Ocean Freight to Chile

Shipping ocean freight to Chile opens access to one of South America's most open and dynamic economies, supported by extensive port infrastructure, strategic trade agreements, and diversified import demand. With major ports such as San Antonio, Valparaíso, Antofagasta and San Vicente, iContainers enables global shippers to compare rates, select routes and book ocean freight to Chile with clarity and confidence.

Why Ship to Chile with iContainers?

Chile offers unique advantages: free-trade agreements, stable regulatory environment, extensive seaport coverage and rising import needs for machinery, consumer goods and raw materials.

Open & Trade-Friendly Economy

• The Chilean economy ranks among the most open in South America, with many trade agreements signed with third countries.
• Port infrastructure spans north to south, supporting export of minerals and wood and import of manufactured goods.
• For shippers, this means access to Latin American markets via a reliable sea-freight gateway.

Flexible FCL & LCL Options

• Choose Full Container Load (FCL) when you have large volume consignments - better control, fewer consolidation issues.
• Choose Less than Container Load (LCL) when you have smaller loads or mixed cargo - cost efficient, especially for new market entry.
• iContainers offers transparent quoting, routing options and cost visibility for Chile shipments.

End-to-End Service Support

• From origin pickup, export documentation, to ocean transit, port arrival and inland delivery across Chile.
• Multiple Chilean ports allow you to pick best route based on origin, cost and destination.
• Clear cost breakdowns and shipment tracking available.

Ocean Freight Services to Chile

FCL Shipping to Chile

Ideal when your cargo fills a 20′ or 40′ container (for example, industrial equipment, large pallet volumes, full SKU sets). Offers strong control and faster handling.

LCL Shipping to Chile

Recommended for smaller shipments, trial shipments into Chile or mixed SKU loads. Consolidation helps cost efficiency but may slightly increase handling/transit time.

Shipping Costs to Chile

What Influences Your Ocean Freight Cost?

Key cost factors include:

• Origin country and routing. Shorter or direct routes often cost less.
• Container type & size (20′, 40′, 40′ HC, reefer or special equipment).
• Destination port in Chile and inland haulage to final destination.
• Port handling charges, surcharges, fuel/currency adjustments.
• Seasonal capacity, container availability and demand fluctuations.

iContainers quotes provide full cost transparency so you can plan landed cost into Chile appropriately.

Transit Times to Chile

Typical Transit Durations

• From Asia to Chile: longer transit due to distance and transshipment.
• From North America / Europe: transit depends on routing, vessel calls and port of entry.
• Chile's geography (long coastline) means inland transport and port choice can affect overall delivery timeline.

Factors That Can Affect Delivery Speed

• Number of trans-shipments, vessel schedule frequency.
• Port congestion at major Chilean ports (San Antonio, Valparaíso).
• Inland transport time to final destination in Chile (north vs central vs south).
• Documentation accuracy and customs clearance speed.

Main Ports in Chile

Chile's coastline allows multiple container port gateways, giving flexibility in routing and delivery.

Port of San Antonio

The primary Chilean seaport for container traffic, strong connection to central Chile and Santiago region.

Port of Valparaíso

Important marine gateway with container facilities; used for many import flows.

Port of Antofagasta / Port of San Vicente

Strategic for northern Chile, mining related flows and alternative container handling capacity.

Choosing the Right Port

• Align port choice with your origin routing and transit time preferences.
• Consider final inland delivery location within Chile (north / central / south).
• Evaluate carrier service frequency, container equipment availability and inland logistic connectivity.
• Compare cost vs transit time trade-off across different port options.

How to Book Your Shipment to Chile

Required Documents

Typical shipping documentation required for Chile:

• Commercial Invoice & Packing List.
• Bill of Lading or Sea Waybill.
• HS codes and accurate cargo description.
• Importer/consignee registration or customs broker details in Chile.
• Any permits or certifications required for regulated goods (agri, chemical, etc.).

Customs & Regulatory Overview

• Chile requires accurate declaration of value and cargo description; inconsistent documentation can delay clearance
• Certain goods may require special permits, especially agricultural or used goods.
• Good preparation of documentation and customs broker engagement reduces risk of delays.

Step-by-Step Booking Process

• Request an online quote via iContainers (origin, destination Chile, cargo details).
• Compare service types (FCL vs LCL), transit times, ports, cost.
• Confirm booking, upload required documentation.
• Schedule origin pickup and container loading.
• Track shipment through sea transit and port arrival in Chile.
• Customs clearance at Chilean port, then inland delivery to final consignee.
• Final delivery to warehouse, distribution centre or retail site.