Logistics

International food logistics — reliable, compliant, end-to-end

Moving food across international borders is more complex than standard freight. Products have shelf lives. Customs authorities have strict import rules. Cold chains can't be broken — see our complete cold chain logistics for food export guide to understand why temperature control is non-negotiable. And buyers have delivery windows that, if missed, cost you the relationship.

Our logistics service manages every stage of that journey — from the moment your product leaves the production facility to the moment it clears customs at its destination. We coordinate packaging, warehousing, freight booking (sea or air), documentation, customs clearance, and final delivery tracking. Not sure which shipping method suits your product? Read our sea freight vs air freight guide for food exporters.

We work with a trusted network of freight forwarders, cold chain carriers, and customs agents across our key trade corridors — ensuring your shipments move efficiently no matter the destination.

International food export logistics — container ship loading at Hamburg port for delivery to Africa and the Middle East
Cold chain food logistics — refrigerated storage and temperature-controlled shipping for perishable food exports

What's included

  • Export packaging advisory and coordination
  • Sea freight (FCL/LCL) and air freight booking
  • Cold chain and temperature-controlled logistics
  • Customs clearance — EU export and destination import
  • All required export documentation (Bill of Lading, Certificate of Origin, Health Certificates)
  • Real-time shipment tracking and status updates
  • Cargo insurance coordination

Sea vs Air split

Sea freight: best for grains, canned goods, beverages, nuts — large volumes, 2–6 week transit

Air freight: best for fresh produce, seafood, perishables — urgent or high-value, 2–7 day transit

We advise the right method based on your product, destination, and timeline.

We also publish practical guides on reducing delays in food export shipping and cost optimization strategies for food exporters.

Frequently Asked Questions — Food Export Logistics

How long does international food shipping take?

Transit times vary by destination — typically 2-3 weeks by sea to West Africa, 2-4 weeks to the Middle East and Gulf. Add customs clearance time (3-21 days depending on the market) when planning delivery commitments to buyers.

Sea freight or air freight — which is better for food export?

Sea freight is the standard choice for most food export shipments due to cost efficiency and reefer container availability. Air freight suits smaller, higher-value, or extremely time-sensitive shipments where the premium cost is justified.

How much does it cost to export food internationally?

Costs depend on volume, destination, product type, and Incoterm chosen. Freight, duties, documentation, and compliance costs all factor in — we provide a full landed cost breakdown as part of every consultation.

Can you ship small volumes or do you only handle full containers?

We manage both FCL (full container load) and LCL (less than container load) shipments, so smaller volume exporters can still access reliable, compliant logistics without committing to full container quantities.

Do you handle cold chain logistics for frozen or perishable food?

Yes — cold chain management is a core part of our logistics service, including reefer container booking, continuous temperature monitoring, and port-side cold storage coordination at destination.

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