Shipping from the United States to Latin America and the Caribbean

Commercial cargo to Latin America and the Caribbean needs a destination-specific receiving plan. Island deliveries, mainland ports and inland cities can have very different handling and onward-transport costs. Identify the consignee, customs broker and final address before choosing an export departure point.

Define the route and the delivery scope

For mainland destinations such as Chile, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Argentina and Bolivia, distinguish port delivery from inland delivery. For Caribbean markets and island territories, confirm transhipment, terminal handling, local delivery access and whether the offer covers the final island rather than an intermediate hub. Request a written route and scope for the actual cargo.

Destinations covered by this planning guide

• Chile
• Colombia
• Dominican Republic
• Peru
• Guatemala
• Costa Rica
• Panama
• Argentina
• Honduras
• Ecuador
• El Salvador
• Bahamas
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Jamaica
• Nicaragua
• Paraguay
• Uruguay
• Haiti
• Guyana
• Cayman Islands
• Barbados
• Aruba
• Bolivia

Questions to resolve for this region

Cartons, pallets, vehicles and project cargo should be priced against their own dimensions and handling needs. Do not assume a consolidation service can accept vehicles, chemicals or temperature-controlled goods. When Spanish-language or other destination documentation is required, allocate responsibility for it before the shipment is dispatched.

Choose a transport method using the actual cargo

Air freight may suit time-sensitive, compact shipments when carrier acceptance and landed costs support it. Shared-container sea freight can suit smaller commercial lots; a full container may suit a larger or dedicated load. Oversize equipment, vehicles and hazardous goods require a distinct assessment. Ask for the proposed route, transhipments, estimated service window and what could change it.

Give the packed dimensions and gross weight of each unit, the number of units, stackability, handling constraints and cargo value. Include batteries, liquids, chemicals, perishables or other special characteristics in the initial brief. Describe the commodity accurately rather than presenting a mixed consignment as general goods.

Read the quotation beyond the headline rate

Identify collection, export preparation, origin terminal fees, main carriage, destination handling, customs work, duties, storage and final delivery. State who will pay each charge and who arranges insurance. Ask about quote validity, free time where relevant, and the consequences of a missed document or collection deadline. Estimated transit is not a guaranteed customs-release or delivery date.

Prepare the documents and the importer

Coordinate the invoice, packing information, product identity and consignee details with the appointed exporter and importer. Ask which declarations, licences, certificates and destination registrations apply to this exact transaction. Resolve product eligibility and any party, end-use or sanctions concern before cargo is collected.

Start with the US commercial shipping guide and US product directory. For Nigeria, see the dedicated US-to-Nigeria guide.

Reviewed 1 November 2026. Routes and acceptance are confirmed for each enquiry; gallery images are illustrative.