Food and FMCG industry
For food producers and exporters who need a partner that understands sanitary requirements and delivery time sensitivity.
Cartrag organises transport of food, beverages and FMCG products - exports from Poland to Europe, Asia and both Americas, imports of food raw materials and semi-finished products. Handling of phytosanitary certificates, temperature control and a dedicated forwarding contact on every shipment.
Typical food and FMCG cargo
| Cargo type | Characteristics | Sensitivity |
|---|---|---|
| Dry food (flour, sugar, groats) | FCL or LCL, large volumes | Moisture, pests, odour |
| Beverages and concentrates | FCL, large weights | Temperature, packaging damage |
| Frozen and chilled products | Refrigerated container (reefer) | Temperature, cold chain continuity |
| Stimulants (coffee, tea, tobacco) | FCL or LCL, high value | Moisture, odour, theft |
| Food raw materials (oils, grains) | Bulk or FCL | Moisture, contamination |
| Cosmetics and household chemicals (FMCG) | FCL or LCL | Temperature, ADR for some products |
Logistics challenges in the food and FMCG industry
The food industry sets forwarding requirements beyond standard transport organisation:
- Expiry dates. A delivery delay can make the goods unsellable in the destination country. Precise planning and shipment monitoring are crucial.
- Sanitary and phytosanitary requirements. Food exports outside the EU require sanitary and phytosanitary certificates issued by the Veterinary Inspection or IJHARS. A missing document stops the goods at the border.
- Temperature control. Frozen and chilled products require cold chain continuity throughout transport - from loading to unloading at the destination port.
- Destination country requirements. Every market has its own regulations - labelling, Halal/Kosher certificates, FDA requirements for the USA. A documentation error holds the goods at clearance.
- Container cleanliness. A container used for food transport must meet cleanliness requirements and be free of odours from previous cargo. Container selection requires verification of usage history.
How Cartrag serves the food and FMCG industry
Cartrag organises transport of food and FMCG products comprehensively - from container verification and sanitary documentation, through customs clearance in Gdynia, to delivery to the consignee's address. Every shipment is run by a dedicated forwarding contact.
- For frozen and chilled products: transport organisation in reefer containers with temperature monitoring throughout the voyage.
- For exports outside the EU: coordination of sanitary and phytosanitary certificates, documentation matched to the specific destination country's requirements.
- For high-value FMCG products: professional packing and securing as part of the Container Packing service.
Transport services for the food and FMCG industry
| Service | When in the food industry |
|---|---|
| FCL | Large lots of dry food, beverages, stimulants - full loading units |
| LCL | Small lots, samples, assortment top-ups |
| FCL Reefer | Frozen and chilled products requiring temperature control |
| Container Packing | Professional packing and securing of high-value FMCG products |
Certificates and requirements in food and FMCG transport
| Requirement | Scope of Cartrag's handling |
|---|---|
| Sanitary and phytosanitary certificates | Coordination of documentation with the Veterinary Inspection and IJHARS |
| Halal / Kosher certificates | Verification of destination country requirements - scope confirmed with the client |
| FDA requirements (USA) | Coordination of import documentation for the American market |
| Certificates of origin (EUR.1, FORM A) | Documentation for customs preferences in the destination country |
| AEO customs clearance | Handled in cooperation with a customs agency |
Food and FMCG transport - frequently asked questions
Sanitary or phytosanitary certificates (Veterinary Inspection or IJHARS), a certificate of origin if required, invoice and packing list. Cartrag coordinates documentation for the destination country's requirements.
Yes, in reefer containers with temperature monitoring. The scope and temperature parameters are set for each specific enquiry.
FCL from Gdynia to major Asian ports (Shanghai, Singapore, Seoul) - approximately 25-35 days depending on the destination port and carrier service.
Yes, Cartrag coordinates documentation for FDA requirements and handles export customs clearance in Gdynia.
Yes, with no minimum volume and no long-term contract required to start.
YOUR CONTACT
Kasia | forwarding at Cartrag
"If something changes, the client should hear it from us - not find out by accident."