Commodities

Meat and Poultry

Fresh, chilled, and frozen meat and poultry products.

Meat and poultry shipments carry some of the strictest documentation and inspection requirements of any perishable commodity, alongside strict temperature control. Coordinating these shipments means keeping the cool chain intact while making sure the paperwork keeps pace with agency review.

Typical Temperature Range

Chilled meat and poultry is generally held at 0–4°C (32–39°F). Frozen product is held at -18°C (0°F) or below, consistent with USDA and international frozen-chain standards.

Examples

Fresh and chilled beef, pork, and lambFresh and frozen poultryProcessed and value-added meat productsSpecialty and export-grade cuts

Handling Notes

  • Product is typically vacuum-sealed or cryovac-packed to protect quality and manage temperature during transit
  • Chilled (never-frozen) product has a materially shorter usable window than frozen product and is generally prioritized for expedited handling
  • Segregation from other commodities and strict adherence to the cool chain are typically required by both airline and destination-market rules

Common Documentation

  • Commercial invoice and packing list
  • USDA FSIS export health certificate (for U.S.-origin exports) or equivalent import health certificate
  • Import permits as required by the destination country

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 meat and poultry ship at by air?

Chilled meat and poultry is generally held at 0–4°C (32–39°F). Frozen product is held at -18°C (0°F) or below, consistent with USDA and international frozen-chain standards.

What documentation is required for meat and poultry moving through LAX?

Commonly required: Commercial invoice and packing list; USDA FSIS export health certificate (for U.S.-origin exports) or equivalent import health certificate; Import permits as required by the destination country. Exact requirements vary by origin, destination, and specific product — confirm them with our operations team before booking.

Does FTE Perishable handle meat and poultry at LAX?

Yes. FTE Perishable coordinates meat and poultry moving through Los Angeles International Airport — fresh, chilled, and frozen meat and poultry products. 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 meat and poultry shipments.

Shipping Meat and Poultry?

Share your shipment details and our LAX operations team will confirm handling requirements and next steps.