Shipping Food from Santos to Puerto Barrios via Ocean Freight

Moisture-sensitive shelf-stable food demands moisture-resistant inner packaging such as poly bags inside sturdy outer cartons. Our team suggests adding Desiccant packs and using “Keep Dry” 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 all items are properly cushioned and bottled drinks are placed at the bottom of the carton. We recommend using Dividers for beverages so that any leak does not damage surrounding packaged groceries.

Most international shipments of packaged groceries will 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 Proof of origin, especially for beverages.

For shelf-stable food with medium fragility and mixed dry food and bottled drinks, insurance providers typically recommend comprehensive cargo cover that includes spoilage and contamination. Be sure to Declare the full value of your Packaged groceries and note your packing methods, as insurers may assess packaging quality when processing claims.

Most processed food and standard beverages Can be shipped in non-refrigerated transport as long as you protect from temperature extremes. We recommend 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.

Packaged food must be handled with care to prevent damage during ocean freight. It is essential to ensure that the products are properly sealed and packed to withstand moisture and temperature fluctuations during transit. Additionally, maintaining proper ventilation and avoiding excessive stacking can help preserve the quality of the food.

The required documentation typically includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and any specific health certificates or import permits mandated by Guatemalan authorities for food products. It is important to ensure compliance with both Brazilian export regulations and Guatemalan import requirements to facilitate smooth customs clearance.

DNA’s “One Test Run” offer is an invitation to move a single shipment with DNA so we can demonstrate our visibility, reliability, and partnership, showing how our SAMMIE platform and proactive team perform in a real-world test.

Yes, absolutely. You don’t have to move your whole operation; you can give us one shipment in any mode or lane as a “test run,” and we’ll handle it end-to-end with precision, transparency, and care.

Our SAMMIE system offers a live look at shipments from port to final delivery with 18 milestone updates, satellite container tracking, and instant alerts, so your team always knows what’s moving, what’s delayed, and what’s next.