Shipping from USA to Costa Rica – Cars, Machinery & Containers
At Royal Shipping Lines, we make international shipping to Costa Rica simple, secure, and affordable. Whether you’re transporting cars, SUVs, motorcycles, motorhomes, heavy machinery, construction equipment, luxury cars, classic vehicles, or personal goods, our expert logistics team ensures a smooth and worry-free process from U.S. pickup to delivery in Costa Rica.
Reliable Shipping Solutions to Costa Rica
With years of experience and strong partnerships with trusted ocean carriers and local agents, we guarantee that your cargo will arrive on time, safely, and fully compliant with Costa Rican import regulations. Our team manages every step, including:
💰 Securing competitive shipping rates
🧾 Preparing export & customs documentation
🚚 Coordinating inland pickup and final delivery
Expert Handling of Costa Rica’s Import Rules
Costa Rica has strict import requirements, including vehicle emissions standards, age limits, and import tax regulations. At Royal Shipping Lines, we specialize in ensuring your shipment clears customs efficiently and without costly delays. Whether you’re a car dealer, construction company, machinery supplier, or private individual, our tailored solutions make shipping to Costa Rica stress-free and transparent.
Our Shipping Services to Costa Rica Include:
🚗 Car, SUV & Salvage Vehicle Shipping
🏍️ Motorcycle & Scooter Transport
🚐 Motorhome & RV Shipping
🏗 Construction & Agricultural Machinery Transport (tractors, harvesters, excavators, bulldozers & more)
📦 20ft, 40ft & 40ft NOR Container Shipping (FCL & LCL options)
🚤 Boats & Jet Skis – shipped on trailers, crated, or on cradle
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🚢 Ro/Ro & Container Shipping Options
📅 Weekly Sailings from major U.S. ports to Puerto Limón, Puerto Moín, and Puerto Caldera
🛡️ Fully Licensed, Bonded & Insured for secure international transport
🧾 Complete Customs Documentation Assistance
📍 Real-Time Shipment Tracking for peace of mind
🚚 Door-to-Port & Inland Delivery – pickup available anywhere in the USA with delivery to Heredia, San José, or other inland destinations in Costa Rica
💰 Affordable Rates with transparent pricing and no hidden feesWhether you’re shipping to Costa Rica for the first time or you’re a frequent exporter, our team ensures a smooth, reliable, and stress-free shipping experience every step of the way.
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Royal Shipping Lines is:
✅ FMC Licensed & Bonded
✅ A U.S.-based company
✅ Experienced with Copart, IAAI, Adesa & Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers (RB Auctions)
✅ Compliant with Costa Rican Customs regulationsLet our team guide you through each step — from pickup in the USA to customs clearance at the Ports of Puerto Limón, Puerto Moín, Puerto Caldera, or inland hubs in San José and Heredia.
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Whether you’re moving abroad permanently, studying, or relocating for work, Royal Shipping Lines provides secure and affordable shipping services for personal effects and household goods from the USA to Costa Rica. With regular sailings to Puerto Limón, Puerto Moín, and Puerto Caldera, plus inland delivery options to San José and Heredia, we make international moving simple, efficient, and stress-free.
📦 Household Goods & Personal Effects Shipping
We handle a wide variety of items essential for your move, including:Furniture (beds, sofas, tables, cabinets)
Appliances (refrigerators, washers, dryers, stoves)
Electronics (TVs, computers, sound systems)
Kitchenware & everyday household essentials
Clothing, books, and personal belongings
Packed boxes or full household shipments
🚛 Relocation Services & Options
Our team ensures your belongings arrive safely and on time with flexible shipping methods:FCL (Full Container Load): A private 20ft or 40ft container for entire household moves
LCL (Less-than-Container Load): Shared containers for smaller shipments or partial moves
Door-to-Port & Inland Delivery: Pickup anywhere in the USA with delivery to your selected Costa Rican port or inland hub
Customs Clearance Support: Guidance on required documentation and smooth processing with Costa Rican Customs
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At Royal Shipping Lines, we specialize in shipping all types of vehicles from the USA to Costa Rica’s main ports — Puerto Limón, Puerto Moín, and Puerto Caldera, with inland delivery available to San José and Heredia. We ensure safe, reliable, and cost-efficient transport for every shipment, fully compliant with Costa Rican customs regulations.
🚗 Passenger Cars
🚙 SUVs and Crossovers
🚐 Pickup Trucks and Vans
🏍️ Motorcycles and Scooters
🚛 Commercial Trucks and Fleets
🚐 Motorhomes & RVs
🏌️ Golf Carts – ideal for resorts, hotels, and private communities
🏎️ Luxury, Classic & Collector Vehicles -
At Royal Shipping Lines, we specialize in shipping boats, jet skis, and other watercraft from the USA to Costa Rica’s main ports — Puerto Limón, Puerto Moín, and Puerto Caldera, with inland delivery options to San José and Heredia. Whether you’re transporting a personal boat, a fleet of jet skis, or larger recreational vessels, our team ensures safe, reliable, and cost-effective delivery, fully compliant with Costa Rican customs regulations.
