
Insurance included for seamless delivery
Belgium
Costa Rica
The ocean route from Antwerp to Puerto Caldera offers significant advantages for transporting automotive parts. This pathway allows for the efficient movement of large quantities of vehicle components, catering to the growing demand in Central America. Additionally, the maritime transport ensures reduced handling times and the ability to accommodate heavy and oversized shipments, which are common in the auto parts industry. Overall, this route facilitates a reliable supply chain for manufacturers and distributors alike.
Antwerp boasts a well-developed port infrastructure, featuring advanced logistics facilities and extensive shipping connections, making it a strategic hub for global trade. Similarly, Puerto Caldera is equipped with modern terminals designed to handle diverse cargo types, including automotive shipments. The presence of efficient customs processes and transportation links at both ends enhances the overall supply chain efficiency, ensuring that vehicle parts are seamlessly transferred between sea and land transport. This synergy between the two ports supports a robust network for the automotive sector.
Comparative analysis of origin and destination capabilities.
Exporters must comply with European Union dual-use and strategic goods regulations when routing cargo via Antwerp
Imports are subject to Costa Rican customs valuation rules and tariff classifications.
DNA Expert Assessment
Very High - Complex Regulatory Environment
High - Fragile/Moisture Sensitive
When shipping from Antwerp to Puerto Caldera, expect potential delays due to Mediterranean winter storms (November-March). Build in flexibility for port congestion and weather-related slow steaming. Plan around tight delivery windows during the peak storm months (December-February) and coordinate closely with carriers for updated ETAs. Additionally, secure vessel space and equipment allocations early, particularly during the year-end inventory build peak (October-December), to mitigate rollover risks and ensure timely deliveries.
When shipping vehicle components, protective packaging is vital due to medium fragility and moisture sensitivity. Our team suggests using Double-wall cartons with compartmental tra...
Medium-weight vehicle components need controlled handling to avoid impact damage and corrosion. Our operations team recommends clearly labeling cartons of Moisture-sensitive auto c...
For LTL or parcel shipments of car parts, choose reinforced containers and, for dense loads, compact cartons to keep weight manageable per piece. Palletized Vehicle parts are best ...
Because vehicle components often have high unit value and are prone to concealed damage and corrosion, specialized transit coverage is essential. Confirm how your carrier classifie...
Medium-weight, moisture-sensitive auto components demand clean, covered storage both before and after transit. Keep boxed Car parts on pallets or shelving off the floor to avoid co...
For moisture-sensitive car parts, choose inner sealed pouches around each component, then place them in double-wall boxes with sufficient cushioning. Seal all seams with Water-resistant tape and clearly mark cartons “Dry Storage Only”. For export or long-duration transit, evaluate adding moisture absorbers inside master cartons and, if needed, inside the shipping container.
You are allowed to ship car tires with boxed car parts, but it is best that they are physically separated and properly secured. We recommend palletizing boxed car parts and then stacking or racking car tires so they do not press against or rub cartons. Avoid placing heavy loose vehicle tires on top of fragile or moisture-sensitive Automotive parts, as this can cause crushing or punctures during transit.
Fluid-filled vehicle parts such as fuel system components, shock absorbers, or oil coolers can require special handling notes, depending on the type and quantity of fluid. Shippers should Check whether the product is classified as dangerous goods under relevant transport regulations and include the appropriate safety data sheets (SDS), UN numbers, and packing group information if applicable. Even when not regulated as hazardous, clearly note “Contains Fluids – Keep Upright” on packaging and shipping documents to guide carriers.
High-value vehicle components such as engines, transmissions, ECUs, and safety modules are typically shipped with enhanced transit insurance. Carrier default liability is usually limited and may not cover the full replacement cost of specialized Automotive parts. Freight experts recommend insuring based on replacement value, documenting serial numbers and condition at pickup, and retaining invoices and packing lists so any claim for loss, impact damage, or moisture-related failure is processed efficiently.
To reduce damage in mixed vehicle components pallet loads, arrange the heaviest metal components at the bottom, with lighter boxes and vehicle tires above. Use edge protectors, Stretch wrap plus strapping to stabilize the load and prevent shifting. Keep moisture-sensitive vehicle parts toward the center of the pallet, away from potential leaks or condensation on trailer walls, and prominently mark any fragile or orientation-sensitive cartons so handlers can respect correct handling procedures.
When shipping auto parts via ocean freight, it is important to ensure that all items are securely packed to prevent damage during transit. Considerations include using appropriate cushioning materials, ensuring that all parts are labeled correctly, and verifying that any hazardous materials are compliant with shipping regulations.
Required documentation for customs includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading. Additionally, import permits may be necessary for certain auto parts, and compliance with both Belgian export regulations and Costa Rican import regulations is essential to ensure smooth clearance at both ports.
Our services cover just-in-time delivery of industrial components, machinery, and replacement parts with full visibility across global lanes.
The ETAs generated by SAMMIE are described as the most accurate in the industry because they are AI-powered and based on real shipment events and vessel telemetry, rather than vague or static carrier schedule guesses.
The SAMMIE system is a proactive 24/7 virtual analyst rather than just a reactive dashboard, using AI-powered insight, predictive ETAs, anomaly alerts, and real shipment data to give you control over your freight—not just raw data.
Call or schedule a call with our sales team to discuss your Antwerp → Puerto Caldera shipping needs.
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