Ocean Freight · Costa Rica → United States
Ocean Freight from Costa Rica to United States
11 port combinations connect Costa Rica and United States in our network. The shortest, Moín (Limón) → Miami, is 1,192 nautical miles; transit across the lane ranges 3–18 days port to port.
- Distance
- 1,192 nm
- Transit
- 3–18 days
- Service
- FCL & LCL
Lane at a glance
Route facts
GoForwarder books full-container (FCL) and consolidated (LCL) space on this lane, coordinates pickup and export in Costa Rica, and hands the cargo to import clearance and final delivery in United States.
- Origin
- Costa Rica
- Destination
- United States
- Distance
- from 1,192 nm (2,208 km)
- Estimated transit
- 3–18 days
- Routing via
- Panama Canal
- Equipment
- FCL 20', 40', 40' HC · reefer · LCL
- Incoterms
- EXW · FCA · FOB · CIF · DAP · DDP
Network
Main port pairs
| Origin | Destination | Distance | Transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moín (Limón) | Miami | 1,192 nm | 3–8 days |
| Moín (Limón) | New Orleans | 1,318 nm | 4–8 days |
| Moín (Limón) | Houston | 1,446 nm | 4–9 days |
| Moín (Limón) | Savannah | 1,596 nm | 4–9 days |
| Moín (Limón) | Charleston | 1,626 nm | 4–9 days |
| Moín (Limón) | Norfolk | 1,923 nm | 5–10 days |
| Moín (Limón) | New York / New Jersey | 2,120 nm | 6–11 days |
| Moín (Limón) | Los Angeles | 3,201 nm | 8–14 days |
| Moín (Limón) | Long Beach | 3,201 nm | 8–14 days |
| Moín (Limón) | Oakland | 3,599 nm | 9–15 days |
| Moín (Limón) | Seattle | 4,418 nm | 11–18 days |
How it works
From quote to delivery
- 01
Quote and booking
Send cargo details on WhatsApp; we confirm the rate and book vessel space from Costa Rica.
- 02
Pickup and export clearance
We coordinate container release, pickup and export customs in Costa Rica.
- 03
Ocean transit
Sailing Costa Rica → United States: about 3–18 days port to port, with tracking until arrival.
- 04
Import clearance
Customs clearance in United States, coordinated with our customs broker partners.
- 05
Final delivery
Drayage from the terminal to your warehouse, with proof of delivery.
Checklist
Documents and cost drivers
Documents to import into United States
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading (B/L)
- ISF 10+2, filed 24 h before loading at origin
- CBP entry (Form 7501) through a U.S. customs broker, with customs bond
- USMCA certification of origin when applicable
- FDA / USDA prior notice for regulated goods
What drives the price on this lane
- Base ocean freight (per container for FCL, per CBM for LCL)
- Bunker / fuel surcharges (BAF) and peak-season surcharges
- Terminal handling at origin and destination (THC)
- Documentation and B/L fees
- Customs clearance at both ends
- Drayage from the port to the final address
- Cargo insurance
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How long does ocean freight from Costa Rica to United States take?+
Estimated transit is 3–18 days port to port. Direct services sit at the low end; transshipment, peak season or inspections push it to the high end.
How far is Costa Rica from United States?+
The shortest pair is 1,192 nm (2,208 km) by sea via the Panama Canal.
How much does ocean freight from Costa Rica to United States cost?+
It depends on container size or volume (CBM), the season and surcharges. Send your cargo details on WhatsApp and we reply with a written quote.
FCL or LCL — which one do I need?+
Below roughly 15 m³, consolidated LCL is usually cheaper. Above that, a 20-foot container starts to pay off; a 40-foot container fits about 67 m³.
What documents do I need to import into United States?+
Commercial invoice; Packing list; Bill of lading (B/L); ISF 10+2, filed 24 h before loading at origin; CBP entry (Form 7501) through a U.S. customs broker, with customs bond.
From Costa Rica to other destinations in United States
Other origins in Costa Rica to United States
Ready to move your cargo?
Send origin, destination and cargo details — we reply with a written quote.