Shipping Vehicles from Seattle to Puerto Caldera via Ocean Freight

Readying passenger vehicles for international shipping Requires Thorough cleaning, removal or securing of all loose items, Checking for fluid leaks, and ensuring the battery is properly fastened. Most export agents recommend leaving about a quarter tank of fuel, fully charging the battery, documenting existing damage with photos, and providing all required vehicle and customs documentation before the carrier collects the vehicle.

Rules on shipping personal items inside vehicles differ between domestic and international moves. Many international carriers Prohibit household goods inside passenger vehicles due to customs and security regulations, while some domestic haulers Permit limited items if they are below window level and securely fastened. We recommend confirming with your carrier in writing and understanding that personal items are often not covered by standard cargo policies, and they can complicate customs inspections.

To reduce moisture and rust risk for automotive cargo, most carriers suggest starting with a completely dry vehicle, sealing all openings, and avoiding storage under sprinklers or in standing water. For longer or ocean shipments, using Desiccant packs inside the Vehicle, applying Temporary corrosion protection to vulnerable metal parts, and choosing covered carriers wherever possible will significantly cut condensation and corrosion risk.

Standard carrier liability for autos is usually capped and may not reflect the true value of your Car. We recommend purchasing All-risk cargo insurance that covers theft, impact damage, and moisture-related issues such as corrosion or water intrusion. Provide an accurate value, share recent photos and condition reports, and confirm that loading, unloading, and any storage periods are covered under the same certificate.

For international vehicle transport, you typically need clear title documents, a Commercial invoice or bill of sale, a copy of your passport or company registration, and export/customs declarations filed in advance. Some destinations also require Emissions or safety compliance documents. We recommend checking destination-specific rules well before shipping to avoid delays, extra storage charges, or refusal of entry.

Required documentation typically includes the vehicle title, bill of lading, export declaration, and any customs forms specific to both the United States and Costa Rica.

Seasonal weather patterns, such as hurricane season in the Atlantic, can affect shipping routes and schedules, potentially leading to delays or changes in port operations.

DNA Supply Chain maintains over 97% accuracy, with SAMMIE reducing human errors, flagging duplicate invoices, suggesting corrections, auto-matching charges to events and documents, and speeding reconciliation.

Our system handles large shipment volumes by providing a dashboard with all the tools needed to efficiently manage many shipments and giving you all the data needed to manage shipments in one place.

Using our platform, shipment information is just a click away, with all data needed to manage shipments available in one dashboard, saving users a tremendous amount of time.