Shipping Frozen Food
Chill out with our frozen food shipping service! From gourmet delights to everyday essentials, we deliver your frosty favorites with speed and reliability. Explore our icy-cool shipping solutions and keep your cravings satisfied, no matter the distance!
How to Ship Frozen Food Safely and Efficiently
Shipping frozen food requires careful handling to maintain product integrity and ensure it arrives in perfect condition. Whether you’re a food supplier, meal prep service, or retailer shipping bulk orders, FreightCenter’s 3PL services help you ship frozen goods securely, affordably, and on time. By partnering with top-rated carriers, we find the best temperature-controlled shipping solutions and rates for your specific needs.
Frozen food is highly perishable and must remain at a consistent temperature to prevent spoilage. Follow these best practices to protect your shipment and ensure a smooth delivery:
How to Properly Package Frozen Food
Use Insulated Packaging: Select a sturdy, insulated foam container or a thick-walled corrugated box with a thermal liner to maintain the required temperature.
Choose the Right Coolant: Use dry ice for items that must stay frozen or gel packs for refrigerated products. Ensure the amount of coolant is sufficient for the transit duration.
Wrap Items Individually: Place frozen food in airtight, leak-proof bags or vacuum-sealed pouches to prevent freezer burn and cross-contamination.
Fill Empty Spaces: Use packing materials such as crumpled paper or foam inserts to prevent items from shifting and to help maintain insulation.
Seal and Label Properly: Secure the package with heavy-duty packing tape, and clearly mark it as “Perishable” and “Keep Frozen” to inform handlers of special requirements. If using dry ice, include a hazardous materials label as required by shipping regulations.
Shipping Bulk Frozen Food Orders
For larger frozen food shipments, FreightCenter can coordinate LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) or FTL (Full-Truckload) refrigerated freight shipping, helping you save costs while ensuring a seamless cold chain. Our network of experienced temperature-controlled carriers ensures your frozen goods are transported at the proper temperature throughout the journey.
By following these guidelines and partnering with FreightCenter, you can ship frozen food with confidence, knowing it will arrive safely and in optimal condition.
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Choosing the Right Freight Company to Ship Frozen Food Products
To ensure the safe and efficient transportation of your goods, choosing the right freight company is important. This means choosing a company specializing in cold chain logistics and having experience in handling and transporting temperature-sensitive goods. Also, look for a freight company that offers real-time shipment tracking and monitoring systems. These systems provide visibility into the location, temperature, and condition of your frozen food products throughout transportation.
Reliability, cost, and insurance are also things that should be considered before choosing a freight company. At FreightCenter, we offer a wide range of shipping services, very competitive rates, various insurance options, a large carrier network, real-time tracking, and our expertise and customer support will help you throughout the process.
Choosing the Right Transportation Method to Ship Frozen Food Products
Before deciding on which transportation method you will use to ship your frozen food products, you should consider temperature control capabilities, regulatory compliance, distance and duration of the shipment, cost implications, and the transportation provider’s reliability to determine which transportation mode is best for you. The most common freight methods for shipping frozen food products are air freight, ocean freight, and ground freight, which all offer temperature-controlled units.
Refrigerated trucks are popular for transporting frozen food products over shorter distances. They are equipped with insulated containers that maintain the required low temperatures throughout the journey. Air cargo is often used for transporting frozen food products over long distances. Airlines have specialized cargo holds equipped with temperature-controlled units to ensure that the products remain frozen throughout the flight. Ocean freight is a common choice for international shipments of frozen food products. Refrigerated containers are used to maintain the required temperatures during transit.
Necessary Documents to Ship Frozen Food Products
There are several necessary documents that you may need to prepare when shipping frozen food products to ensure compliance with regulations and facilitate the smooth transportation of the goods. The specific requirements may vary depending on the country of origin and destination, as well as the mode of transportation.
Some common documents you may need are:
- Bill of Lading
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Health Certificates
- Export/Import Licenses
- Certificate of Origin
- Insurance Documents
- Customs Documentation
It’s important to consult with shipping carriers, freight forwarders, and customs authorities to make sure you have all the necessary documentation to comply with the specific requirements of the countries involved in the shipment.
