Ocean Freight to Paraguay

Shipping to Paraguay by sea requires a specialized logistics setup, since the country is landlocked and relies on the Paraguay-Paraná waterway for ocean access. Despite this geographic limitation, Paraguay maintains a strong import-export ecosystem through its river ports, mainly Asunción and Villeta. With iContainers, shippers can compare routes, understand transit requirements, and book reliable services that connect major global ports to Paraguay through efficient inland and river transport corridors.

Why Ship to Paraguay with iContainers?

Paraguay's strategic inland location, competitive import tariffs, and growing industrial base make it a key distribution point for South America. Accessing Paraguay's river ports requires careful coordination between ocean carriers, barge operators, and local logistics providers. iContainers simplifies this process by offering transparent pricing, digital booking tools, and end-to-end shipment visibility.

Reliable Door-to-Door & Port-to-Port Options

iContainers provides flexible multimodal transport solutions into Paraguay's main logistics hubs:

• Door-to-door, port-to-door, and port-to-port services
• Coordination from ocean terminals to river barge operators
• Pick-up and delivery through vetted local partners
• Online tracking from origin port to final inland destination

These integrated services ensure smooth transitions between ocean vessels, river barges, and on-ground trucking.

Competitive Freight Rates from Major Origins

iContainers offers access to competitive rates from key exporting regions such as:

• The United States (Houston, Miami, New York)
• Europe (Rotterdam, Antwerp, Hamburg, Valencia)
• Asia (Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, Busan)

Using the platform, shippers can:

• Compare carrier and multimodal routing options
• Review all surcharges before booking
• Choose the best route based on price, transit time, and service reliability

Expertise in Paraguay Trade Routes

Shipping to a landlocked country requires industry-specific knowledge. iContainers supports customers with:

• Route selection across Atlantic ports in Brazil, Uruguay, or Argentina




• Planning for barge schedules along the Paraguay-Paraná waterway




• Documentation and customs requirements for river transport




• Insights on seasonal variations, water level challenges, and capacity

This expertise helps reduce risk and keeps your supply chain agile.

Ocean Freight Services to Paraguay

FCL Shipping to Paraguay

Full Container Load (FCL) is ideal for shipments requiring dedicated container space or higher cargo security.

Benefits include:

• Less handling and lower contamination risk
• More predictable schedules vs. consolidated cargo
• Optimal for large commercial shipments
• Available container types: 20', 40', 40' High Cube, reefer, open top, flat rack

iContainers helps you select the most efficient routing to river ports based on your volume and final inland destination.

LCL Shipping to Paraguay

Less than Container Load (LCL) is best for smaller or occasional shipments.

Advantages include:

• Pay only for the volume you use
• Suitable for SMEs or light commercial cargo
• Ideal for testing new markets
• Consolidated shipments routed through major ports before inland transfer

LCL shipments are typically routed through major Atlantic ports before being transferred to Paraguay via river barges.

Shipping Costs to Paraguay

Shipping costs to Paraguay vary depending on both ocean and inland factors.

What Influences Your Ocean Freight Cost?

Key cost drivers include:

• Origin and destination routing: Most routes pass through Brazil (Santos), Uruguay (Montevideo), or Argentina (Buenos Aires)
• Freight mode & container type: FCL vs. LCL, dry vs. reefer, special equipment
• Cargo size & weight: Oversized or heavy cargo may require special handling
• Barge and inland fees: River port handling, barge operator fees, and local logistics
• Seasonal conditions: Water levels along the Paraguay and Paraná rivers can affect capacity and pricing
• Market conditions: Peak seasons, fuel prices, and carrier availability

Using iContainers' platform, shippers can see cost components clearly before booking.

Transit Times to Paraguay

Because Paraguay is landlocked, transit times include both ocean time and inland river transport.

Average Transit Times from the U.S

Transit durations vary by origin port and transshipment location:

• U.S. East Coast to Atlantic ports (Brazil/Uruguay/Argentina): ~15-30 days
• Barge transfer to Paraguay (Asunción/Villeta): additional 7-14 days
• Faster options may be available depending on barge frequency and season.

Transit Times from Europe & Asia

• Europe to Santos/Montevideo/Buenos Aires: ~20-35 days
• Asia to Santos: ~30-45 days
• River transport to Paraguay: +7-14 days

Factors That Affect Delivery Speed

• Number of transshipments
• River water levels and weather conditions
• Port congestion in Santos, Montevideo, or Buenos Aires
• Barge frequency and capacity
• Customs inspection time

Proper documentation and pre-clearance can significantly reduce delays.

Main Ports in Paraguay

Although landlocked, Paraguay operates several major river ports connected to the Paraguay-Paraná waterway.

Port of Asunción (Puerto de Asunción)

Paraguay's primary commercial river port, handling:

• Containerized cargo via barge
• Agricultural commodities
• Regional distribution for imports

It serves as the country's most important logistics gateway for international trade.

Port of Villeta (Puerto de Villeta)

Located south of Asunción, Villeta is a high-capacity port serving industrial and commercial shipments:

• Large container yards
• Important for FCL imports
• Key distribution point for inland destinations

Which Port Should You Choose?

Choice depends on:

• Proximity to final inland delivery
• Barge operator schedules
• Origin routing through Brazil, Argentina, or Uruguay
• Desired transit time and flexibility

iContainers helps select the most efficient river port and routing based on your shipment details.

How to Book Your Shipment to Paraguay

Required Documents

Typical documentation includes:

• Commercial invoice & packing list
• Bill of Lading (B/L) or Sea Waybill
• Import license (if applicable)
• Certificate of origin
• Cargo-specific certifications (phytosanitary, fumigation, etc.)

Customs & Regulations Overview

To avoid delays:

• Ensure HS codes, weights, and descriptions are accurate
• Confirm if goods require prior approval from Paraguayan authorities
• Coordinate in advance for river transport documentation
• Work with local customs brokers

iContainers can assist with guidance and documentation requirements.

Step-by-Step Booking Process

• Enter origin, destination, and cargo details on the iContainers platform
• Compare freight rates and multimodal options
• Select service level (FCL or LCL)
• Confirm booking and upload documents
• Coordinate pick-up and river barge transfer
• Track your shipment until delivery at the final destination