⚡ Quick Answer: How much does it cost to ship a car to Guatemala?
Shipping a car from the USA to Guatemala costs between $1,100 and $2,600 for ocean freight depending on vehicle dimensions, US origin port, and shipping method (RoRo vs. Container). Ocean transit takes 7 to 20 days, discharging primarily at Puerto Quetzal (Pacific coast) or Puerto Barrios / Santo Tomás de Castilla (Atlantic coast). Important: Guatemalan Customs (SAT) levies Import Duty (DAI), 12% VAT (IVA), and the First Registration Tax (IPRIMA), which together generally total 25%–45% of the vehicle’s CIF value depending on engine size and type.
USA → GUATEMALA AUTO TRANSPORT & VEHICLE EXPORT LOGISTICS
All TransportDepot coordinates seamless car shipping from any US location to Guatemala. Whether you are shipping a personal vehicle, commercial fleet, dealer inventory, or salvage purchases from Copart/IAAI auctions, we manage nationwide ground towing, title validation, US customs export clearance, ocean freight booking, and arrival terminal dispatch.
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On This Page
- Service Overview
- RoRo vs. Container Options
- US Gateway Rates & Transit Times
- Guatemala SAT Customs Duty, IVA & IPRIMA Math
- Vehicle Age Limits & Import Compliance
- Nationwide Towing & Auction Pickup
- Step-by-Step Shipping Process
- Guatemalan Ports: Puerto Quetzal vs. Puerto Barrios
- US & Guatemala Required Documentation
- Frequently Asked Questions
Professional Car Shipping to Guatemala from the USA
All TransportDepot simplifies international car shipping by coordinating the entire US export chain. From residential driveways, auto dealerships, and salvage auctions (Copart, IAAI, Manheim) to ocean departure terminals, we provide reliable vehicle transport directly to Guatemala.
Private Vehicle Owners
Door-to-port car shipping for individuals relocating or sending vehicles to family in Guatemala, complete with title clearance support and port delivery guidance.
Auction & Dealer Buyers
Rapid auction release, gate-pass retrieval, storage prevention, and direct inland transport to US RoRo or container loading ports.
Commercial Automotive Exporters
High-volume shipping management with consolidated documentation, VIN tracking, and competitive ocean freight rates for commercial auto fleets.
Vehicle Shipping Options to Guatemala
Compare RoRo shipping to Guatemala and container shipping to Guatemala based on vehicle condition, protection requirements, and budget.
MOST POPULAR & ECONOMICAL
Roll-On/Roll-Off (RoRo) Auto Shipping
Your vehicle is driven directly onto a specialized car-carrier vessel and secured below deck for ocean transit to Guatemalan ocean terminals.
- Best For: Fully operational sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, and commercial vans.
- Requirements: Vehicle must start, steer, and brake reliably under its own power. No loose personal effects inside the cab.
- Key Benefit: Lowest ocean freight rates and fast terminal handling times at origin and destination.
ENCLOSED & SECURE LOGISTICS
Containerized Car Shipping (FCL / LCL)
Your vehicle is professionally loaded, blocked, braced, and strapped inside a 20ft or 40ft ocean container for complete enclosure during transit.
- Best For: High-value luxury vehicles, non-running/salvage auction cars, or multi-car commercial shipments.
- Requirements: Allows loading allowed personal items, spare parts, or household goods inside the container.
- Key Benefit: Maximum security, environmental protection, and flexibility for non-operable vehicles.
US Departure Hub Rates & Estimated Transit Times
Ocean freight costs depend on the vehicle’s physical dimensions (Sedan vs. SUV/Truck), running condition, and chosen US departure hub:
| US Departure Port | Primary Ocean Carrier Route | Est. Ocean Freight (Standard Car) | Average Ocean Transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston, TX / Galveston, TX | US Gulf to Guatemala Direct | $1,100 – $1,450 | 7 – 10 Days |
| Port Everglades, FL / Miami, FL | Florida Central America Express | $1,150 – $1,500 | 6 – 9 Days |
| Baltimore, MD / Newark, NJ | US East Coast Central America Line | $1,300 – $1,700 | 10 – 14 Days |
| Jacksonville, FL / Savannah, GA | Southeast US Regional Feeders | $1,250 – $1,650 | 8 – 12 Days |
| Port Hueneme, CA / Long Beach, CA | US West Coast to Pacific Guatemala Route | $1,750 – $2,300 | 12 – 18 Days |
Guatemala Customs (SAT) Duties, IVA & IPRIMA Taxes
Understanding local clearing taxes is essential before exporting. Tax collection is administered by Guatemala’s tax authority, SAT (Superintendencia de Administración Tributaria), based on the vehicle’s CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) value or SAT’s official valuation database.
