⚡ Quick Answer: How Does Container Shipping to South America Work?
AllTransportDepot provides 20ft, 40ft and High Cube container shipping from the USA to major South American markets. Broad planning ranges are about $2,200–$4,200 for a 20ft and $3,900–$7,200 for a 40ft/High Cube, with many port-to-port services taking roughly 15–35 days. Final pricing depends on the U.S. origin, destination country, cargo and Atlantic or Pacific routing.
USA → SOUTH AMERICA CONTAINER SHIPPING SERVICES
South America container shipping changes significantly between Caribbean-facing ports, Atlantic gateways, Pacific ports and landlocked inland destinations. AllTransportDepot coordinates U.S. pickup, loading, export documents and ocean booking for household goods, commercial cargo, machinery and approved vehicles. We route for the final market.
FMC Licensed & Bonded NVOCC #021693 • Nationwide U.S. Pickup • 20ft, 40ft & High Cube
Container Shipping Calculator
Choose the service that best fits your shipment. Tap "More explanation" for details.
South America Container Shipping Services
South America Container Shipping Destinations
Select the country service that matches your final destination for destination-specific routing, customs and pricing.
Container Shipping to Argentina
Buenos Aires-area routing for household, commercial and approved project cargo.
Container Shipping to Bolivia
Landlocked service planned through Chilean gateways and bonded inland transit.
Container Shipping to Brazil
Santos and other Brazilian gateways selected around the final state and cargo.
Container Shipping to Chile
Pacific routing through major Chilean ports based on the final delivery point.
Container Shipping to Colombia
Cartagena, Barranquilla and Pacific alternatives depending on destination.
Container Shipping to Ecuador
Guayaquil-area routing for commercial, household and approved vehicle cargo.
Container Shipping to French Guiana
Cayenne/Degrad-des-Cannes-area service with French overseas import considerations.
Container Shipping to Guyana
Georgetown/Demerara-area routing for household and commercial cargo.
Container Shipping to Paraguay
Landlocked logistics using regional river, road and port corridors.
Container Shipping to Peru
Callao-centered routing with Paita or Chancay alternatives where practical.
Container Shipping to Suriname
Paramaribo / Dr. Jules Sedney Terminal routing for international FCL cargo.
Container Shipping to Uruguay
Montevideo-centered service for commercial and personal shipments.
Container Shipping Services to South America
20ft Container
Suitable for smaller relocations, dense cargo, machinery and selected vehicle shipments.
40ft / High Cube
Useful for larger household moves, commercial inventory, multiple pallets and high-volume cargo.
Special Equipment
Flat-rack and open-top equipment may be reviewed for machinery or project cargo that exceeds dry-container dimensions.
Major South America Container Gateways
Atlantic & Southern Cone
Santos, Buenos Aires and Montevideo serve major Atlantic and southern markets.
Pacific Coast
Callao, San Antonio, Valparaíso and Guayaquil connect Peru, Chile and Ecuador.
Northern South America
Cartagena and Guianas gateways support Colombia and the continent’s Caribbean-facing markets.
Landlocked South America Container Services
Bolivia
Bolivia shipments require an ocean gateway outside Bolivia followed by customs-controlled inland transit. For our Bolivia service, planning centers on Chilean gateways such as Arica or Antofagasta where appropriate.
Paraguay
Paraguay cargo requires regional inland or river-port coordination after the ocean leg, so the quote must include the onward corridor rather than only the seaport rate.
South America Container Shipping Cost & Transit
| Service | Regional Planning Range | Typical Port-to-Port Transit |
|---|---|---|
| 20ft Container | $2,200–$4,200+ | About 15–35 days |
| 40ft / High Cube | $3,900–$7,200+ | About 15–35 days |
Regional estimates only. U.S. pickup, loading, documentation, destination duty/tax, inspections, terminal fees, storage, demurrage and inland delivery may be additional. Landlocked destinations require separate inland transit planning.
South America Customs & Import Planning
Every South American country operates its own customs, tax and importer-registration system. Vehicle age restrictions, product permits, valuation rules and documentation requirements can differ substantially.
- Commercial invoice or detailed valuation
- Packing list
- Ocean bill of lading
- Certificate of origin where required
- Importer tax ID or customs registration where applicable
- Product-specific permits or sanitary/technical approvals where required
- Vehicle title and export documents when applicable
- AES/EEI and ITN when required for U.S. export
Use the country service links above before booking so the shipment is prepared for the correct destination rules.
Why Use AllTransportDepot for South America Container Shipping?
- FMC Licensed & Bonded NVOCC #021693
- Nationwide U.S. pickup and export coordination
- Atlantic, Pacific and landlocked routing expertise
- 20ft, 40ft, High Cube and selected special equipment
- Household, commercial, machinery and approved vehicle cargo support
South America Container Shipping FAQs
How much does container shipping to South America cost?
Broad planning is about $2,200–$4,200+ for a 20ft and $3,900–$7,200+ for a 40ft or High Cube. The country, U.S. origin and inland destination determine the current quote.
How long does shipping take?
Many coastal port-to-port routes fall within roughly 15–35 days. Inland transit and customs can add more time.
Can you arrange pickup anywhere in the USA?
Yes. Pickup can be coordinated from homes, businesses, suppliers, dealers, auctions and warehouses nationwide.
Can vehicles be shipped inside containers?
Yes when the destination country permits the vehicle import and the unit is properly documented, loaded and secured.
How do Bolivia and Paraguay shipments work?
Both are landlocked, so the ocean leg ends at a regional gateway and the cargo continues inland under the appropriate customs/transit procedure.
Request a South America Container Shipping Quote
Send the U.S. pickup ZIP code, cargo details, container size and final destination country/city so we can review routing and current carrier pricing.
Email: ship@alltransportdepot.com
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.