Protected handling of your valuable Bottled Drinks freight
Puerto Rico
Colombia
The ocean route from San Juan to Cartagena offers a cost-effective and reliable means of transporting packaged food products. Utilizing the vast maritime network ensures that processed and dry foods maintain their quality during transit while benefiting from economies of scale. This pathway is particularly advantageous for shelf-stable groceries, allowing for bulk shipments that reduce overall logistics costs. Additionally, the route's established shipping lanes facilitate efficient movement, minimizing potential disruptions.
San Juan features a modern port equipped with advanced cargo handling facilities, ensuring swift loading and unloading of ambient food products. In Cartagena, the port is well-connected to major road networks, providing seamless access for distribution throughout Colombia. Both locations are supported by robust infrastructure, including customs services and warehousing options, which enhance the overall efficiency of logistics operations for packaged groceries. These elements combine to create a streamlined process for the movement of food products across the Caribbean Sea.
Comparative analysis of origin and destination capabilities.
Shipments from Puerto Rico are subject to United States export control regulations, including EAR and applicable sanctions programs.
Imports are subject to Colombian customs valuation, tariff classification, and technical requirements.
DNA Expert Assessment
Very High - Complex Regulatory Environment
High - Fragile/Moisture Sensitive
When planning shipments from San Juan, Puerto Rico to Cartagena, Colombia, anticipate the Atlantic Hurricane Season (June-November) and build in buffer days to accommodate potential weather disruptions. During the North America Summer Holiday Peak (late June-early September), prepare for increased congestion and book vessel space well in advance. Additionally, during the Saharan Dust Season (June-September), factor in possible delays due to reduced visibility and confirm that navigation systems are prepared for dust exposure.
When shipping ambient food, Proper packaging is critical for medium‑fragility items. Most carriers recommend using Double-walled cartons with cell partitions for ambient food. For ...
Medium-weight cartons of packaged groceries Should be handled as orientation-sensitive freight, especially where liquid products are packed with Dry food. Our team recommends clear...
Using suitable shipping container for Food supports product integrity and damage reduction. For parcel shipments of Dry food and snacks, our team suggests outer shippers with inner...
Even for shelf-stable dry food, You must comply with applicable food laws in both origin and destination markets. You should ensure all Packaged groceries have clear labeling, batc...
Before pickup and during cross-docking, stage Packaged food in clean, dry, odor-free areas away from contaminants. Moisture-sensitive Dry food must be kept off the floor on shelvin...
Moisture-sensitive shelf-stable food Requires moisture-resistant inner packaging such as laminated liners inside sturdy outer cartons. We recommend adding silica gel and using clear handling labels on all ambient food shipments, especially when moving through humid or coastal routes.
You are allowed to ship Snacks and beverages together if all items are securely packed and Liquids are placed at the bottom of the carton. Our logistics team recommends using separate inner boxes for beverages so that any leak does not contaminate surrounding Snacks.
Most international shipments of packaged groceries Require detailed invoices listing full product descriptions, HS codes, and values. Depending on the destination and type of beverages, you May also need manufacturer declarations and origin documentation, especially for beverages.
For shelf-stable food with medium fragility and mixed Snacks and beverages, insurance providers typically recommend all-risks freight insurance that includes Leakage, breakage, and contamination. Be sure to accurately declare values of your beverages and note your packing methods, as insurers may evaluate packaging quality when processing claims.
Most processed food and standard Bottled drinks Can be shipped in standard dry vans as long as you Avoid extreme heat and freezing. Our team recommends 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.
The shipment of packaged food requires a commercial invoice, a packing list, and a phytosanitary certificate to comply with Colombian regulations. Additionally, import permits may be necessary depending on the specific food products being shipped.
Seasonal weather patterns, such as hurricane season from June to November, can affect ocean freight operations. It's important to monitor weather forecasts during this period as it may lead to delays or route adjustments.
Our team delivers end-to-end freight forwarding across ocean, air, and ground transportation, plus customs brokerage, warehousing and distribution, and access to our AI-powered SAMMIE tracking and exception management platform.
Our system offers invoicing insights that flag duplicates, match line items, and streamline billing through AI-driven reconciliation and analytics.
Our air freight services include expedited air options for urgent and high-value shipments when every hour counts.
Call or schedule a call with our sales team to discuss your San Juan → Cartagena shipping needs.
Talk to a logistics expert
Our team specializes in the San Juan to Cartagena trade lane.
1-786-949-7330Join hundreds of companies who trust DNA Supply Chain for their logistics needs. Transparent pricing, real-time tracking, and dedicated support.