⚡ Quick Answer: How much does it cost to ship a car from the USA to South America?
Car shipping from the USA to South America commonly falls around $1,400–$4,500+ for many standard vehicles, depending on destination country, U.S. pickup location, vehicle size, RoRo or container service, and carrier routing. Countries such as Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Guyana, Suriname, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Venezuela all have different import rules, taxes, and port options.
USA → SOUTH AMERICA CAR SHIPPING
All TransportDepot coordinates nationwide U.S. pickup, title review, AES/EEI export filing, and ocean transport throughout South America. Some destinations use direct seaports, while landlocked Bolivia and Paraguay require onward transit through regional gateways. We plan the shipment around the exact country, vehicle eligibility, preferred method, and final delivery city.
🚢 Vehicle Shipping Calculator
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Car Shipping Destinations in South America
Use the country guides below for destination-specific rates, ports, customs rules, and vehicle eligibility.
RoRo vs Container Shipping to South America
RoRo Shipping
Often the lowest-cost option for eligible running vehicles where carrier service is available.
- Vehicle generally must start, steer, and brake.
- Personal belongings are usually restricted.
- Best for standard operable cars, SUVs, and pickups.
Container Shipping
Preferred for non-running, luxury, classic, damaged, or multi-vehicle shipments and routes where container service is more practical.
- Enclosed ocean transport.
- 20ft and 40ft options.
- Useful for specialty handling and approved cargo.
South America Car Shipping Cost & Transit Time
Typical Planning Cost
$1,400–$4,500+
Typical Ocean Planning
2–6 weeks
Main Cost Factors
Country, port, vehicle size, pickup distance, service type, transshipment, and local handling.
Destination customs, taxes, broker fees, port charges, storage, and inland delivery are separate unless specifically included.
Major South American Vehicle Shipping Gateways
Pacific Coast
Guayaquil, Callao, San Antonio, and other carrier-approved Pacific gateways.
Atlantic & Caribbean Side
Cartagena, Santos-area routing, Montevideo, Buenos Aires-area routing, Georgetown, Paramaribo, and Puerto Cabello depending on service.
Landlocked Destinations
Bolivia commonly routes through Chilean gateways such as Arica or Antofagasta. Paraguay generally requires regional ocean discharge plus river or inland transit.
How Car Shipping to South America Works
1. Check Import Eligibility
Confirm age, title, emissions, condition, and vehicle-class restrictions for the destination.
2. Get a Route Quote
Provide VIN, pickup ZIP, year, make, model, condition, and destination.
3. Arrange U.S. Pickup
Pickup from homes, dealers, auctions, businesses, and storage facilities nationwide.
4. Complete Export Processing
Title review, AES/EEI, and carrier paperwork are coordinated before cutoff.
5. Ocean Transport
The vehicle sails by RoRo or container under the confirmed booking.
6. Destination Clearance
The consignee or broker completes customs, taxes, terminal release, and inland delivery.
Common Documents
U.S. Export Side
- Original title or acceptable ownership document
- Bill of sale / purchase invoice
- Shipper identification
- AES/EEI filing where required
- Lienholder authorization when applicable
Destination Side
- Bill of Lading
- Importer identification / tax registration
- Commercial invoice
- Vehicle VIN and specification records
- Country-specific permits, inspections, or conformity documents
Shipping Cars from Copart, IAA & Manheim to South America
Nationwide auction pickup is available, but do not assume every salvage, rebuilt, older, or non-running vehicle can be imported. Check the exact country rule before bidding.
Related South America Shipping Services
International Car Shipping from the USA · RoRo Shipping to South America · All Car Shipping Services
South America Car Shipping FAQs
How much does it cost to ship a car to South America?
A broad planning range is about $1,400–$4,500+ before destination customs and local charges.
How long does shipping take?
Many routes plan around 2–6 weeks before customs release, although landlocked destinations can take longer.
Which shipping method is cheapest?
RoRo is often the lowest-cost method for eligible running vehicles. Container shipping offers greater flexibility for non-running or high-value vehicles.
Can I ship a car to Bolivia or Paraguay by sea?
Not directly to an ocean port because both are landlocked. The shipment uses a regional seaport followed by authorized inland or river transit.
Request Your South America Car Shipping Quote
Send the pickup ZIP, VIN, year, make, model, condition, and destination country for current routing and pricing.
Asif Iqbal serves as IT Manager & Export Services Coordinator with All TransportDepot Inc., an FMC-licensed and bonded NVOCC (License No. 021693). He supports the company’s technology systems, digital operations, shipment coordination, and export services across vehicle shipping, heavy machinery, containers, project cargo, and international ocean freight. His role combines operational technology with practical export support, helping streamline shipment information, documentation, routing, and customer service for cargo moving from the United States to destinations worldwide.