How to Prepare Frozen Food Products for Transportation
- Choose appropriate packaging materials that can maintain the temperature of the frozen food products. Insulated containers, such as foam coolers or insulated boxes, are commonly used.
- Make sure that the frozen food products have been appropriately frozen before packing. They should be completely frozen throughout to maintain their quality and safety during transportation.
- Line the bottom of the insulated container with an appropriate insulating material, such as newspaper or bubble wrap. This will provide an additional insulation layer to help maintain the temperature inside.
- Place the frozen food products inside the insulated container, ensuring they are arranged to maximize space utilization. Leave minimal empty spaces to reduce the risk of temperature fluctuations.
- Depending on the duration of transportation, add gel packs, dry ice, or other cold packs to help maintain the frozen temperature. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the container and properly secured to prevent any contact with the food products.
- Close the insulated container and seal it tightly with tape to prevent any air leakage. Ensure that the container is well-insulated and there are no gaps that can allow warm air to enter.
- Clearly label the package as “Frozen” and include any necessary handling instructions, such as “Keep Frozen” or “Perishable.”
Regulations and Standards for Shipping Frozen Food Products
By complying with regulations and standards for shipping frozen food products, you prioritize food safety, maintain product quality, meet legal obligations, and mitigate risks. Shipping frozen food products requires compliance with various regulations and standards to protect the products throughout the transportation process.
Key standards and regulations involved with shipping frozen food products to be aware of are Food Safety Regulations set by the relevant authorities in the country of origin and destination. Temperature Control, the products must be kept at the required frozen temperature to ensure their quality and safety. Packaging and Labeling should be designed to withstand the freezing temperatures and prevent moisture or other contaminants from entering the product. Import/Export Regulations, you must comply with the import and export regulations of both the country of origin and destination. Transportation Regulations vary based on the mode of transport.
How Much Does it Cost to Ship Frozen Food Products?
There is no official cost to ship frozen food products. The cost will be determined by the weight and dimensions of the package, the distance it needs to travel, the shipping method chosen, and any additional services required.
Prices can also vary based on the shipping carrier you choose and the level of service you require, such as overnight or express shipping. For international shipping, the costs can be higher due to customs regulations, additional documentation requirements, and longer transit times. To get an accurate estimate of the shipping costs for your specific situation, it’s best to contact logistics providers directly. They will be able to provide you with detailed pricing information based on your specific requirements.
At FreightCenter, we understand that shipping frozen food requires careful temperature control, secure packaging, and reliable delivery. Whether you’re a food supplier, restaurant distributor, grocery retailer, or meal prep service, our tailored freight solutions ensure that your frozen products arrive safely and in perfect condition. Here’s how FreightCenter helps you ship frozen food using the best refrigerated freight options:
Refrigerated trailers, commonly known as reefer trailers, are essential for shipping frozen food while maintaining strict temperature control. These specialized trailers use advanced refrigeration technology to keep products at consistent temperatures, ensuring food safety and freshness throughout transit. FreightCenter partners with a nationwide network of reefer carriers, offering both LTL and FTL temperature-controlled solutions. Whether you need consistent refrigerated transport for regular shipments or on-demand reefer shipping, we connect you with the right carriers to ensure reliable, cost-effective delivery.
If you’re shipping smaller batches of frozen food, LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) refrigerated shipping is the perfect solution. This method allows you to share refrigerated truck space with other shipments, making it a cost-effective way to transport moderate-sized perishable loads. Whether you're a meal prep service, small food distributor, or specialty grocery supplier, our network of trusted temperature-controlled LTL carriers ensures safe, efficient transport while keeping your costs low.
For larger frozen food shipments, such as bulk inventory for grocery stores, restaurant suppliers, or wholesale distributors, FTL (Full-Truckload) refrigerated shipping is the best option. With FTL, your entire shipment is transported in one dedicated refrigerated truck, reducing the risk of temperature fluctuations, excessive handling, or transit delays. This ensures frozen goods arrive in peak condition, making it ideal for businesses stocking inventory or fulfilling large-scale orders. FreightCenter arranges customized truckload solutions to keep your products secure, properly chilled, and delivered directly to their destination.
