Shipping Dry Food from Puerto Barrios to Savannah via Ocean Freight

Moisture-sensitive shelf-stable food necessitates moisture-resistant inner packaging such as poly bags inside sturdy outer cartons. Most shippers recommend adding drying agents and using clear handling 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 all items are properly cushioned and beverages are placed at the bottom of the carton. Most carriers recommend using separate inner boxes for beverages so that any leak does not contaminate surrounding packaged groceries.

Most international shipments of packaged groceries typically need detailed invoices listing full product descriptions, HS codes, and values. Depending on the destination and type of snacks, you could be asked for free-sale certificates and origin documentation, especially for beverages.

For shelf-stable food with medium fragility and mixed ambient food and drinks, insurance providers typically recommend comprehensive cargo cover that includes damage from moisture and breakage. Be sure to list realistic replacement values of your beverages and note your packing methods, as insurers may evaluate packaging quality when processing claims.

Most processed food and standard snacks Can be shipped in non-refrigerated transport as long as you keep them within labeled storage temperatures. Most carriers recommend checking manufacturer guidelines on heat sensitivity, especially for oil-based dry food, and scheduling moves to minimize exposure to very hot or very cold environments.

Packaged food must be stored in a temperature-controlled environment during transit to maintain quality. It is essential to ensure that the cargo holds are kept dry and free from contaminants. Additionally, proper ventilation is necessary to prevent moisture buildup, which could affect the integrity of the food products.

Shipments of packaged food must comply with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, including registration of the facility where the food is produced. Documentation such as a prior notice to the FDA before shipping, as well as compliance with labeling requirements and food safety standards, is required for customs clearance.

The SAMMIE system helps customers stay ahead of issues with instant delay alerts, automatic exception flags, and “hot” shipment flagging so you can prioritize critical freight and address problems before they ripple into larger issues.

Our team provides in-house customs brokerage that handles classification, documentation, and clearance across U.S. and global ports with accuracy and speed, supported by SAMMIE’s delay flagging and ongoing updates from your dedicated Client Success Officer.

Our customers get live map tracking with milestone updates and 24/7 access via SAMMIE, while other forwarders often provide only basic carrier links and manual updates that can be delayed or incomplete.