Perishables or produce

When shipping perishables, freshness is key. We have years of experience developing efficient handling procedures to ensure that shipments arrive on time. United offers flights seven days a week and can ship your perishables to virtually anywhere in the world. In the air, we have a temperature-controlled compartment for produce. On the ground, refrigeration facilities are available at over 100 locations.

Book your perishable shipment today or contact us for further assistance.

Features

• Airport-to-airport air freight service
• Interlining available
• Special handling at all points on routing

Acceptance times

* The gateway location is the station where the shipment is loaded on an international flight.
** United’s U.S. hub locations are DEN, EWR, IAD, IAH, LAX, ORD and SFO.

Recovery times (after flight arrival)

Shipping requirements

To ensure that the shipping process goes as smoothly as possible, please adhere to the following requirements:

• Advance bookings are required.
• Booking must include the number of pieces and weight and dimensions of each box.
• E and EH container maximum weight is 250 lbs. / 113 kg.
• Maximum weight on narrowbody flights is 350 lbs. / 158 kg per piece.
• Shipment must comply with all local, state, federal and international regulations.
• Shipments will be protected at the origin station for no more than three hours prior to the normal tender time for that station’s outbound flight.
• Shipments will be protected at the destination city for no more than four hours after notification to consignee of the shipment's arrival.
• Cargo will be inspected to ensure that it complies with TSA security rules and our packaging requirements.
• Shippers may be required to sign a perishable disclaimer, as weather conditions may affect the transportation of perishable goods.
• Air waybill must include 24-hour contact name and phone number for shipper and consignee.

Packaging requirements

To ensure that the shipping process goes as smoothly as possible, please adhere to the following requirements:

• Shipment boxes must be labeled appropriately.
• Shipment should indicate temperature constraints, if applicable.
• Each piece must be legibly and durably labeled with the names and addresses of the shipper and the consignee.
• Shipments must be packaged to withstand a total transit time of at least 48 hours without refrigeration for transit within the U.S. and 72 hours for international transit.
• Shipments must be prepared or packaged to ensure safe transportation with ordinary handling care.
• Gel packs, dry ice, and wet ice are the only acceptable refrigerants. A shipper using wet ice as refrigerant must be pre-validated and comply with specific inner packaging, outer packaging, and ULD packaging requirements as outlined on the Perishable Foodstuff Acceptance Checklist.

Overtender policy

We are dedicated to providing reliable service and are committed to moving shipments as booked. In return, we ask that our customers provide accurate cubic dimensions and weight when booking. Documents must be clearly labeled with a 24-hour contact name and telephone number, should discrepancies arise. We cannot ensure the “moved as booked” commitment unless shipments tendered reflect the booked weight, dimensions and piece count.