes spoilage and contamination. Be sure to Declare the full value of your beverages and note your packing methods, 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 heat sensitivity, especially for oil-based dry food, and planning transit to minimize exposure to very hot or very cold environments.

Packaged food should be stored in a temperature-controlled environment throughout the journey to prevent spoilage. Additionally, it is essential to ensure that the packaging is robust and resistant to moisture and contamination, as the ocean freight environment can expose products to varying humidity levels.

Shipments of packaged food must comply with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, including proper labeling, ingredient disclosure, and adherence to safety standards. Importers must also submit a prior notice to the FDA before the food arrives in the U.S., ensuring all documentation is accurate and complete to facilitate customs clearance.

Our approach reduces customs delays and risk through in-house brokerage, a digital-first customs process with automation, SAMMIE’s ability to flag potential delays before they happen, and continuous communication from your Client Success Officer.

The ETAs we provide are AI-powered and based on real data, congestion, and vessel telemetry, whereas other forwarders often rely on static estimates copied from carrier schedules.

Users say SAMMIE’s data as extremely accurate and reliable, especially compared to the inaccurate or outdated data they used before adopting the platform.