Ocean Freight to Guatemala
Shipping ocean freight to Guatemala offers entry into a Central American economy that is expanding, trade-open and strategically located between the Pacific and Caribbean. With key ports like Puerto Quetzal (Pacific) and Santo Tomás de Castilla (Caribbean), you gain access to Guatemala's import and distribution market.
Why Ship to Guatemala with iContainers?
Guatemala presents strong opportunities thanks to increasing imports, improving trade infrastructure and multiple port gateways. Whether you ship from North America, Europe, Asia or Latin America, iContainers gives you digital quoting, routing options and full visibility.
Trade-Opening Economy & Import Demand
- Guatemala is in a phase of economic development and has reduced certain tariff barriers, making ocean freight into the country increasingly viable.
- The country imports machinery, consumer goods, components and raw materials, making it relevant for global shippers.
- With both Caribbean and Pacific port access, Guatemala offers flexibility in service and routing.
Flexible Service Options (FCL & LCL)
- Full Container Load (FCL) is optimal when your cargo fills a 20′ or 40′ container - fewer handling steps, better control.
- Less than Container Load (LCL) is suitable when you have smaller volumes or mixed SKUs and want cost-efficiency.
- iContainers provides transparent quotes, breakdowns and booking tools tailored to Guatemala lanes.
End-to-End Service & Local Support
- Covers origin pickup, export documentation, ocean transit, port arrival in Guatemala and inland delivery (where applicable).
- Multiple destination ports (Pacific vs Caribbean) help optimise cost, transit time and inland logistics.
Ocean Freight Services to Guatemala
FCL Shipping to Guatemala
If your shipment is large (e.g., many pallets, full SKU sets), go for FCL into Guatemala. This helps maintain integrity of cargo, avoids consolidation with other shippers.
LCL Shipping to Guatemala
Ideal for smaller shipments, mixed cargo or market test runs into Guatemala. Offers lower upfront cost though may involve longer handling or transit.
Shipping Costs to Guatemala
What Influences Your Ocean Freight Cost?
Key cost drivers when shipping to Guatemala include:
- Origin region and route (North America, Europe, Asia) - the longer or more complex the route, the higher the cost.
- Container size & type (20′ vs 40′ vs 40′HC, reefers, special equipment)
- Destination port in Guatemala (Pacific vs Caribbean) and inland haulage to consignee
- Terminal handling charges, surcharges, fuel/currency fluctuations
- Seasonal demand, container equipment constraints
iContainers gives full breakdowns so you can anticipate landed cost into Guatemala.
Container shipping rates
How much does it cost to ship a container to Guatemala?
Transit Times to Guatemala
Typical Transit Durations
- From North America (U.S. Gulf/Caribbean) to Guatemala: ~5-12 days direct in some cases.
- From Europe to Pacific Guatemala ports: ~18-25 days depending on trans-shipment.
- From Asia: ~25-40 days depending on route and trans-shipments.
Factors Affecting Delivery Speed
- Number of trans-shipments or feeder vessel calls
- Port congestion at Guatemalan ports
- Final inland delivery distance and logistics to consignee
- Accuracy of documentation and customs clearance
Main Ports in Guatemala
Port of Puerto Quetzal (Pacific)
Key cargo port on Pacific coast near Guatemala City region - good gateway for container flows.
Port of Santo Tomás de Castilla (Caribbean)
Major Caribbean gateway, offering alternative routing especially from Atlantic/Caribbean origin lanes.
Choosing the Right Port
- Match your origin routing and implied transit time preference
- Consider final inland delivery location within Guatemala
- Balance cost vs transit-time trade-off
- Check carrier service availability, container equipment and inland logistics connectivity
How to Book Your Shipment to Guatemala
Required Documents
Typical documentation needed:
- Commercial Invoice & Packing List
- Bill of Lading or Sea Waybill
- HS codes and accurate cargo description
- Importer/Consignee registration or details in Guatemala
- Any permits or certificates required for regulated goods
Customs & Regulatory Overview
- Guatemala's import regime requires correct cargo description and valuation; missing or inaccurate documentation may cause delays.
- Inland logistics post-port arrival may vary depending on final delivery location.
- Using a reliable freight platform like iContainers helps streamline documentation and tracking.
Step-by-Step Booking Process
- Request an online quote (Origin → Guatemala, cargo details)
- Compare service types (FCL vs LCL), ports, transit times and cost
- Confirm booking and upload required documentation
- Arrange origin container pickup and loading
- Track ocean transit to Guatemalan port
- Customs clearance at port and inland delivery to consignee
- Final delivery to warehouse, distribution centre or retail site
FAQs About Shipping to Guatemala
The cost of shipping a container to Guatemala 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 Guatemala 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.
References
- Guatemala Customs Administration – SAT
- Maersk – Shipping to/from Guatemala (Port Listing & Local Info)
- Latin American Cargo – Ocean Freight to Guatemala (Port Overview)
- Interworld Freight – Shipping Containers from USA to Guatemala (Cost Insights)
- World Bank – Logistics Performance Index (Guatemala)
- UNCTAD – Transport & Trade Logistics (Guatemala)
- International Maritime Organization (IMO)