⚓ Types of Boats & Watercraft We Ship to Costa Rica
🛶 Small Boats & Dinghies – shipped in containers or crated for protection
🚤 Jet Skis & Personal Watercraft – shipped on trailers or secured in containers
🛥️ Yachts & Luxury Boats – transported via specialized carriers for maximum safety
⛵ Sailboats – shipped with cradles or flat-rack containers
🚢 Commercial & Fishing Boats – oversized shipping options available -
Costa Rica’s expanding infrastructure projects, agriculture, and commercial industries create a strong demand for importing heavy equipment and industrial machinery. At Royal Shipping Lines, we provide safe, reliable, and cost-effective shipping solutions from the USA to Costa Rica’s main port — Puerto Limón.
🚜 Agricultural Machinery Shipping
We ship essential farming equipment that supports Costa Rica’s coffee, banana, pineapple, and sugar industries, including:Tractors
Harvesters & Combines
Planters & Seeders
Sprayers & Cultivators
Other farm machinery and attachments
🏗 Construction & Industrial Equipment Shipping
We specialize in transporting oversized and heavy-duty machinery for construction and industry, such as:Excavators, Bulldozers & Loaders
Cranes, Graders & Forklifts
Heavy Trucks & Earthmoving Equipment
Specialized Industrial & Mining Machinery
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At Royal Shipping Lines, we provide international shipping services directly to Costa Rica’s major seaports, ensuring smooth customs clearance, secure storage, and efficient distribution of vehicles, containers, and machinery throughout the country.
📍 Port of Puerto Limón – Costa Rica’s busiest Caribbean port, handling most container and RoRo shipments
📍 Port of Puerto Moín – modern container terminal serving international trade and vehicle imports
📍 Port of Puerto Caldera – key Pacific port for bulk, container, and vehicle shipments🏢 Bonded Warehouses & Inland Facilities in Costa Rica
📍 San José & Heredia Zones – inland bonded warehouse facilities offering secure storage, customs clearance, and distribution of vehicles, machinery, and commercial cargo across Costa Rica
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🛳️ East Coast USA (Miami, Jacksonville, Savannah → Puerto Limón / Puerto Moín): 5–7 days 🚀 Fastest Route
🛳️ Gulf Coast USA (Houston, New Orleans → Puerto Limón / Puerto Moín): 7–10 days
🛳️ West Coast USA (Los Angeles, Oakland, Seattle → Puerto Caldera): 12–15 days⚠️ Transit times are approximate and may vary depending on the shipping line, route, seasonal conditions, and whether you choose RoRo, Lo/Lo, or container shipping.
👉 Fastest Route: Shipping from the U.S. East Coast (Miami & Jacksonville) to Costa Rica’s Caribbean ports (Puerto Limón & Moín) typically takes only 5–7 days, making it the quickest option for vehicles and cargo.
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🚗 Ro/Ro (Roll-On/Roll-Off)
Your vehicle is driven directly onto the ship and secured inside a weather-protected cargo deck. This method is ideal for operable cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, vans, and machinery, offering a fast and cost-effective solution to Costa Rica’s main ports, including Puerto Limón, Puerto Moín, and Puerto Caldera.📦 Container Shipping
Best for non-running vehicles, motorcycles, golf carts, boats, or high-value cars. Containers are available in 20ft and 40ft sizes, with shared container (LCL) and full container (FCL) options to fit your budget. This method provides maximum protection and security, making it the preferred choice for luxury, classic, or collector vehicles as well as household goods. -
To ensure smooth customs clearance when shipping personal effects or household goods from the USA to Costa Rica, you will typically need the following documents:
Valid Passport – copy of the consignee’s identification page
Bill of Lading (BOL) – issued by the carrier with shipment details
Packing List / Inventory – detailed list of all items included in the shipment
Commercial Invoice or Valuation – if required for customs purposes
Proof of Residence in Costa Rica – such as a lease agreement, work permit, or residency card (for those relocating)
Import Permit or Authorization – for restricted or regulated items
⚠️ Important: Costa Rican Customs may request additional documentation depending on the nature of the shipment. Our team at Royal Shipping Lines will assist you throughout the process to ensure compliance and avoid delays.
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✅ Original Vehicle Title (clear of liens)
✅ Bill of Sale or Purchase Invoice
✅ Valid Passport or Driver’s License
✅ Consignee’s Costa Rican Tax ID (Número de Identificación Tributaria – NIT)
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Shipping a boat from the USA to Costa Rica’s ports — Puerto Limón, Puerto Moín, and Puerto Caldera — is a straightforward process with Royal Shipping Lines. Our team manages every step to ensure your vessel arrives safely and in full compliance with Costa Rican customs regulations.
Steps to Ship a Boat to Costa Rica:
Prepare Documentation – Original vessel title, registration, bill of sale, and a valid passport for the consignee.
