What sourcing from Meridian looks like
A plain-English walk-through of international, full-container sourcing—from your first quote request to delivery in the Caribbean. Built for buyers who want dependable cold-chain supply without the guesswork of FCL importing.
From quote to delivery, in six stages
Select any stage to see what happens, the regulatory checkpoint there, and your role at that step. Built to make full-container sourcing legible—not a black box.
Engage
Request a quote
- What happens
- You tell us what you need—products, volumes, schedule, specifications, and destination—through the quote builder. No account or commitment required.
- Regulatory checkpoint
- None yet — this is the scoping conversation, not an order.
- Your role
- Share what you know; every expert field has a “not sure — advise me” option.
1EngageRequest a quote
- What happens
- You tell us what you need—products, volumes, schedule, specifications, and destination—through the quote builder. No account or commitment required.
- Regulatory checkpoint
- None yet — this is the scoping conversation, not an order.
- Your role
- Share what you know; every expert field has a “not sure — advise me” option.
2EngageScope & quote
- What happens
- We translate your requirements into a per-shipment landed-cost quote—product, freight, insurance, duties, and clearance—scoped to your chosen Incoterm.
- Regulatory checkpoint
- Your Incoterm defines where cost and responsibility transfer.
- Your role
- Review the quote and confirm the terms—or ask us to recommend the best option.
3Source & shipSourcing at USDA-FSIS plants
- What happens
- Your order is produced to spec—cut, graded, trimmed, packed, and palletized—at USDA-FSIS-regulated meat and poultry plants, then pre-cooled for transit.
- Regulatory checkpoint
- USDA-FSIS inspection applies at the plant.
- Your role
- Confirm cut, grade, trim, and packaging specs (the quote builder captures these).
4Source & shipCold-chain reefer transit
- What happens
- Product moves in a temperature-controlled reefer container—source-loaded and held at setpoint through inland transport and ocean transit to the destination port.
- Regulatory checkpoint
- Continuous temperature control; FSMA-aligned handling in transit.
- Your role
- Nothing at this step—structured to keep the cold chain unbroken on your behalf.
5Clear & deliverCustoms & compliance clearance
- What happens
- Import declaration and documentation are filed for entry into the Dominican Republic; qualifying US-origin goods are claimed for preferential treatment.
- Regulatory checkpoint
- DR sanitary authorization (DIGEGA) via the VUCE single-window; CAFTA-DR preference for qualifying goods.
- Your role
- Confirm importer-of-record and permit status—we'll advise if you need guidance (captured in the quote builder).
6Clear & deliverDelivery (per Incoterm)
- What happens
- Cleared product is handed off according to your agreed Incoterm—from the destination port through to delivered-and-cleared, depending on the terms.
- Regulatory checkpoint
- Responsibility transfers at the point your Incoterm defines.
- Your role
- Receive the shipment at the agreed point; we scope the handoff to match your operation.
A short list—and we sort it out together
International sourcing has a few prerequisites. None are obstacles: where you're missing one, we help you scope it. Here's the honest picture.
An importer of record
Someone must be the importer of record in the destination country. If that's you, great—if not, we'll help you weigh the options.
A DR import permit
Meat and poultry imports need DR sanitary authorization (DIGEGA), filed through the VUCE single-window. Have it, can obtain it, or need guidance—all are fine starting points.
Labeling & documentation
DR-bound product may need Spanish labeling and health or origin paperwork. We flag what applies to your order so nothing surprises you at the border.
Who handles what—four common terms
“Incoterms” set where responsibility passes from seller to buyer. These are neutral, standard definitions—not an offer; we scope the right terms with you.
FOB — Free On Board
Seller delivers on board at the origin port; the buyer arranges ocean freight onward.
- Freight
- Buyer
- Insurance
- Buyer
- Import clearance
- Buyer
- Final delivery
- Buyer
CIF — Cost, Insurance & Freight
Seller covers freight and insurance to the destination port; the buyer handles import.
- Freight
- Seller
- Insurance
- Seller
- Import clearance
- Buyer
- Final delivery
- Buyer
DAP — Delivered At Place
Seller delivers to a named destination; the buyer clears import and pays duties.
- Freight
- Seller
- Insurance
- Seller
- Import clearance
- Buyer
- Final delivery
- Seller
DDP — Delivered Duty Paid
Seller delivers cleared, with duties paid, to the destination.
- Freight
- Seller
- Insurance
- Seller
- Import clearance
- Seller
- Final delivery
- Seller
“Seller” is the supplier side; “Buyer” is you. Allocations are standard and simplified. Source: ICC Incoterms 2020.
Sourcing moves by the container
One honest expectation to set up front: international refrigerated freight moves in full container loads.
A refrigerated (reefer) container is the unit of shipment. That shapes minimums: a workable order generally fills a container—though a single container can carry a mix of products, so you're not limited to one cut or category.
If your volume sits below a full container today, we'll say so plainly and help you plan toward it—by consolidating products, adjusting cadence, or staging a first shipment.
The aim is a supply plan that's dependable and economical for your operation—not a number that looks good on paper.
Ready when you are
Tell us what you need—we'll scope it
Start a quote and share what you know; every expert question has a “not sure—advise me” option. We'll come back with a per-shipment landed-cost picture.