Consolidated Cargo & Pallets
from the USA to Costa Rica
Five suppliers, one freight charge. We pick up in any state, group your purchases in Miami and ship them together to Costa Rica — under a single customs process.
What does consolidating cargo from the USA mean?
Consolidating means grouping purchases from different suppliers into a single shipment. Instead of each one shipping separately — paying freight every time, with a separate process every time — the goods gather at the departure point in Miami and travel together to Costa Rica under one transport document.
For a business buying from several US vendors the difference is direct: one freight charge instead of five, one customs clearance instead of five, and a cost per unit that drops as the space fills.
How consolidation works
- 1. You buy from your suppliers in any US state, using the delivery address we give you.
- 2. Pickup or direct delivery. We collect the goods wherever they are, or the supplier ships them to the departure point in Miami.
- 3. Receipt and verification. Each delivery is logged as it arrives and checked against your list.
- 4. Consolidation and sailing. The shipment is built and departs for Costa Rica on the agreed date.
- 5. One customs clearance. All the cargo clears together and gets delivered to your warehouse.
Recurring consolidation for businesses
If your purchases are frequent, consolidation stops being an event and becomes a supply routine. We coordinate shipments on a fixed schedule — weekly, biweekly or monthly depending on your volume: your suppliers deliver during the window and the cargo departs on the agreed date.
The advantage isn't only price: it's predictability. You know when it sails and when it lands, so you can plan inventory instead of reacting to scattered shipments.
How a consolidation is quoted: CBM and weight
In ocean consolidation the rate is based on volume in cubic meters (CBM) or on weight, whichever is greater. That's why the packing list with dimensions and weight per package defines the quote:
- Bulky, light cargo (plastic goods, textiles) tends to be charged by volume.
- Compact, heavy cargo (tools, metal parts) tends to be charged by weight.
- Empty space costs money. Poorly packed boxes or cargo overhanging the pallet take up volume you pay for anyway.
CBM is length × width × height in meters. If you have the measurements of each package, your quote is one step away.
Pallets: the American standard
In the United States the standard is the 48×40 inch pallet (approx. 122×102 cm), different from the Euro pallet. Three rules that save money and trouble:
- Nothing overhangs. Anything hanging over the pallet gets knocked, damaged and occupies chargeable space.
- Stacked and wrapped. Stretch film and corner boards: consolidated cargo shares space and gets handled more times than a sealed container.
- Wooden pallets with phytosanitary treatment. Untreated wood can be rejected on arrival.
The full comparison of sizes and uses is in our article Euro pallet vs. American pallet, and stacking best practices in proper cargo packing.
When to leave consolidation and move to a full container?
Consolidation (LCL) covers anything from one box up to around 15 CBM. Above 15–20 CBM a full container usually wins on cost per unit, and it also cuts handling and time. When your volume approaches that threshold we tell you and quote both — the comparison is in FCL vs LCL: which one fits.
What we need to quote
- List of suppliers and pickup addresses in the USA — or which ones ship directly to Miami.
- Cargo description from each supplier.
- Number of packages or pallets.
- Weight per package or total.
- Dimensions per package (for the CBM calculation).
- Destination in Costa Rica.
- Incoterm agreed with each supplier.
- Cargo value, for insurance and duties.
- Desired frequency, if you want a recurring setup.
Our edge in consolidation
Consolidation done well isn't just stacking boxes: it's planning your company's supply.
Pickup across the USA
Your suppliers don't need to deal with international shipping: we collect the goods wherever they sit.
Fixed departure dates
Weekly, biweekly or monthly recurring schedules so you plan inventory instead of reacting.
We flag when to switch to FCL
When your volume nears 15–20 CBM we quote a full container too. We don't leave you overpaying for consolidation.
A single customs process
All the cargo clears together through licensed customs brokerages, instead of five separate processes.
What we get asked most about consolidation
What is consolidated cargo from the United States?
Grouping purchases from different suppliers into a single shipment. Instead of each one shipping separately, the goods gather at the departure point in Miami and travel together to Costa Rica under one transport document. Cost per unit drops and the cargo clears customs once.
From how many pallets is it worth it?
From a single pallet if it comes from several suppliers or the supplier won't ship to Costa Rica. Consolidation covers anything from one box to around 15 CBM; above 15–20 CBM a full container is worth evaluating, and we quote it so you can compare.
How is the cost calculated?
On volume (CBM) or weight, whichever is greater. CBM is length × width × height in meters. That's why the packing list with dimensions and weight per package defines the quote — and why empty space in boxes gets expensive.
What pallet type should I use?
The US standard is the 48×40 inch pallet (approx. 122×102 cm). Cargo must be stacked, wrapped and not overhanging, and wooden pallets must meet the international phytosanitary treatment requirement. Full comparison in Euro pallet vs. American pallet.
Can I set up recurring consolidated shipments?
Yes. For businesses buying monthly or every two weeks we coordinate shipments on a fixed schedule: suppliers deliver during the window and the cargo departs on the agreed date. Tell us your frequency and volume and we'll set it up.
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Get your consolidation quote today
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