Trusted ocean shipping with affordable pricing
Costa Rica
United States
The route from San Jose to Charleston via ocean offers significant advantages for transporting large appliances. This maritime pathway allows for the efficient movement of bulky items, reducing the risk of damage during transit. Additionally, ocean shipping provides a cost-effective solution for long-distance transport, making it ideal for businesses looking to optimize their supply chain. The journey also opens access to diverse markets, enhancing distribution capabilities for kitchen and domestic appliances.
San Jose boasts a robust logistics infrastructure, with its proximity to major shipping ports and a network of highways facilitating quick access to the ocean. The Port of Charleston is well-equipped to handle incoming freight, featuring advanced cargo handling systems and ample storage facilities. Both locations benefit from established supply chain networks, ensuring smooth transitions from port to final destination. This infrastructure supports reliable distribution channels for home appliances, catering to regional demand effectively.
Comparative analysis of origin and destination capabilities.
Exporters must comply with Costa Rican customs regulations and present complete electronic export declarations before cargo acceptance.
All inbound cargo falls under U.S. Customs and Border Protection regulations and security filing requirements (including ISF 10+2)
DNA Expert Assessment
Very High - Complex Regulatory Environment
High - Fragile/Moisture Sensitive
Consider the Eastern Pacific Hurricane Season (May-November) by scheduling critical sailings outside peak storm periods and building in buffer days for potential delays. Expect increased congestion during the Western New Year holiday period (December 20-January 5) and the Christmas retail peak (October-December), necessitating early bookings and flexible delivery windows. Monitor weather forecasts and adjust routes accordingly during North Atlantic winter storms (November-March) to mitigate disruptions. Lastly, secure vessel space well in advance to avoid rollovers during high-demand periods (October-December).
When shipping white goods, Proper packaging Is essential for heavy, moisture-sensitive units. We recommend keeping large appliances in their Original cartons when available, with R...
Heavy large appliances Require Planned handling to avoid damage to both the freight and handlers. We recommend using forklifts for Refrigerators, washers, and other white goods, en...
Choosing an appropriate container or pallet setup for White goods Is crucial in preventing transit damage. We recommend high-quality pallets for heavy Home appliances, ensuring no ...
Because many home appliances and Food prep equipment are moisture sensitive, Short-term storage Must prioritize a dry, climate-aware environment. Best practice is keeping palletize...
Heavy, medium-fragility white goods Benefit from carefully set insurance values and clear documentation. We recommend insuring Kitchen appliances at full replacement cost, includin...
Getting Home appliances for freight Requires Thorough preparation. Disconnect water, gas, and power; drain hoses and internal water from washers, dishwashers, and fridges; and fasten doors, cords, and loose shelves. We recommend using the original packaging when available, or Heavy-duty cartons and pallets for protection. Clearly Label units as “Fragile – Appliance” and “Keep Dry” due to moisture sensitivity.
You can in some cases combine Countertop appliances with Cookware and bakeware, but only with Careful packing. Place heavier cast-iron pieces at the bottom, add a rigid layer, then lighter Small appliances above. Individually Wrap glass lids, ceramic bakeware, and appliance attachments, and avoid overloading any single carton to keep weight manageable and prevent crushing.
Because white goods are heavy and relatively high value, extra insurance Is strongly recommended beyond basic carrier liability. We recommend declaring the full replacement value for fridges, ranges, washers, and premium Kitchen appliances. Verify that your policy covers humidity damage, as many Domestic appliances contain electronics that can fail after contact with water or high humidity.
Store domestic appliances in a Dry area, raised on pallets and away from exterior doors or damp walls. Keep Countertop appliances, Cookware, and other boxed items off bare concrete floors, and add pallet covers or top sheets if humidity is high. Avoid outdoor staging or open docks during rain, and do not shrink-wrap warm appliances immediately after use, as trapped condensation can damage electronics.
International shipments of powered kitchen appliances may be subject to Energy-efficiency rules in the destination country. We recommend that White goods comply with local voltage, plug type, and certification requirements (such as CE, UKCA, or other regional marks). Include accurate product descriptions and HS codes for food prep equipment on commercial invoices and packing lists to reduce customs delays and potential fines.
The documentation typically required includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and any necessary import permits. Additionally, compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection regulations is essential, which may involve declarations regarding the appliances' compliance with safety and environmental standards.
Yes, household appliances should be properly secured and cushioned to prevent damage during transit. It is important to ensure that appliances are empty of any fluids and that any fragile components are adequately protected. Additionally, specific regulations on the transport of electrical appliances regarding voltage and safety standards must be adhered to.
DNA supports seamless EDI/API connectivity tailored to your systems—including ERP, WMS, finance, and more—while many other forwarders depend on third-party platforms with limited integration and manual data entry.
Our SAMMIE platform helps international teams by providing a single dashboard with all data needed to manage shipments, saving significant time and improving control compared to archaic, time-consuming methods using inaccurate data.
Customers can submit details via our Request a Quote form or talk to our team through the Contact Us page on our website.
Call or schedule a call with our sales team to discuss your San Jose → Charleston shipping needs.
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