CIF Customs Valuation & Duty Breakdown
Customs duties and taxes are calculated on the total CIF Value:
CIF = Purchase Price + Ocean Freight + Transit Insurance
- Import Tariff (DAI): Typically ranges from 5% to 20% based on vehicle type and classification.
- Value Added Tax (IVA): Fixed at 12% applied to the cumulative (CIF + DAI) amount.
- IPRIMA Tax (First Registration Tax): Variable scale ranging from 5% to 20% determined by vehicle engine displacement (cc) and model year.
- Port Handling & Customs Broker Fees: Paid directly at arrival terminals during customs release.
SAT Official Customs Database (Tabla SAT)
Guatemala enforces strict customs assessment rules for imported autos:
- Official SAT Tables: If invoice pricing falls below SAT reference tables, customs agents assess taxes using SAT’s standardized market valuation schedule.
- NIT Tax Number: The importer/consignee must possess an active Guatemalan NIT (Número de Identificación Tributaria) for customs clearance.
- Customs Declarations (DUCA): Prepared by an accredited Guatemalan customs broker (Agente Aduanal) upon arrival.
Guatemala Vehicle Import Eligibility & Compliance
Ensure your vehicle satisfies current Guatemalan import laws before booking ocean shipment:
Vehicle Age & Condition Rules
Guatemala maintains specific import controls regarding vehicle age and physical condition:
- Age Restrictions: While passenger cars do not face strict year bans like some regional neighbors, older vehicles encounter significantly higher IPRIMA tax brackets.
- Salvage & Rebuilt Titles: Vehicles with salvage or rebuilt titles from US auctions (Copart/IAAI) are allowed for import, provided structural and safety criteria pass SAT inspection upon arrival.
Drive Configuration & Technical Standards
- Left-Hand Drive (LHD) Mandatory: Guatemala mandates Left-Hand Drive (LHD) vehicles (standard in the United States). Right-Hand Drive conversions are prohibited.
- Emissions & Roadworthiness: Vehicles must undergo basic safety and technical inspection prior to receiving official license plates (Placas).
Nationwide US Auto Transport & Auction Towing
You do not need to reside near a departure port. We coordinate door-to-port car haulers across all 50 US states to collect vehicles from homes, auto dealerships, salvage yards, and major auto auctions.
Supported Auto Auctions
- Copart & IAAI Express Pickup: Fast dispatch to avoid auction storage penalties.
- Manheim & Adesa Dealer Auctions: Direct vehicle transportation with gate passes and buyer ID releases fully managed.
- Inoperable Towing Services: Winch-capable haulers assigned specifically for non-running or wrecked vehicles.
Required Towing Details
- Exact pickup ZIP code and contact phone number.
- Auction Lot Number and Buyer ID Number (if applicable).
- Vehicle operational status (Runs & Drives vs. Non-Runner/Rolls).
- Original Certificate of Title availability.
How Our USA to Guatemala Car Shipping Process Works
1. Rate Quote & Booking Confirmation
Provide your vehicle specs, pickup ZIP code, and preferred Guatemalan port to receive a comprehensive, itemized shipping quote.
2. Vehicle Collection & Transport
Our licensed car carriers pick up your vehicle and deliver it directly to the designated US export port or container facility.
3. US Customs Export Clearance
We present the Original Title and Bill of Sale to US Customs & Border Protection for mandatory export validation.
4. Ocean Vessel Loading
Your vehicle undergoes receipt inspection, receives a booking number, is loaded onto the RoRo or container vessel, and departs for Guatemala.
