Ocean Freight to El Salvador

Shipping ocean freight to El Salvador is a reliable way to serve Central America's growing consumer market and expanding manufacturing base. With its location on the Pacific coast and modern terminals such as the Port of Acajutla and Port of La Unión, El Salvador offers strategic access to regional and global trade routes. Using iContainers, you can compare rates, transit times, and book ocean freight services into El Salvador with end-to-end visibility.

Why Ship to El Salvador with iContainers?

El Salvador's trade network is increasingly integrated with North America, Asia, and Latin America. iContainers combines digital convenience with trade-lane expertise to streamline shipments into the country.

Expertise in Central American Trade Routes

• We understand cargo flows from key global origins such as the U.S., Mexico, China, Spain, and South America into El Salvador.
• Familiarity with port processes at Acajutla and La Unión ensures smoother planning.
• Guidance on import rules, documentation requirements, and regional logistics specifics.

Competitive Freight Rates from Major Origins

iContainers makes it easy to compare FCL and LCL rates into El Salvador from:

• U.S. West & East Coast
• Latin American exporters (Colombia, Chile, Peru)
• Asia-Pacific origins (China, Vietnam, Taiwan)
• European ports

You get transparent pricing, surcharge clarity, and route-based comparisons.

Flexible Door-to-Door & Port-to-Port Options

End-to-end logistics support includes:

• Door-to-door pickup and delivery within El Salvador
• Port-to-port service for larger-volume importers
• Coordination with local agents for inland transport and customs processing
• Real-time tracking and clear communication throughout the shipment journey

Ocean Freight Services to El Salvador

El Salvador supports diverse cargo volumes across FCL and LCL services, depending on your needs.

FCL Shipping to El Salvador

Full Container Load is ideal when you require:

• High-volume shipping for consumer goods, electronics, textiles, or machinery
• A dedicated container with reduced risk of cargo mixing
• Faster handling and more predictable timelines

Available container types include 20', 40', and 40' High Cube.

LCL Shipping to El Salvador

Less than Container Load is suitable when:

• You are shipping smaller batches or testing new markets
• You want cost-efficient consolidation
• Your supply chain requires flexibility rather than full container capacity

Shipping Costs to El Salvador

Accurate budgeting depends on understanding the factors that influence the final freight cost.

What Influences Your Ocean Freight Cost? (distance, mode, container type, surcharges, seasonality)

Key elements include:

• Origin & route: U.S.-El Salvador routes tend to be shorter; Asia-Pacific lanes involve transshipment.
• Container size & type: 20', 40', 40' HC, reefers, and special equipment vary in price.
• Cargo weight & dimensions: Heavier freight may incur additional local charges.
• Port fees: Acajutla and La Unión have different terminal and handling structures.
• Market seasonality: Peak consumer seasons and port congestion may impact pricing.

iContainers provides a clear, upfront breakdown of all cost components.

Transit Times to El Salvador

Transit time depends on origin port, carrier schedule, and routing efficiency.

Average Transit Times from the U.S

• U.S. West Coast → El Salvador: approx. 7-14 days
• U.S. Gulf/East Coast → El Salvador: approx. 10-20 days (often via transshipment)

Transit Times from Europe & Asia

• Europe → El Salvador: 18-30+ days depending on port and number of transshipments
• Asia (China, Vietnam, Japan) → El Salvador: 25-40 days on typical consolidated services
• South America → El Salvador: 7-15 days depending on origin

Factors That Affect Delivery Speed

• Number of transshipment stops
• Congestion at Acajutla or intermediary hubs
• Inland trucking requirements after arrival
• Customs inspection and documentation accuracy

Main Ports in El Salvador

El Salvador's Pacific-facing ports support the country's international cargo movements.

Port of Acajutla

• Largest and most active commercial port in El Salvador
• Handles containers, bulk cargo, and general cargo
• Key gateway for U.S., Asian, and Latin American trade
• Strong road connectivity to San Salvador and industrial zones

Port of La Unión (Puerto de La Unión Centroamericana)

• Modern deep-water port designed to support expanded cargo operations
• Suitable for regional distribution and future growth corridors
• Increasingly used for diversified cargo and international connections

Which Port Should You Choose?

• Acajutla → best for most containerized cargo and established services
• La Unión → suitable for specialized cargo or routes requiring newer facilities

Your choice depends on cargo type, service availability, and inland destination.

How to Book Your Shipment to El Salvador

A structured process ensures smoother shipment execution.

Required Documents

Common import requirements include:

• Commercial Invoice & Packing List
• Bill of Lading / Sea Waybill
• Certificate of Origin (where applicable)
• Import permits for regulated goods
• Compliance with Central American and El Salvador customs rules

Customs & Regulations Overview

• El Salvador applies the Central American Customs regulations (CAUCA).
• Proper classification with HS codes reduces risk of delays.
• Certain goods (electronics, chemicals, food products) may require additional permits.
• Accurate documentation is essential for streamlined clearance.

Step-by-Step Booking Process

• Request an online quote with your origin, destination (El Salvador), and cargo details.
• Compare freight rates, transit times, and service types (FCL/LCL).
• Confirm booking and provide required documentation.
• Coordinate pickup, consolidation, or delivery to the origin port.
• Track your shipment through voyage, arrival, customs clearance, and final delivery.