Professional logistics services for Fresh Food shipments
Japan
Costa Rica
The ocean route from Yokohama to Puerto Limon offers a reliable and efficient means of transporting fresh produce and chilled food products. This pathway is particularly advantageous due to its capacity to accommodate large shipments, ensuring that perishable goods maintain their quality throughout transit. The controlled environment on board vessels is designed to preserve the integrity of refrigerated and frozen food, minimizing spoilage and maximizing shelf life. Additionally, the strategic connection between major ports facilitates smooth logistics and distribution.
Yokohama boasts a state-of-the-art port infrastructure equipped with advanced cold storage facilities and efficient handling systems that cater specifically to fresh and frozen goods. This port is well-connected to major transportation networks, enabling swift distribution to warehouses and retailers. In Puerto Limon, the infrastructure is equally robust, featuring specialized facilities for unloading and storing perishable items. The synergy between these two ports ensures a seamless flow of chilled and frozen products, supporting a strong supply chain for consumers.
Comparative analysis of origin and destination capabilities.
Exporters must comply with Japanese export control regulations, including dual-use goods restrictions.
Imports are subject to Costa Rican customs valuation rules and relevant tariff schedules.
DNA Expert Assessment
Very High - Complex Regulatory Environment
Very High - Requires Specialized Care
When shipping from Yokohama, Japan to Puerto Limon, Costa Rica, anticipate delays due to the East Asia Rainy Season (May-October) and Western Pacific Typhoon Season (June-November). Build in additional buffer days for port operations and secure flexible routing options during peak rainfall (June-September) and typhoon activity (August-October). Plan around tight cut-off times and communicate closely with carriers to manage potential disruptions. Additionally, consider increased congestion during Japan’s Golden Week (April 20-May 10) and the Christmas retail peak (October-December) by securing vessel space well in advance.
When shipping Fresh food, Proper packaging is critical to control temperature and moisture. Most cold-chain specialists recommend using thermal liners with Gel packs for refrigerat...
Maintaining the cold chain for Refrigerated food demands tightly controlled handling. Limit door-open time during loading and unloading so frozen goods does not warm or condense. W...
For larger volumes of Perishable goods, Using the correct container type is critical. Most carriers recommend refrigerated ISO containers for mixed loads of Refrigerated food and F...
Shipping Perishable goods often demands additional documentation beyond a standard commercial invoice. Depending on destination, you may need phytosanitary or veterinary certificat...
Before pickup, Store Fresh food at the correct temperature: typically 0–4°C for chilled food and −18°C or below for frozen goods. Avoid storing fresh food directly on the floor; us...
Shipping Fresh food successfully demands a continuous cold chain. Use cooler boxes with the right amount of gel packs for refrigerated food or dry ice for Frozen food, 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 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. 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 Exclude coverage for temperature-related loss on Perishable goods and Frozen goods. 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 Proper packaging was used before honoring claims.
Most Chilled food 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 temperature-controlled shipment is set correctly.
You can sometimes mix Fresh produce and Frozen food in the same load, but only if your container or vehicle can maintain separate temperature zones. Fresh produce 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 Reefer cargo shipments to avoid freezing Fresh produce or partially thawing frozen items.
When shipping fresh and frozen food, it is crucial to maintain the appropriate temperature throughout the journey, using refrigerated containers for chilled items and frozen containers for frozen products. Additionally, proper packaging is necessary to prevent spoilage and contamination, and the cargo should be loaded and unloaded quickly to minimize exposure to warmer temperatures.
Shipping fresh and frozen food from Yokohama to Puerto Limon requires specific documentation including a commercial invoice, packing list, and health certificates. The health certificates must comply with Costa Rican regulations, ensuring that the food products meet safety and quality standards. Additionally, customs declarations will be necessary for clearance at both ports.
We offer in-house customs brokerage including import/export clearance, tariff classification and valuation, ISF, AMS, and ACE filings, plus FDA, USDA, and multi-agency support.
Yes, we offer B2B pick/pack and palletization services.
Yes, we support time-sensitive transport of medical devices, diagnostics, and regulated healthcare products.
Call or schedule a call with our sales team to discuss your Yokohama → Puerto Limon shipping needs.
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