🚢 RoRo & Container Shipping from USA to Costa Rica

📅 Weekly sailings from major U.S. ports to Puerto Moín, Puerto Limón, and Puerto Caldera

🚢 RoRo and container shipping options (20ft & 40ft) for vehicles, machinery, and commercial cargo

🛡️ Fully licensed, bonded, and insured for secure and compliant transport

🧾 Complete export and customs documentation support

📍 Real-time shipment tracking from departure to arrival

🚚 Nationwide pickup across the USA with inland delivery options to San José and Heredia (primary inland ports), as well as surrounding commercial and industrial areas

💰 Competitive rates with transparent pricing and no hidden fees

Whether you’re shipping to Costa Rica for the first time or managing regular exports, Royal Shipping Lines provides a consistent, reliable process from pickup to delivery.

🚢 RoRo & Container Shipping from USA to Costa Rica

📅 Weekly sailings from major U.S. ports to Puerto Moín, Puerto Limón, and Puerto Caldera

🚢 RoRo and container shipping options (20ft & 40ft) for vehicles, machinery, and commercial cargo

🏗️ Auction pickup available from Copart, IAAI, Ritchie Bros., IronPlanet, Purple Wave, Machinery Trader, and other U.S. auction locations

🚚 Nationwide pickup across the USA with inland delivery and inland port support to San José and Heredia, including surrounding commercial and industrial zones

🧾 Complete export and customs documentation support

🛡️ Fully licensed, bonded, and insured for secure and compliant transport

📍 Real-time shipment tracking from departure to arrival

💰 Competitive rates with transparent pricing and no hidden fees

Whether you’re shipping to Costa Rica for the first time or managing regular exports, Royal Shipping Lines provides a consistent, reliable process from pickup to delivery.

At Royal Shipping Lines, we support the export of high-volume commercial and industrial cargo from the USA to Costa Rica, with regular service to Puerto Moín, Puerto Limón, and Puerto Caldera, along with inland delivery support to San José and Heredia, including major distribution and commercial regions.

We work with importers, distributors, and manufacturers to move large-scale shipments efficiently, ensuring full compliance with U.S. export regulations and Costa Rican customs requirements, including proper documentation, classification, and cargo handling.

Types of Commercial & Commodity Cargo We Ship

🔧 Auto parts and accessories (HS 87**)
🛍️ Consumer goods and household items (HS 39**, 94**, 96**)
📱 Electronics and appliances (HS 85**)
🏗️ Construction materials and steel (HS 72**, 73**)
⚙️ Industrial machinery and equipment (HS 84**)
🧴 Plastics, resin, and packaging materials (HS 39**)
📄 Paper and paper-based products (HS 48**)

At Royal Shipping Lines, we handle the export of food-grade and agricultural cargo from the USA to Costa Rica, with regular service to Puerto Moín, Puerto Limón, and Puerto Caldera, along with inland distribution support to San José and Heredia and key commercial regions. We also coordinate with trusted partners to assist with import handling and customs clearance upon arrival.

We ensure all shipments are managed in full compliance with U.S. export regulations and Costa Rican import requirements, including proper documentation, packaging, and labeling for food and agricultural products.

Types of Food & Agricultural Cargo We Ship

🌾 Rice, grains, and cereals (HS 10**)
🍬 Sugar and confectionery products (HS 17**)
🥣 Cereal, flour, starch, and milk-based products (HS 19**)
🥫 Processed and prepared food items (HS 21**)

Food & Agricultural Shipments

We regularly coordinate agricultural and food-grade shipments, including processed foods and packaged goods (HS 19**, 21**), meat, dairy, and frozen products (HS 02**, 04**), grains such as rice, wheat, and corn (HS 10**), beverages (HS 22**), and cocoa and cocoa preparations (HS 18**).

All shipments are handled in accordance with required packaging, labeling, and documentation standards to ensure smooth entry into Costa Rica.

Planning a move to Costa Rica? Royal Shipping Lines offers reliable and affordable household goods shipping from the USA to Costa Rica, with full support from pickup to delivery.

We specialize in international relocations, helping individuals and families ship personal belongings, furniture, and complete households with consistent sailings to Puerto Moín, Puerto Limón, and Puerto Caldera, along with inland delivery and bonded warehouse support in San José and Heredia.