Cold Box containers use active temperature control to keep products at the right temperature, no matter how hot or cold the weather is. The Cold Boxes are pallet-sized containers that let businesses ship temperature-sensitive items along with regular freight on shared trucks or box trucks. These containers are perfect for LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) shipments, as they help keep products safe while cutting down on shipping costs and reducing the environmental impact compared to using a traditional refrigerated truck.
Guaranteed competitive pricing every time you ship.
FreightCenter is Here To Help so You can Chill!
FreightCenter knows how important it is to deliver your food and produce safely and punctually. With over 25 years in the business, we’re committed to giving our customers the best shipping experience without breaking your budget. We’re partnered with over 50 carriers nationwide, which we leverage to offer discounted rates you can’t find anywhere else. We also provide tailored solutions for your shipping needs, including reefer shipping, cold box services, and specialized freight shipping. And best of all, repeat customers can earn points for special rewards every time they ship with us!
Ready to ship something now? Our agents are prepared to help you get started on shipping right. Get a free freight quote using our free quote tool, or call us at (800) 716-7608.
Frequently Asked Questions about Frozen Food Shipping
Q. How do I keep frozen food from thawing during shipping?
Use insulated packaging, such as foam coolers or thermal-lined boxes, along with dry ice or gel packs to maintain the proper temperature throughout transit.
Q. How long will dry ice or gel packs keep frozen food cold?
Dry ice typically keeps food frozen for 24-48 hours, while gel packs work best for shorter transit times (12-24 hours) or refrigerated (not fully frozen) shipments. The exact duration depends on the amount used and the insulation quality.
Q. What is the best way to ship cold food?
Dry ice and gel packs will keep food cold or frozen during shipping. A step above would be to use a carrier with reefer trailers (refrigerated trailers) to ensure the items are kept frozen or at the required temperature.
Q. Can I ship frozen food with regular parcel carriers like FedEx, UPS, or USPS?
Yes, but you must choose express or overnight shipping to minimize transit time and ensure the food remains frozen. Some carriers offer specialized cold chain services for perishable shipments.
Q. What is the best way to package frozen food for shipping?
Use vacuum-sealed or leak-proof packaging to prevent freezer burn and contamination. Place the food inside an insulated container, add coolants (dry ice or gel packs), and fill any empty space with padding to prevent movement.
Q. Is dry ice required when shipping frozen food?
Not always, but it’s highly recommended for shipments that must stay completely frozen for over 24 hours. If using dry ice, follow hazardous material regulations and label the package accordingly.
Q. How should I label a package containing frozen food?
Clearly mark it as “Perishable – Keep Frozen” and, if using dry ice, include a hazard label indicating the presence of dry ice with its weight. This ensures proper handling.
Q. What shipping method should I use for bulk frozen food orders?
For large frozen shipments, reefer (refrigerated) LTL or FTL trucking is the best option. These temperature-controlled trucks maintain a stable environment to keep food frozen throughout transit.
Q. Can I ship frozen food internationally?
Yes, but you must comply with customs regulations, food safety laws, and import/export restrictions of the destination country. Specialized freight services may be required for long-distance international shipping.
Q. What should I do if my frozen shipment arrives thawed?
If you purchased shipping insurance, file a claim with the carrier immediately. Document the condition with photos and notify the recipient to check food safety guidelines before consumption.
The FreightCenter Advantage
Expertise in Frozen Shipping
Our award-winning team has previous experience shipping frozen items, ensuring your precious items arrive at it's destination on time. We’re partnered with a 50+ network of professional carriers. You handle the packaging, and we handle the rest.
Customizable Shipping Options
Need a liftgate? No problem! Need to ship your products quickly? We got you covered! Our FreightCenter agents can offer you tailored solutions for your specific shipping needs, no matter what kind of small business you are.
Friendly Customer Support
Our customer support team has the answers to many of your shipping questions and concerns. We’re here to help you through every step of the shipping process, from initial inquiries to post-shipment issues.