Select Shipping Method – Choose between RoRo (for trailer-ready boats) or container/flat-rack shipping for smaller boats, jet skis, or sailboats.
Boat Preparation – Drain fuel and water tanks, disconnect batteries, and secure all loose items.
Transport to U.S. Port – We arrange pickup anywhere in the USA and deliver your boat to the nearest port of departure.
Loading & Shipping – Your boat is professionally secured for ocean transport and shipped to your selected Costa Rican port.
Customs Clearance in Costa Rica – Our agents assist with clearance, duties, and delivery arrangements.
⚠️ Important: Certain items (hazardous materials, firearms, or restricted equipment) cannot be shipped with boats. Our team will guide you through Costa Rican regulations to ensure a smooth process.
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When shipping heavy machinery or industrial equipment from the USA to Costa Rica, the following documents are typically required for smooth customs clearance:
Commercial Invoice – with full description and value of the equipment
Packing List – detailed breakdown of machinery, parts, and accessories
Bill of Lading (BOL) – issued by the carrier with shipment details
Certificate of Origin – confirming where the machinery was manufactured
Import Permit or Authorization – if required for specific machinery types
Valid Passport or Company Registration Documents – for the consignee in Costa Rica
⚠️ Important Requirements for Equipment:
Machinery and equipment with tracks must be thoroughly cleaned prior to delivery to prevent soil contamination and avoid customs delays.
All equipment must be fully operable, with no major issues or leaks, to be accepted for shipping.
Costa Rican Customs may request additional paperwork depending on the equipment type, condition (new or used), and intended use.
Our experts at Royal Shipping Lines will guide you through every step to ensure compliance and avoid delays or extra charges.
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✅ Eligible Vehicles for Import to Costa Rica
Used Vehicles: Allowed, but age and condition matter.
Age Limit: No strict maximum age, but older vehicles pay higher import taxes.
Inspection Requirement: All vehicles must pass technical inspection (RTV – Riteve) upon arrival to ensure roadworthiness and environmental compliance.
⚠️ Titles & Vehicles That May Be Rejected or Cause Issues
Salvage or Rebuilt Titles:
Vehicles with salvage or rebuilt titles may be imported, but they must be fully restored. If not roadworthy, they may fail the Riteve inspection. Even if accepted, they face extra scrutiny and possible repair requirements.Bonded Titles or Title Replacements:
These may be rejected or flagged as potentially fraudulent. Customs may delay clearance or request additional supporting documents.Titles with Liens (Loans):
Vehicles with an active lien cannot be imported unless the lien is formally released. A lien release letter must accompany the title if it has not yet been updated.Duplicate or Incomplete Titles:
Duplicate titles are accepted only if certified and verified by the issuing agency.
Any alteration, erasure, or missing information can lead to rejection by customs.
🚫 Vehicles That Are Typically Not Allowed in Costa Rica
Heavily damaged or salvage vehicles not repaired to meet inspection standards
Right-hand drive vehicles (Costa Rica uses left-hand traffic, only LHD vehicles permitted)
Vehicles with unpaid liens or financial encumbrances
Vehicles with illegal modifications (must comply with Costa Rican emissions, safety, and equipment regulations such as bumpers, lights, and exhaust systems)
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Costa Rica enforces strict customs regulations to protect public safety, health, and the environment. Items that are prohibited or heavily restricted include:
❌ Unlicensed firearms, ammunition, and explosives
❌ Illegal drugs and narcotics
❌ Hazardous chemicals, toxic waste, and radioactive materials
❌ Counterfeit goods, pirated media, and fake currency
❌ Pornographic or obscene materials🌱 Plants, seeds, animals, and agricultural products may only be imported with official phytosanitary or veterinary certificates, in compliance with Costa Rica’s agricultural and biosecurity standards.
🛒 Consumer Goods Restrictions
Alcohol & Tobacco: Subject to strict quantity limits and high import taxes.
Electronics & Appliances: Permitted, but customs duties are charged based on CIF value (Cost + Insurance + Freight).
Medicines & Food Products: Require authorization from Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health and SENASA (National Animal Health Service).
Currency & Precious Metals: Must be declared if exceeding allowed limits.
⚠️ Note: Shipments containing prohibited or undeclared restricted items may be seized by Costa Rican Customs (Dirección General de Aduanas), and importers may face penalties, fines, or legal action.
🌐 CONTACT US TO Start Shipping to Costa Rica Today
From cars and motorcycles to heavy machinery, containers, and personal cargo, Royal Shipping Lines is your trusted partner for international shipping from the USA to Costa Rica. With weekly sailings to Puerto Limón, Moín, and Caldera, we ensure your shipment arrives safely, on time, and fully compliant with Costa Rican customs regulations.
Contact us today for a free, personalized quote on shipping vehicles, machinery, or containers to Costa Rica. Click below to get started and enjoy a secure, professional, and worry-free shipping experience with Royal Shipping Lines.
👉 Get a Quote Now | 📞 Call: +1 (305) 884-8127 | 📲 WhatsApp: +1 (305) 979-3596