📦 What We Ship to Costa Rica

We handle a wide range of personal and household items, including:

• Furniture such as beds, sofas, tables, and cabinets

• Appliances including refrigerators, washers, dryers, and stoves

• Electronics such as TVs, computers, and sound systems

• Kitchenware and household essentials

• Clothing, books, and personal belongings

• Boxes or full household moves

Whether you’re shipping a few items or a full household, we provide solutions designed for secure and efficient transport.

🚛 Shipping Options for Moving to Costa Rica

We offer full container solutions based on the size of your move:

Full Container Load (FCL)
Private 20ft or 40ft container, ideal for full household relocations with greater control, security, and protection

Door-to-Port & Warehouse Delivery
Pickup available anywhere in the USA with delivery to port or bonded warehouse facilities in Costa Rica, including San José and Heredia

Customs Clearance Assistance
Guidance with required documentation and support to ensure smooth processing with Costa Rican customs

⚠️ Important Container Loading Requirement

To ensure safe and efficient container handling, containers are not positioned at residential addresses. All loading must take place at a commercial facility equipped with a dock or ramps capable of handling containers.

Looking to ship a car to Costa Rica from the USA? Royal Shipping Lines provides reliable and cost-effective vehicle shipping services with regular departures to Puerto Moín, Puerto Limón, and Puerto Caldera.

We handle everything from pickup to delivery, including inland port and bonded warehouse support in San José and Heredia, ensuring your vehicle arrives safely and complies with Costa Rican import requirements.

Whether you’re buying from an auction, relocating, or exporting vehicles for business, we make the process simple and dependable.

🚘 Types of Vehicles We Ship to Costa Rica

We specialize in shipping a wide range of vehicles from the United States:

🚗 Passenger Cars
🚙 SUVs and Crossovers
🚐 Pickup Trucks and Vans
🏍️ Motorcycles and Scooters
🚛 Commercial Trucks and Fleet Vehicles
🚐 Motorhomes and RVs
🏌️ Golf Carts (ideal for resorts and private communities)
🏎️ Luxury, Classic, and Collector Vehicles

🏗️ Auction Vehicle Shipping to Costa Rica

We provide vehicle pickup and shipping from major U.S. auto auctions, making it easy to export cars directly to Costa Rica:

🚗 Copart
🚗 IAAI
🚗 Manheim
🚗 ADESA
🚗 Salvage and dealer auctions across the USA

Our team coordinates auction pickup, transport to port, and export processing so your vehicle moves quickly and efficiently.

Looking to ship a boat or jet ski to Costa Rica from the USA? Royal Shipping Lines provides dependable and cost-effective watercraft shipping services to Puerto Moín, Puerto Limón, and Puerto Caldera.

We handle everything from pickup to delivery, including inland port and bonded warehouse coordination in San José and Heredia, ensuring your shipment arrives safely and meets Costa Rican import regulations.

Whether you’re transporting a personal watercraft, multiple jet skis, or a larger vessel, our team manages the logistics to keep your shipment secure and on schedule.

⚓ Types of Boats & Watercraft We Ship to Costa Rica

We ship a wide range of boats and recreational watercraft from the United States:

🛶 Small Boats & Dinghies – shipped in containers or securely crated for added protection

🚤 Jet Skis & Personal Watercraft (PWC) – shipped on trailers or inside containers

🛥️ Yachts & Luxury Boats – transported using specialized carriers for safe handling

⛵ Sailboats – shipped using cradles, flat racks, or container solutions depending on size

🚢 Commercial & Fishing Boats – oversized and heavy-lift shipping options available

🚢 Boat Shipping from USA to Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s growing construction, agriculture, and industrial sectors continue to drive strong demand for imported machinery and equipment. At Royal Shipping Lines, we specialize in shipping heavy equipment from the USA to Costa Rica, with service to Puerto Moín, Puerto Limón, and Puerto Caldera.

We handle oversized, high-value, and specialized cargo with the proper equipment and coordination to ensure safe transport and full compliance with Costa Rican import regulations.

