Flowers and Plants
Cut flowers, floral products, live plants, and other temperature-sensitive agricultural shipments.
Cut flowers and live plants are judged on appearance the moment they arrive, which makes cool chain consistency and transit time especially important. Around major floral dates, volume through LAX increases sharply, and coordination — space, timing, and inspection readiness — becomes as important as the cold chain itself.
Typical Temperature Range
Most temperate cut flowers are held around 2–4°C (36–39°F) to slow respiration and extend vase life. Many tropical flowers (such as orchids, anthuriums, and heliconias) are chill-sensitive and are instead held warmer, typically 7–13°C (45–55°F), to avoid petal and foliage damage.
Examples
Handling Notes
- Post-harvest hydration and pre-cooling before tender help flowers arrive in better condition
- Boxes are typically oriented and stacked per grower instructions to prevent crushing and bruising
- Live plants and certain propagative material may be subject to additional inspection and handling requirements under CITES or USDA APHIS rules
- Seasonal peaks (e.g., major floral holidays) mean space and inspection capacity should be coordinated well in advance
Common Documentation
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- Phytosanitary certificate for cut flowers and live plants
- CITES permit for regulated or protected plant species, where applicable
Documentation requirements vary by origin, destination, and specific product — confirm exact requirements for your shipment with our operations team before booking.
Quick Answers
What temperature does flowers and plants ship at by air?
Most temperate cut flowers are held around 2–4°C (36–39°F) to slow respiration and extend vase life. Many tropical flowers (such as orchids, anthuriums, and heliconias) are chill-sensitive and are instead held warmer, typically 7–13°C (45–55°F), to avoid petal and foliage damage.
What documentation is required for flowers and plants moving through LAX?
Commonly required: Commercial invoice and packing list; Phytosanitary certificate for cut flowers and live plants; CITES permit for regulated or protected plant species, where applicable. Exact requirements vary by origin, destination, and specific product — confirm them with our operations team before booking.
Does FTE Perishable handle flowers and plants at LAX?
Yes. FTE Perishable coordinates flowers and plants moving through Los Angeles International Airport — cut flowers, floral products, live plants, and other temperature-sensitive agricultural shipments. Coordination covers booking, temperature-controlled handling and storage, documentation, and release or tender at LAX. We are a coordination service, not an airline or a licensed customs broker.
Related Services
Services commonly coordinated for flowers and plants shipments.
Shipping Flowers and Plants?
Share your shipment details and our LAX operations team will confirm handling requirements and next steps.