5. Ocean Bill of Lading Issued
We issue the official Ocean Bill of Lading (BOL) and tracking data as your shipment sails through Central American waters.
6. Guatemala Port Arrival & Clearance
Upon discharge at Puerto Quetzal or Santo Tomás de Castilla, your local customs broker files the DUCA, settles SAT taxes, and completes port dispatch.
Guatemalan Port Destinations: Puerto Quetzal vs. Puerto Barrios
Ocean car carriers from the US discharge cargo at two primary maritime gateways in Guatemala:
Puerto Quetzal (Pacific Coast)
Located in the Escuintla Department on the Pacific side, Puerto Quetzal is the primary port for shipments originating from US West Coast ports or direct Gulf/East Coast RoRo lines serving southern and central Guatemala, including Guatemala City.
Puerto Barrios / Santo Tomás de Castilla (Atlantic Coast)
Situated in Izabal Department on the Caribbean coast, these twin port terminals serve as major hubs for containerized freight and RoRo carriers departing from US Gulf (Houston, Galveston) and Florida ports (Miami, Port Everglades).
Required Shipping & Customs Documentation
US Export Documentation (Origin)
- Original Certificate of Title: Must be clear of unreleased liens (stamped clean for export by US Customs).
- Bill of Sale / Purchase Invoice: Required for export validation and SAT customs valuation.
- Shipper Identification: Passport copy or US Driver’s License.
- EIN / Tax ID: Required for US Customs AES/EEI export filings on vehicles valued over $2,500.
Guatemala Import Documentation (Destination)
- Ocean Bill of Lading (BOL): Issued by All TransportDepot upon vessel sailing.
- Número de Identificación Tributaria (NIT): Active Guatemalan tax number for the designated consignee.
- DUCA Declaration: Official customs declaration form generated by your Guatemalan customs broker.
- SAT Duty Payment Receipt: Verification of settled DAI, IVA, and IPRIMA taxes prior to terminal gate release.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shipping a Car to Guatemala
How are customs duties and taxes calculated for cars imported to Guatemala?
SAT calculates import costs based on the vehicle’s total CIF value (Cost + Insurance + Freight). Taxes include the Import Duty (DAI, typically 5%–20%), 12% Value Added Tax (IVA), and the First Registration Tax (IPRIMA, 5%–20% depending on engine displacement and year). Combined taxes typically total between 25% and 45% of the vehicle’s CIF value.
How long does ocean transit take from the US to Guatemala?
Transit times vary by origin port. Sailings from Florida (Miami, Port Everglades) take 6 to 9 days, US Gulf ports (Houston, Galveston) take 7 to 10 days, US East Coast ports take 10 to 14 days, and West Coast ports take 12 to 18 days.
Can I pack personal items inside my car when shipping to Guatemala?
If you choose RoRo shipping, no personal items or loose cargo are permitted inside the vehicle due to maritime security regulations. If you need to ship personal belongings or auto parts along with your vehicle, you must select Container Shipping (20ft or 40ft container).
Which Guatemalan port should my vehicle be shipped to?
This depends on your final destination in Guatemala and the US origin port. Puerto Quetzal (Pacific Coast) is preferred for shipments destined for Guatemala City and western regions. Puerto Barrios / Santo Tomás de Castilla (Atlantic Coast) receives frequent direct ocean service from Florida and Gulf ports.
Can All TransportDepot pick up non-running or auction cars from Copart or IAAI?
Yes. We regularly pick up both running and non-running salvage vehicles from Copart, IAAI, Manheim, and private sellers nationwide, transporting them safely to our nearest US port terminal.
Request Your Car Shipping Quote to Guatemala
Get a competitive ocean freight rate for your car, SUV, truck, or auction purchase today. Send us your vehicle’s VIN, pickup ZIP code, make, model, and running condition.
Kevin Baker serves as Export Operations Manager with All TransportDepot Inc., an FMC-licensed and bonded NVOCC (License No. 021693). He supports vehicle, heavy equipment, RoRo, container, and ocean freight operations, with a focus on cargo preparation, export documentation, terminal coordination, loading requirements, and shipment readiness. All TransportDepot Inc. provides international shipping and logistics services from the United States to destinations worldwide.