🏗️ Heavy Equipment Auction Shipping to Costa Rica

We provide pickup and export services from major U.S. machinery auctions, making it easy to move equipment directly from auction to port:

🚜 Ritchie Bros.
🚜 IronPlanet
🚜 Purple Wave
🚜 Machinery Trader
🚜 Equipment auctions and dealer yards across the USA

Our team coordinates transport, loading, and export documentation to keep your equipment moving efficiently.

🚜 Agricultural Machinery Shipping to Costa Rica

We handle a wide range of farm and agricultural equipment, including:

🚜 Tractors
🌾 Harvesters and combines
🌱 Planters and seeders
💧 Sprayers and cultivators
⚙️ Other essential farming machinery

🏗 Construction & Industrial Equipment Shipping

Our team is experienced in transporting large-scale equipment for construction and industrial use, including:

🚧 Excavators, bulldozers, and loaders
🏗 Cranes, graders, and forklifts
🚛 Heavy trucks, mixers, and earthmoving equipment
⚙️ Specialized industrial machinery

📍 Main Ports in Costa Rica

We ship to Costa Rica’s primary seaports:

📍 Puerto Moín
Costa Rica’s main Caribbean container port, handling a high volume of containerized cargo, commercial freight, and international shipments from the USA.

📍 Puerto Limón
Located on the Caribbean coast, Puerto Limón is a key port for RoRo vehicle shipments, general cargo, and regional trade.

📍 Puerto Caldera
Costa Rica’s primary Pacific port, supporting container shipping, project cargo, heavy equipment, and general cargo for international trade.

🏢 Inland Ports & Bonded Warehousing in Costa Rica

We coordinate delivery and customs clearance through key inland port and bonded warehouse locations:

📍 San José Inland Port
Costa Rica’s main logistics and customs hub, offering bonded warehouse services, container handling, and nationwide cargo distribution.

📍 Heredia Inland Port
Strategically located near major commercial and industrial zones, with bonded facilities for storage, cargo processing, and distribution.

Estimated shipping times from the USA to Costa Rica vary based on the departure port and shipping method:

🛳️ East Coast USA (Miami, Jacksonville, Savannah → Puerto Moín / Puerto Limón): 4–6 days
Fastest route for shipping cars, containers, and heavy equipment to Costa Rica

🛳️ Gulf Coast USA (Houston, New Orleans → Puerto Moín / Puerto Limón): 6–9 days

🛳️ West Coast USA (Los Angeles, Oakland, Seattle → Puerto Caldera): 10–14 days

🚀 Fastest Shipping Route to Costa Rica

The fastest way to ship from the USA to Costa Rica is from the East Coast to Puerto Moín or Puerto Limón, with transit times as short as 4–6 days. This route is ideal for time-sensitive shipments, including vehicles, machinery, and containerized cargo.

With RoRo shipping to Costa Rica, your vehicle is driven directly onto the vessel and secured inside a protected cargo deck.

This option is ideal for operable vehicles, including:

• Cars, SUVs, and pickup trucks

• Vans and buses

• Commercial vehicles

• Heavy equipment and machinery

RoRo is typically the most cost-effective and fastest way to ship a vehicle from the USA to Costa Rica, with regular service to Puerto Limón.

📦 Container Shipping from USA to Costa Rica (FCL)

Container shipping to Costa Rica is recommended for non-running vehicles, high-value units, and cargo that requires additional protection.

We offer:

• 20ft and 40ft FCL containers (Full Container Load)

• 40ft Non-Operating Reefer (NOR) containers for additional flexibility

• Secure loading and bracing for safe transport

• Protection from weather, theft, and handling damage

This method is ideal for:

• Non-operational vehicles

• Motorcycles, golf carts, and small equipment

• Boats and personal watercraft

• Luxury, classic, and collector vehicles

• Household goods and commercial cargo

Container shipments are typically routed to Puerto Moín and Puerto Caldera, depending on origin and service availability.

