Puente Freight
Container ship docked at a Caribbean port with stacked shipping containers and cranes

Ocean freight · FCL & LCL

Ocean freight to the Dominican Republic

Container shipping is the most cost-effective way to move commercial goods, household items and heavy cargo to the Dominican Republic. We book space on weekly sailings into Caucedo (DP World), Haina and Puerto Plata, and handle everything from pickup to final delivery.

Ocean transit
4–9 days
Sailings
Weekly
Containers
20', 40', 40'HC, reefer

FCL: full container load

With FCL you rent the entire container. It is the best option when your cargo fills more than roughly 14 cubic meters, or when you want the container sealed from origin to destination for maximum security. We offer 20-foot, 40-foot, 40-foot high-cube and refrigerated (reefer) equipment.

  • 20' standard: about 33 m³ / up to 28,000 kg
  • 40' standard: about 67 m³ / up to 26,700 kg
  • 40' high-cube: about 76 m³ — ideal for furniture and light, bulky goods
  • Reefer 20'/40': temperature-controlled for food, pharma and flowers

LCL: share a container and pay only for your space

If you are shipping a few pallets, LCL (less than container load) consolidates your cargo with other shippers in a shared container. You pay by cubic meter or weight, whichever is greater. LCL is the most popular choice for small businesses, online sellers and personal shipments to Santo Domingo and Santiago.

Dominican ports we serve

We route each shipment to the port closest to its final destination to reduce inland trucking costs:

  • Puerto Multimodal Caucedo — the main container hub, near Santo Domingo and Las Américas airport
  • Puerto de Haina — west of Santo Domingo, ideal for Haina, San Cristóbal and Baní
  • Puerto Plata — North Coast, best for Santiago, Puerto Plata and the Cibao region
  • Puerto de San Pedro de Macorís and La Romana — for the East and Punta Cana

What is included in our ocean freight quote

Our quotes are door-to-door unless you request otherwise, so you see the full landed cost up front: origin pickup, export documentation, ocean freight, Dominican customs clearance, port charges and delivery to your address. Duties and ITBIS (18%) are estimated in advance based on the HS code and declared value.

Frequently asked questions

How long does ocean freight to the Dominican Republic take?

Port-to-port transit is typically 4–9 days depending on the origin port. Door-to-door, including customs clearance, plan for 10–18 days.

Should I choose FCL or LCL?

If your cargo is more than about 14–15 cubic meters, a full 20-foot container is usually cheaper per unit than LCL. Below that, LCL is more economical.

Can you ship a container to Santiago or Punta Cana?

Yes. We clear the container at the port and truck it inland to any city in the country, or deliver it to a bonded warehouse for unloading.

Do you handle refrigerated containers?

Yes. We book reefer containers for food, beverages, pharmaceuticals and other temperature-sensitive goods, with the required phytosanitary or health permits.

How much does it cost to ship a container to the Dominican Republic?

There is no single price. The cost depends on the container type (20', 40', 40' high cube, reefer), the origin port, the destination port (Caucedo, Río Haina or Puerto Plata), current ocean carrier rates and surcharges, whether you need pickup or door delivery, customs clearance, and insurance. Send us the details through the quote form and a freight agent will price your specific shipment.

What documents does DGA require for imports?

The Dirección General de Aduanas (DGA) typically requires a commercial invoice, a packing list, the bill of lading (ocean) or air waybill (air), and the importer's RNC (companies) or cédula/passport (individuals). Some goods also need permits from other agencies. Requirements change, so always confirm with DGA at aduanas.gob.do or ask us before you ship.

How long does ocean or air freight take?

Transit times are estimates only and vary by carrier schedule, port congestion, weather and customs. As a guide, ocean freight from Florida is roughly 4–8 days port to port, from the US Northeast roughly 7–18 days, from Europe roughly 14–22 days and from Asia roughly 30–45 days. Air freight is usually 1–4 days. Customs clearance and inland delivery add time.

Can I ship a car to the DR?

Yes. Vehicles can travel by RORO (driven onto the ship) or inside a container. You will need the original title, the bill of sale and a copy of your ID. The DR has import rules for vehicles, including age limits and taxes calculated by DGA, so check eligibility before you buy or ship. Share the year, make and model in the quote form and we will advise.

What is LCL vs FCL?

LCL (less than container load) means your cargo shares a container with other shippers and you pay for the space you use. It suits smaller shipments. FCL (full container load) means you book a whole 20' or 40' container for your cargo only. It is usually more cost-effective for larger volumes and moves with fewer handling steps.

How do I export from the DR or a free zone?

You need a commercial invoice, a packing list, the exporter's RNC, and an export declaration filed with DGA. Free-zone companies also follow the procedures of their free-zone operator and the Consejo Nacional de Zonas Francas de Exportación. Food, plant and animal products may need phytosanitary or health certificates. We coordinate booking, documents and loading at Caucedo, Río Haina, Puerto Plata or the airports.

What can't I ship?

Prohibited and restricted items include weapons and ammunition, illegal drugs, explosives and flammable liquids, counterfeit goods, and some chemicals. Lithium batteries, perfumes, aerosols, medicines and food often have special rules, especially by air. If you are unsure about an item, describe it in the quote form or ask us on WhatsApp before you pack.

No rate sheets

What affects your price

Every shipment is priced on its own details. These are the factors a freight agent looks at when preparing your quote.

Estimate volume and weight
  • Mode of transport

    Ocean (LCL or FCL), air or RORO. Air is fastest; ocean is usually the most economical for heavy or bulky cargo.

  • Volume and weight

    Ocean freight is mostly priced by volume (CBM); air freight by actual or volumetric weight, whichever is greater.

  • Origin and destination

    The ports or airports involved, the distance, and current carrier schedules and surcharges on that lane.

  • Container type

    A 20', 40', 40' high cube, reefer, flat-rack or open-top container each has its own cost.

  • Customs clearance

    Duties and taxes are set by the authorities, not by us, and depend on the goods, their value and their classification.

  • Cargo insurance

    Optional coverage is based on the declared value of your goods.

  • Pickup and door delivery

    Collecting at your door or delivering to an address adds trucking, compared with port-to-port or drop-off.

Request a quote

Tell us about your shipment

Fill in what you know — a freight agent will review it and contact you with a quote. Prefer to chat? Message our Dominican office on WhatsApp.

1

Import or export

Origin and destination can be any country.

Are you importing into or exporting from the Dominican Republic?
2

Your contact details

Preferred language
3

Shipment type

What are you shipping?
4

Origin — where the cargo starts

How will we receive the cargo?
5

Destination — where the cargo goes

Delivery
6

Cargo details

Dimensions per piece (L × W × H)
Weight per piece / Total weight
Total volume (calculated)Enter dimensions and pieces to calculate.
Hazardous or contains batteries?
Stackable?
7

Service needed

Service level
Need customs clearance in the DR?
Need cargo insurance?
Need packing / crating?
8

Dates

Are your dates flexible?
9

Photos, documents and notes

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