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Why Choose iContainers for Shipping to Chile?


  • Two-ocean connectivity. Chile’s twin hubs — San Antonio on the Pacific and Valparaíso just north of it — handled 1 million TEU and 75 200 TEU (Jan 2025) respectively, topping the country’s port league tables. (saamterminals.com, datamarnews.com)
  • Fast inland access. San Antonio sits 110 km from Santiago; Maersk’s Accelerate program delivers containers to the capital within 48 h of vessel arrival. (maersk.com)
  • Record-size air-cargo gateway. Santiago (SCL) moved ≈ 410 000 t of freight in 2024, dominated by salmon and cherry exports, and offers multiple weekly freighters from Asia and the U.S. (aviacionline.com)
  • One dashboard, every mode. Compare FCL, LCL and air freight in seconds, book online, upload documents and track milestones in real time. (See our FCL services, LCL services, and air-freight services.)
  • Chile-specific compliance help. We guide you through 19 % IVA (VAT) on imports and the Ministry of Agriculture’s SAG phytosanitary permits for food or wood packaging. (taxsummaries.pwc.com, apps.fas.usda.gov)

Our Container Shipping Services to Chile


Full Container Load (FCL)


  • Most-used mode for machinery, vehicles and consumer goods feeding Chile’s long north-south market.


  • Typical routes & times

    • Shanghai → San Antonio: 40′ FCL, 30 – 35 days via Pacific loops.

    • Rotterdam → San Antonio: 40′ FCL, 25 – 30 days with one trans-shipment (often Callao).



  • Ports served: San Antonio (STI + DP World) and Valparaíso; both connect to the country-wide Ruta 5 highway for door delivery.




  • Opportunity: New cold-chain terminals expedite temperature-controlled imports such as pharmaceuticals and specialty foods.




Less than Container Load (LCL)


  • Pay only for the space you use — ideal for < 15 m³ / < 12 t.


  • Weekly consolidations from Shenzhen, Hamburg and Miami feed bonded CFS warehouses in Santiago.


  • SMEs routinely ship electronics, wine & spirits, outdoor apparel and spare parts this way.


  • Transit-time samples

    • Hamburg → San Antonio: 32 – 35 days port-to-CFS.

    • Callao → Valparaíso: 5 – 7 days feeder.



Need speed? Critical samples can fly into SCL and reach Santiago free-zones in 24 – 48 h.

Container shipping rates to Chile

How much does it cost to ship a container to Chile?

How Long Does It Take?


  • East Asia → San Antonio/Valparaíso: 30 – 35 days
  • Europe → Central Chile: 25 – 30 days (via one trans-shipment)
  • US West Coast → Chile: 12 – 18 days direct Pacific services
  • Air freight via SCL: 1–3 days door-to-door within the Americas; 3–5 days ex-Europe/Asia

Popular Trade Lanes & Ports


Trade LaneWeekly Service Highlights
Pacific AsiaShanghai, Ningbo, Yantian → San Antonio
North EuropeRotterdam, Antwerp, Hamburg → San Antonio / Valparaíso
West Coast S. AmericaCallao (Peru), Guayaquil (Ecuador) → Valparaíso
Feeder NetworkSan Antonio ↔ Arica, Iquique, Puerto Montt

6 Simple Steps to Book with iContainers


  1. Get an instant quote for FCL, LCL or air.
  2. Upload paperwork — commercial invoice, packing list, HS codes, SAG permits if required.
  3. Confirm & pay online.
  4. Track gate-in, departure, arrival and customs release in real time.
  5. Customs clearance — DIY in Chile’s SISCOMEX system or let our broker handle IVA and duties.
  6. Arrange final-mile trucking to Santiago, Concepción or your bonded warehouse.

What Can You Ship to Chile?


Common Commodities


  • Automotive parts
  • Consumer electronics
  • Industrial machinery
  • Fashion & outdoor gear
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Processed foods

Restricted / Prohibited Goods


  • Agricultural products without SAG phytosanitary clearance
  • Used tires and right-hand-drive vehicles
  • Hazardous chemicals lacking IMDG paperwork
  • Counterfeit brands and pirated media
  • Untreated wood packaging (ISPM-15)
Antofagasta
Iquique
Valparaiso
Arica
San Antonio

FAQs About Shipping Containers to Chile

How do I estimate freight costs to Chile?

Use our quote tool — rates include ocean freight, fuel and Chilean terminal charges.

Cheapest way to ship a small load?

For < 15 m³, weekly LCL consolidation usually beats FCL.

Is cargo insurance mandatory?

Not legally, but strongly recommended; add full-value coverage at checkout.

Does Chile charge import VAT?

Yes—a flat 19 % IVA is levied on CIF value at customs. taxsummaries.pwc.com

Are there extra checks on food items?

Yes—SAG may require a phytosanitary certificate and can order random fumigation or re-export if standards aren’t met. apps.fas.usda.gov

Ready to connect your supply chain to Chile?

Get your instant iContainers quote now and lock in space.

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iContainers is a digital freight forwarder based in Barcelona that assists thousands of companies and families around the globe in moving their merchandise internationally.


Our online freight quoting platform has the latest technology in the sector and simplifies ocean freight, quoting and managing your bookings from the same user area.


We work side by side with Shipa Freight to fully cover the demands of our customers.

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