Ocean Freight to Uruguay

Shipping to Uruguay by sea is a reliable choice for businesses moving goods into the Southern Cone region. With a stable economy, predictable import environment, and an efficient maritime infrastructure centered around the Port of Montevideo, Uruguay is a preferred entry point for trade into both Uruguay and neighboring markets. Using iContainers, you can compare rates, review schedules, and manage your end-to-end logistics into Uruguay easily.

Why Ship to Uruguay with iContainers?

Uruguay offers streamlined customs processes, strong regional connectivity, and a strategic position between Brazil and Argentina, making it a valuable logistics hub for South America.

Strategic Gateway to the Southern Cone

• Montevideo serves as a natural logistics entry point for regional distribution into Uruguay, Brazil, and Argentina.
• Uruguay's predictable regulatory environment reduces delays and unforeseen clearance issues.
• Excellent port infrastructure supports consistent vessel traffic from North America, Europe, and Asia.

Competitive Freight Rates from Major Origins

iContainers allows shippers to compare FCL and LCL rates from key global origins:

• United States & Canada
• Europe (Spain, Portugal, Netherlands, Germany)
• Asia (China, Singapore, South Korea)
• Latin America

This visibility helps businesses optimise their budget and shipping timelines.

End-to-End Service with Local Support

iContainers supports different service levels depending on your needs:

• Door-to-door, port-to-port, and door-to-port options
• Assistance with Uruguay's customs documentation and import procedures
• Real-time tracking and coordinated communication with local agents in Montevideo

Ocean Freight Services to Uruguay

FCL Shipping to Uruguay

Full Container Load (FCL) is best when:

• You have large-volume industrial cargo or retail inventory
• You require maximum security and control
• You ship regularly into Montevideo or onward to regional hubs

Benefits of FCL:

• No cargo mixing with other shippers
• More predictable transit schedules
• Better suited for time-sensitive or high-value goods

LCL Shipping to Uruguay

Less than Container Load (LCL) works well when:

• Shipment volumes are too small for a full container
• You want flexibility and lower cost per unit
• Testing new markets or importing on a smaller scale

LCL is consolidated with other shipments moving to Uruguay, helping control logistics costs.

Shipping Costs to Uruguay

What Influences Your Ocean Freight Cost?

Shipping costs vary depending on:

• Origin & routing: U.S. East Coast, Europe, and Asia all have different rate structures.
• Container type: 20', 40', 40' HC, reefer, or special equipment.
• Cargo weight & volume: overweight containers may incur surcharges.
• Uruguay port charges: Montevideo terminal and handling fees vary by cargo type.
• Seasonality: agricultural and retail peak seasons impact demand and rates.

iContainers breaks down surcharges and base rates transparently so you can plan accurately.

Transit Times to Uruguay

Average Transit Times from the U.S

• East Coast → Montevideo: approx. 2-4 weeks
• Gulf → Montevideo: ~2-3 weeks
• West Coast → Montevideo: longer, often via transshipment

Transit Times from Europe & Asia

• Europe → Uruguay: 2-4 weeks, depending on direct or transshipment routes
• Asia → Uruguay: 4-6+ weeks, commonly with one transshipment in Panama or Brazil

Factors That Affect Delivery Speed

• Number of transshipment ports
• Seasonal congestion in Montevideo
• Documentation accuracy for customs
• Inland delivery requirements after port arrival

Main Ports in Uruguay

Port of Montevideo

Uruguay's primary deep-water seaport and one of South America's most efficient terminals.

Key advantages:

• Modern container-handling infrastructure
• Strong connectivity with Brazil and Argentina
• Reliable operations throughout the year

Which Port Should You Choose?

Since Montevideo is Uruguay's main commercial gateway, almost all containerized imports enter through this port.

Port choice depends on:

• Cargo type
• Origin routing
• Transshipment hubs (Panama, Santos, Buenos Aires, Cartagena)

iContainers helps compare schedules and costs for the optimal route.

How to Book Your Shipment to Uruguay

Required Documents

Typical import documents include:

• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Bill of Lading / Sea Waybill
• Certificate of Origin (when required)
• Any product-specific certificates (e.g., sanitary, phytosanitary, fumigation)

Customs & Regulations Overview

Uruguay's customs system requires:

• Accurate HS codes and declared values
• Pre-arrival documentation submission
• Compliance with MERCOSUR and national regulations
• Possible inspections depending on cargo type

Step-by-Step Booking Process

• Enter origin, destination (Montevideo), cargo details on iContainers.
• Compare FCL/LCL options, transit times, and carriers.
• Select service level and confirm booking details.
• Upload documentation and schedule pick-up.
• Track the shipment until arrival at Montevideo and final delivery.