When shipping commercial goods and commodity cargo from the USA to Costa Rica, the following documents are typically required to ensure smooth customs clearance and compliance with Costa Rican import regulations:

📄 Commercial Invoice – detailed description, quantity, and declared value of goods
📦 Packing List – breakdown of cargo, packaging type, and total units
🧾 Bill of Lading (BOL) – issued by the carrier with full shipment details
🌍 Certificate of Origin – confirms country of manufacture (when required)
📑 Import Permits or Licenses – required for regulated goods depending on commodity type
🛂 Consignee Identification – valid ID or company registration documents in Costa Rica

⚠️ Important Requirements for Commercial Cargo Shipping

📦 Proper Packaging – cargo must be securely packed, palletized, or containerized to prevent damage and delays

🏷️ Accurate Classification – correct HS Code declaration is required to avoid customs issues, penalties, or reclassification

📋 Complete Documentation – missing or incorrect paperwork can result in delays, inspections, or additional charges

🚫 Restricted & Regulated Goods – certain items may require special approvals or may be prohibited depending on Costa Rican import regulations

When shipping food-grade and agricultural cargo from the USA to Costa Rica, the following documents are typically required to ensure smooth customs clearance and compliance with Costa Rican import regulations:

📄 Commercial Invoice – detailed description, quantity, and declared value of food products
📦 Packing List – breakdown of items, packaging type, and total units
🧾 Bill of Lading (BOL) – issued by the carrier with shipment details
🌍 Certificate of Origin – confirms country of production (often required for food imports)
📑 Sanitary or Phytosanitary Certificates – required for agricultural and food-grade products
🛂 Consignee Identification – valid ID or company registration documents in Costa Rica

⚠️ Important Requirements for Food & Agricultural Cargo

🧼 Clean & Contamination-Free Cargo – all products must be properly sealed and free from contamination

🏷️ Proper Labeling – packaging must include accurate product labels, origin, and expiration dates when applicable

🌡️ Packaging Standards – food products must be packed according to export standards to maintain quality and prevent damage

📋 Regulatory Compliance – certain food items may require additional permits, inspections, or approvals depending on Costa Rican import regulations

When shipping personal effects or household goods from the USA to Costa Rica, having the correct documentation is essential for smooth customs clearance.

In most cases, you will need the following:

Valid Passport
Copy of the consignee’s identification page

Bill of Lading (BOL)
Issued by the carrier with full shipment details

Packing List / Inventory
Detailed list of all items included in the shipment

Commercial Invoice or Declared Value
May be required for customs valuation purposes

Proof of Residence in Costa Rica
Such as a lease agreement, work permit, or residency card (for relocations)

Import Permit or Authorization
Required for restricted or regulated items

⚠️ Important Customs Information

Customs requirements in Costa Rica may vary depending on the type of shipment, value, and contents.

Additional documentation may be requested by Costa Rican Customs during the clearance process.

Royal Shipping Lines provides full support to help you prepare the required documents, ensuring your shipment remains compliant and avoids unnecessary delays.

When preparing to ship a car from the USA to Costa Rica, you’ll need the following documents to complete export and customs clearance:

✅ Original Vehicle Title (Lien-Free)
The title must be clear of any liens and in the name of the exporter or properly endorsed

✅ Bill of Sale or Purchase Invoice
Proof of ownership and vehicle value for customs processing

✅ Valid Passport or Driver’s License
Identification for the shipper or consignee

✅ Costa Rican Identification Number (Cédula Jurídica or DIMEX)
Required for the consignee to complete customs clearance in Costa Rica

Shipping a boat from the United States to Costa Rica is a straightforward process with Royal Shipping Lines. We provide full-service support to ensure your vessel is transported safely to Puerto Moín, Puerto Limón, or Puerto Caldera, while meeting all Costa Rican customs requirements.

⚓ Steps to Ship a Boat to Costa Rica

1. 📄 Prepare Required Documents

You will need:

• Original vessel title and registration

• Bill of sale or proof of ownership

• Valid passport or ID for the consignee

2. 🚢 Choose the Right Shipping Method

We help you select the best option based on your vessel:

• RoRo (Roll-On/Roll-Off) – ideal for boats on trailers

• Container or Flat Rack Shipping – recommended for jet skis, small boats, and sailboats

3. 🔧 Prepare Your Boat for Shipping

Before transport, your boat must be properly prepared:

• Drain fuel and water tanks

• Disconnect batteries

• Secure loose items and accessories

4. 🚚 Transport to U.S. Port

We arrange nationwide pickup across the USA and deliver your boat to the nearest port for export.

