Dependable ocean shipping with competitive pricing
Costa Rica
United States
The route from San Jose to Tacoma offers a strategic advantage for transporting fresh produce and chilled food. Utilizing ocean freight ensures that temperature-sensitive items are maintained within optimal conditions, minimizing spoilage during transit. With a focus on efficiency, this maritime route allows for bulk shipping, reducing overall costs while ensuring the integrity of the refrigerated food products. Additionally, the proximity of ports facilitates easy access to distribution networks in the Pacific Northwest.
San Jose boasts a well-equipped port with advanced facilities for handling perishable goods, ensuring that fresh and frozen items are quickly loaded and stored. In Tacoma, the infrastructure is equally robust, featuring state-of-the-art cold storage facilities and efficient customs processing. Both locations provide seamless integration with road and rail networks, enhancing the supply chain for chilled and frozen food distribution. This well-connected infrastructure supports timely deliveries, crucial for maintaining the quality of temperature-sensitive products.
Comparative analysis of origin and destination capabilities.
Exporters must comply with Costa Rican customs regulations and submit complete electronic export declarations before cargo acceptance.
All inbound cargo must comply with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requirements, including timely filing of the Importer Security Filing (ISF) for ocean shipments.
DNA Expert Assessment
Very High - Complex Regulatory Environment
Very High - Requires Specialized Care
Be mindful of potential disruptions during the Eastern Pacific Hurricane Season (June-November) by scheduling sailings outside peak storm months and building in buffer days for weather-related delays. Anticipate extended transit times due to North Pacific Winter Storms (November-March) and secure vessel space well in advance during the Western New Year period (December 20-January 5) to avoid rollovers. Additionally, coordinate closely with carriers for real-time updates and flexible routing options during these critical periods.
When shipping perishable goods, Proper packaging is critical to control temperature and moisture. We recommend using Insulated cartons with ice packs for chilled beverages and dry ...
Preserving the cold chain for Refrigerated food demands tightly controlled handling. Minimize door-open time during loading and unloading so Reefer cargo does not warm or condense....
For larger volumes of fresh produce, Using the correct container type is critical. We recommend Integrated reefer containers for mixed loads of chilled food and frozen food that mu...
Transporting Perishable goods often demands additional documentation beyond a standard commercial invoice. Depending on destination, you may need Health certificates, temperature-c...
Before pickup, hold Fresh food at the correct temperature: typically 0–4°C for chilled food and −18°C or below for Frozen food. Avoid storing Fresh produce directly on the floor; u...
Transporting Fresh food successfully demands a continuous cold chain. Use Insulated packaging with the right amount of gel packs for Chilled food or dry ice for frozen goods, pre‑chill products before packing, and choose a time‑definite service. Clearly mark boxes as “Perishable” and specify the required temperature so carriers handle them as Reefer cargo.
Yes, frozen goods can Usually be shipped with dry ice by air, but dry ice is regulated as a dangerous good. Airlines have 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. We recommend checking carrier and destination rules in advance and combining dry ice with insulated packaging to keep Frozen food at temperature while staying within dry‑ice limits.
Standard cargo policies may restrict coverage for temperature-related loss on Perishable goods and frozen food. We recommend arranging a policy that specifically covers temperature deviation and spoilage, and declaring the full value of your Reefer cargo. Keep packing records and temperature logs; insurers often require proof that adequate insulation was used before honoring claims.
Most chilled beverages should stay between 0–4°C, while many Frozen food products must remain at −18°C or colder. Exact ranges depend on the product type and local regulations. Always verify requirements for each item and specify the target range on booking instructions and labels so your Reefer cargo is set correctly.
You can sometimes mix chilled food and Frozen food 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 goods must stay well below zero. If only one temperature setpoint is available, We recommend separating them into different temperature-controlled shipments to avoid freezing perishable goods or partially thawing frozen items.
Required documentation includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and health certificates issued by the Costa Rican Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. Additionally, import permits from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) may be necessary for certain products.
Regulatory requirements include compliance with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, adherence to the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) guidelines, and ensuring that all products meet U.S. safety and quality standards for importation.
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 San Jose → Tacoma shipping needs.
Talk to a logistics expert
Our team specializes in the San Jose to Tacoma 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.