Ocean Freight to Argentina
Shipping ocean freight to Argentina opens access to South America's second-largest economy, with strong agricultural, industrial and consumer markets. With major ports such as Buenos Aires, Zárate and Rosario, iContainers gives you robust service options, transparent quoting and destination-specific expertise.
Why Ship to Argentina with iContainers?
Argentina is a strategic destination for ocean freight thanks to its diverse economy, regional trade ties (e.g., Mercosur) and growing import needs. Whether you're shipping from Asia, Europe or the Americas, iContainers offers streamlined service including FCL, LCL and destination knowledge.
Large & Diversified Market
- Argentina ranks among South America's key trade economies, driven by agriculture, mining, manufacturing and consumer imports.
- Imports into Argentina include machinery, components, consumer goods and industrial inputs - making it relevant for global shippers
- As a member of trade bloc Mercosur, Argentina benefits from regional logistics flows and integration.
Flexible Shipping Options - FCL & LCL
- Full Container Load (FCL): Ideal when your cargo fills at least a 20′ or 40′ container - giving you dedicated space, less handling and typically faster transit.
- Less than Container Load (LCL): Suitable for smaller volumes, mixed cargo or market-entry shipments - more flexibility and lower cost though potentially longer handling.
- iContainers' platform allows instant online quoting, cost-breakdowns, and streamlined booking for Argentina lanes.
Ocean Freight Services to Argentina
FCL Shipping to Argentina
Best for large-volume or full-container shipments - such as industrial equipment, wholesale pallets, retail stock. FCL reduces risks of damage or cross-contamination compared with consolidation.
LCL Shipping to Argentina
Best for smaller volumes, mixed SKU sets or when you're testing the Argentine market. LCL offers cost efficiency but may involve extra consolidation points, slightly longer handling time.
Shipping Costs to Argentina
What Influences Your Ocean Freight Cost?
Important cost drivers for shipping to Argentina include:
- Origin region and route (Asia, Europe, Americas) - longer/more trans-shipments = higher cost.
- Container type & size (20′, 40′, 40′HC, reefer, special equipment).
- Destination port in Argentina and inland logistics (north vs central vs hinterland).
- Port & terminal handling, surcharges, fuel/currency fluctuations.
- Seasonal container availability, routing constraints and capacity.
With iContainers you get detailed cost breakdowns to plan your landed cost into Argentina.
Container shipping rates
How much does it cost to ship a container to Argentina?
Transit Times to Argentina
Typical Transit Durations
- From Europe to Argentina: ~25-35 days (depending on specific origin & routing).
- From East Asia to Argentina: ~40-45 days (depending on trans-shipment and vessel schedules).
- From the Americas: shorter durations depending on origin and directness of route.
Factors That Affect Delivery Speed
- Number of trans-shipments or feeder vessel stops.
- Port congestion at major Argentine ports (e.g., Buenos Aires).
- The inland transport distance from port to the final destination in Argentina.
- Accuracy and completeness of export/import documentation.
Main Ports in Argentina
Port of Buenos Aires
Argentina's principal container gateway. Often the first port for many inbound container shipments.
Port of Zárate
Located in a strategic inland/river-connect zone, useful for industrial/regional traffic.
Port of Rosario
Located inland via the Paraná river system; alternative gateway especially for certain cargo types.
Choosing the Right Port
- Choose port based on origin region and transit time preference.
- Consider final inland delivery region within Argentina.
- Evaluate cost vs transit time trade-offs across ports.
- Confirm carrier service availability and container equipment for that port.
How to Book Your Shipment to Argentina
Required Documents
Typical required documents when shipping to Argentina include:
- Commercial Invoice & Packing List.
- Bill of Lading or Sea Waybill.
- HS codes and accurate cargo description.
- Import licence or registration (for certain goods) and consignee details
- Any permits or certifications required for regulated goods (food/agriproducts, etc).
Customs & Regulatory Overview
- Argentina requires correct cargo classification and declaration; missing/inaccurate documentation may lead to delays.
- Understand inland logistics and final mile delivery given country size and infrastructure.
- Early preparation of documents and close coordination with broker or partner speeds clearance.
Step-by-Step Booking Process
- Request an online quote (origin → Argentina, cargo details).
- Compare service types (FCL vs LCL), ports, transit times, costs.
- Confirm booking and upload required documentation.
- Arrange origin pickup and container loading.
- Track ocean transit to Argentine port.
- Customs clearance at port, then inland delivery to your consignee.
- Final delivery to warehouse, retail site or distribution centre.
FAQs About Shipping to Argentina
The cost of shipping a container to Argentina depends on your origin, container type (FCL or LCL), cargo weight and volume, and current market rates. The most accurate way to get a price is to request an instant quote on the iContainers platform, where you'll see all charges itemized before booking.
Transit times to Argentina vary by origin and service. Shipments from nearby ports in the Americas can arrive within days, while shipments from Europe or Asia may take several weeks. When you request a quote with iContainers, estimated transit times are displayed alongside the rates so you can choose the option that best fits your schedule.
The best container type depends on your cargo's size, weight, and characteristics:
- 20' or 40' dry containers for most general cargo
- 40' High Cube for lighter, voluminous goods
- Reefer containers for temperature-controlled products
- Special equipment (open top, flat rack) for oversized items
If you're unsure which option is right for you, our specialists can review your cargo details and recommend the most suitable container type.
