Container Shipping to El Salvador — Get Instant Quotes
Why Choose iContainers for Shipping to El Salvador
- Reserve port space before it’s gone. Port of Acajutla moved ≈ 178,800 TEU in the first nine months of 2024 (up 8.4 % YoY), and an incoming $1.6 billion Yilport concession aims to triple capacity—sailings fill quickly. (http://dinero.com.sv, reuters.com)
- Clear DUCA-based customs without headaches. Our platform walks you through the Declaración Única Centroamericana (DUCA) online form, slashing clearance from 48 h to 24 h. (trade.gov)
- End-to-end FCL, LCL & combo options. Weekly departures connect North America, Europe and Asia with Acajutla, backed by milestone-level tracking and bilingual support.
- Need it faster? Add an air-freight leg via Monseñor Óscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport (SAL)—cargo volumes there jumped 20 % in Jan 2024 alone. (elsalvadorinenglish.com)
- Plan for seasonal surges & inspections. Tight reefer plugs during the May-Aug coffee and sugar harvests plus extra narcotics scans can extend dwell times—our ops team flags these windows early.
Our Container Shipping Services to El Salvador
Full Container Load (FCL) Shipping
High-volume shippers—apparel makers, sugar mills, coffee exporters—book 20′ & 40′ boxes directly into Acajutla’s expanded yard for rapid gate moves and cold-chain support.
Less than Container Load (LCL) Shipping
SMEs cut costs on < 15 m³ loads with weekly consolidations from Miami, Houston, New York, Valencia & Shanghai—ideal for spare parts or e-commerce restocks.
| Key Service Facts | |
|---|---|
| Popular mode | FCL dominates bulk apparel & agro-commodities; LCL is growing with SMEs |
| Major port / airport served | Acajutla (future La Unión); urgent freight via SAL Airport |
| Typical cargo | Apparel & textiles, sugar, coffee, plastics, auto & electronics parts (worldstopexports.com, elsalvadorinenglish.com) |
| Transit-time snapshots | • Miami → Acajutla: ≈ 8 – 12 days • New York → Acajutla: ≈ 20 – 25 days • Shanghai → Acajutla: ≈ 25 – 42 days |
| Country-specific challenge | Limited yard slots until Yilport expansion completes—early booking avoids roll-overs. (reuters.com) |
| Alternative option | Door-to-door air freight (2 – 5 days) via SAL for time-critical cargo |
Container shipping rates to El Salvador
How much does it cost to ship a container to El Salvador?
How Long Does It Take to Ship a Container to El Salvador?
- US Gulf / Caribbean → Acajutla: ≈ 8 – 12 days on direct Central American loops.
- North Europe → Acajutla: ≈ 18 – 30 days with one Atlantic trans-shipment.
- East Asia → Acajutla: ≈ 25 – 42 days via Panama or U.S. East Coast hubs.
- Air freight: door-to-door in 2 – 5 days through SAL.
Popular Routes and Ports for Shipping to El Salvador
Central America services such as ANDEX, WCCA and Far East–Central America loops tie Acajutla to Miami, Houston, Los Angeles, Cartagena, Manzanillo (PA), Valencia, Rotterdam, Ningbo and Shanghai. Inland, bonded trucking reaches San Salvador’s free-trade zones within four hours of discharge.
Steps to Book Your Container Shipment with iContainers
- Generate an instant quote online.
- Upload documents (commercial invoice, packing list, CAFTA-DR or phytosanitary certs if required).
- Confirm booking and pay securely.
- Track milestones—gate-in, loading, trans-shipment, arrival—in real time.
- Clear customs via DUCA on the SIECA portal—DIY or use our licensed brokers.
- Arrange final-mile delivery to maquila plants, mills, or Amazon FBA.
What Can You Ship in a Container to El Salvador?
Common Commodities
- T-shirts & apparel
- Sugar
- Coffee
- Plastics
- Consumer electronics
- Auto parts
Restricted / Prohibited
Firearms, counterfeit brands, wildlife products, narcotics, untreated wooden packaging lacking ISPM-15 stamps.
Main ports in El Salvador
FAQs About Shipping Containers to El Salvador
Not by law, but strongly recommended; add door-to-door coverage at checkout.
Secure space 6–8 weeks before the May–Aug coffee & sugar surge to avoid roll-overs and congestion fees.
Yes—book sea-air solutions (e.g., Asian origin → Miami by air → Acajutla by feeder) for optimal speed and cost.