Shipping Food from San Jose to Puerto Quetzal via Ocean Freight

Moisture-sensitive Dry food Requires moisture-resistant inner packaging 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 Can ship Snacks and beverages together if all items are 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 Ambient food 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 origin documentation, especially for beverages.

For Packaged food with medium fragility and mixed Snacks and beverages, insurance providers typically recommend 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 Ambient food and standard Bottled drinks 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 must be properly sealed and stored in a temperature-controlled environment during ocean freight to prevent spoilage. It is essential to ensure that the packaging is robust enough to withstand the rigors of ocean transport, including humidity and potential impacts.

Required documentation includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and any necessary health certificates or phytosanitary certificates that verify the food complies with Guatemalan regulations. Additionally, customs declarations must be completed to facilitate clearance at both ports.

Customers have reported real-time updates on delays, a reduction in tracking time from 25–30 hours per week to 2–3 hours per week, more efficient management of many shipments, and the ability to quickly and efficiently update their own customers on project-based ocean freight shipments.

Teams can expect 50% less time spent tracking shipments, immediate visibility, fewer shipment errors and missed handoffs, better alignment between purchasing, logistics, and finance, and lower overhead with fewer manual check-ins.

Yes, within SAMMIE’s Smart Document Hub human help is one click away if your team needs additional support.