Request pricing today for your Antwerp to San Jose cargo
Belgium
Costa Rica
The ocean route from Antwerp to San Jose is particularly advantageous for transporting fresh produce and chilled food due to its capacity for large volumes, ensuring that perishable items are delivered efficiently. The journey allows for optimal temperature control, maintaining the integrity of refrigerated and frozen food throughout the transit. Additionally, the use of specialized shipping containers equipped with advanced refrigeration technology minimizes the risk of spoilage, making it a reliable choice for suppliers. This route also benefits from established maritime trade lanes, enhancing the overall logistics process.
Antwerp boasts a well-developed port infrastructure, featuring state-of-the-art facilities designed for handling perishable goods, including cold storage warehouses and efficient loading systems. This ensures that fresh and frozen food can be processed quickly upon arrival, reducing the time spent in transit. In San Jose, the logistics network is equally robust, with access to multiple distribution centers and refrigerated transport options that facilitate the swift movement of goods to local markets. Both locations are equipped with the necessary technology to monitor and manage temperature-sensitive shipments effectively.
Comparative analysis of origin and destination capabilities.
Exporters must comply with European Union dual-use and strategic goods regulations when routing cargo via Antwerp
All imports require customs clearance with accurate commercial invoices, packing lists, and tariff classification.
DNA Expert Assessment
Very High - Complex Regulatory Environment
Very High - Requires Specialized Care
When shipping from Antwerp to San Jose, anticipate significant delays due to North Atlantic winter storms (November-March). Add extra buffer days for potential port congestion and weather-related slow steaming. Plan around tight delivery windows, as strong winds can cause last-minute port closures. Coordinate closely with carriers for updated ETAs and consider flexible routing options to mitigate disruptions. Additionally, confirm vessel space and equipment well in advance during peak periods, particularly around the Western New Year and Christmas retail peaks (December).
When shipping fresh produce, correct packing is vital to control temperature and moisture. Most cold-chain specialists recommend using thermal liners with phase-change packs for re...
Keeping the cold chain for chilled food necessitates tightly controlled handling. Limit door-open time during loading and unloading so frozen goods does not warm or condense. Indus...
For larger volumes of fresh food, selecting the correct container type is key. Most carriers recommend refrigerated ISO containers for mixed loads of chilled beverages and frozen f...
Exporting fresh food often involves additional documentation beyond a standard commercial invoice. Depending on destination, you may need phytosanitary or veterinary certificates, ...
Before pickup, stage fresh produce at the correct temperature: typically 0–4°C for chilled beverages and −18°C or below for frozen goods. Avoid storing fresh food directly on the f...
Moving fresh produce successfully necessitates a continuous cold chain. Use cooler boxes with the right amount of gel packs for refrigerated food or dry ice for frozen goods, pre‑chill products before packing, and choose a expedited service. Clearly mark boxes as “Perishable” and specify the required temperature so carriers handle them as Reefer cargo.
Yes, Frozen food can often be shipped with dry ice by air, but dry ice is regulated as a dangerous good. Airlines impose limits on how much dry ice is allowed per package and per shipment, and labels must show the net weight of dry ice and UN1845 markings. Most experts recommend checking carrier and destination rules in advance and combining dry ice with insulated packaging to keep reefer cargo at temperature while staying within dry‑ice limits.
Standard cargo policies may limit coverage for temperature-related loss on fresh food and frozen food. Most shippers should arranging a policy that specifically covers temperature deviation and spoilage, and declaring the full value of your refrigerated food shipment. Keep packing records and temperature logs; insurers often require proof that correct handling was used before honoring claims.
Most refrigerated food should stay between 0–4°C, while many frozen goods products must remain at −18°C or colder. Exact ranges depend on the product type and local regulations. Always check requirements for each item and specify the target range on booking instructions and labels so your temperature-controlled shipment is set correctly.
You can sometimes mix fresh food and frozen goods in the same load, but only if your container or vehicle can maintain separate temperature zones. Chilled food typically needs temperatures above freezing, while frozen food must stay well below zero. If only one temperature setpoint is available, most logistics providers recommend separating them into different temperature-controlled shipments to avoid freezing perishable goods or partially thawing frozen items.
Fresh and frozen food require temperature-controlled containers to maintain the integrity of the products. It is essential to ensure that refrigerated and frozen goods are loaded and monitored throughout the journey to prevent spoilage. Proper insulation and regular temperature checks are critical during the ocean freight process.
Shipping fresh and frozen food from Belgium to Costa Rica requires compliance with both countries' regulations, including health certificates, export permits, and customs declarations. Import permits from Costa Rican authorities must also be obtained to ensure the products meet local health standards.
Yes, DNA offers coordinated delivery of furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) for hotels, resorts, and new builds.
DNA Supply Chain provides live map tracking with milestone updates, 24/7 access via SAMMIE, centralized shipment documents, and real-time exception alerts so you always know where your freight is and what’s happening with it.
DNA reduces customs delays and risk through in-house brokerage, a digital-first customs process with automation, SAMMIE’s ability to flag potential delays before they happen, and continuous communication from your Client Success Officer.
Call or schedule a call with our sales team to discuss your Antwerp → San Jose shipping needs.
Talk to a logistics expert
Our team specializes in the Antwerp to San Jose trade lane.
1-786-949-7330Join hundreds of companies who trust DNA Supply Chain for their logistics needs. Transparent pricing, real-time tracking, and dedicated support.