5. ⚓ Loading & Ocean Shipping

Your vessel is professionally secured and loaded for safe ocean transport to your selected port in Costa Rica.

6. 🧾 Customs Clearance in Costa Rica

Our team and local agents assist with:

• Customs clearance coordination

• Required documentation review

• Import compliance support to ensure smooth release of your vessel

When preparing to ship heavy machinery or industrial equipment from the USA to Costa Rica, having the correct documentation is essential for smooth customs clearance and avoiding delays.

In most cases, you will need:

Commercial Invoice
Detailed description of the equipment, including value and specifications

Packing List
Breakdown of machinery, parts, and any included accessories

Bill of Lading (BOL)
Issued by the carrier with full shipment and routing details

Certificate of Origin
Confirms the country where the equipment was manufactured

Import Permit or Authorization
May be required depending on the type of machinery

Consignee Identification
Valid passport or company registration documents in Costa Rica

⚠️ Important Requirements for Shipping Machinery

To ensure your equipment is accepted and cleared without issues:

• Tracked machinery must be thoroughly cleaned
  Dirt, mud, or soil contamination can lead to delays or rejection at port

• Equipment must be fully operational
  Units with major mechanical issues or leaks may not be accepted for shipping

• Additional documentation may be required
  Costa Rican Customs may request extra paperwork depending on the equipment type, condition (new or used), and intended use

✅ Eligible Vehicles for Import to Costa Rica

• Used Vehicles: Allowed, but age and condition matter.

• Age Limit: No strict maximum age, but older vehicles pay higher import taxes.

• Inspection Requirement: All vehicles must pass technical inspection (RTV – Riteve) upon arrival to ensure roadworthiness and environmental compliance.

⚠️ Titles & Vehicles That May Be Rejected or Cause Issues

• Salvage or Rebuilt Titles:
  Vehicles with salvage or rebuilt titles may be imported, but they must be fully restored. If not roadworthy, they may fail the Riteve inspection. Even if accepted, they face extra scrutiny and possible repair requirements.

• Bonded Titles or Title Replacements:
  These may be rejected or flagged as potentially fraudulent. Customs may delay clearance or request additional supporting documents.

• Titles with Liens (Loans):
  Vehicles with an active lien cannot be imported unless the lien is formally released. A lien release letter must accompany the title if it has not yet been updated.

• Duplicate or Incomplete Titles:
  Duplicate titles are accepted only if certified and verified by the issuing agency.
  Any alteration, erasure, or missing information can lead to rejection by customs.

🚫 Vehicles That Are Typically Not Allowed in Costa Rica

• Heavily damaged or salvage vehicles not repaired to meet inspection standards

• Right-hand drive vehicles (Costa Rica uses left-hand traffic, only LHD vehicles permitted)

• Vehicles with unpaid liens or financial encumbrances

• Vehicles with illegal modifications (must comply with Costa Rican emissions, safety, and equipment regulations such as bumpers, lights, and exhaust systems)

Costa Rica enforces strict customs regulations to protect public safety, health, and the environment. Items that are prohibited or heavily restricted include:

❌ Unlicensed firearms, ammunition, and explosives
❌ Illegal drugs and narcotics
❌ Hazardous chemicals, toxic waste, and radioactive materials
❌ Counterfeit goods, pirated media, and fake currency
❌ Pornographic or obscene materials

🌱 Plants, seeds, animals, and agricultural products may only be imported with official phytosanitary or veterinary certificates, in compliance with Costa Rica’s agricultural and biosecurity standards.

🛒 Consumer Goods Restrictions

• Alcohol & Tobacco: Subject to strict quantity limits and high import taxes.

• Electronics & Appliances: Permitted, but customs duties are charged based on CIF value (Cost + Insurance + Freight).

• Medicines & Food Products: Require authorization from Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health and SENASA (National Animal Health Service).

• Currency & Precious Metals: Must be declared if exceeding allowed limits.

⚠️ Note: Shipments containing prohibited or undeclared restricted items may be seized by Costa Rican Customs (Dirección General de Aduanas), and importers may face penalties, fines, or legal action.