Freight Shipping to Chile

Shipping cargo from the USA or Canada to Chile means working with a mature, open economy that still has very specific customs and logistics rules. With a strategic position on the Pacific coast and an export-oriented economy, Chile is a key gateway to Southern Cone markets—but shipping rules, documentation, and port procedures can be complex for first-time shippers or businesses scaling their exports.

LAC – Latin American Cargo has specialized in Latin American logistics for over 25 years, helping companies manage ocean and air freight to Chile, as well as multimodal solutions tailored to their cargo and timelines. Our team understands local regulations, port operations, and customs clearance in Chile, so you can move freight from the US and Canada with fewer delays and greater cost control.

With LAC you get:

• End-to-end freight shipping to Chile by sea and air (FCL, LCL, project cargo, time-critical air shipments)
• A seasoned freight forwarder for shipping to Chile, experienced with industrial projects, machinery, vehicles, consumer goods, and more
• Proactive support on documentation, HS codes, and competitive shipping costs to Chile so you avoid surprises at destination.

Ready to ship cargo to Chile?
Talk to our specialists for a tailored plan and competitive rates—request a quote and we’ll help you choose the best route, mode, and budget for your shipment.

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Why Ship to Chile? Market Overview for North American Businesses

Chile is one of Latin America’s most stable and open economies. It has a relatively high income per capita, strong institutions, and a solid track record of trade liberalization that favors international business.

Key Economic Highlights

• Diversified economy with strong industries, such as:
  • Mining (mainly copper, lithium, and other minerals)
  • Agriculture & agrifood (fresh fruit, wine, seafood)
  • Forestry & wood products
  • Manufacturing and processing (food, chemicals, wood products)
  • Services (finance, tourism, logistics)
• Open trade policy: Chile has one of the most extensive FTA networks in the world, being both the USA-Chile FTA and the Canada-Chile FTA some of the most important commercial agreements for the country. Therefore, these frameworks provide a tariff structure that applies preferential or zero duties to many tariff lines, making it attractive to importers and exporters.

Trade Relationship with the USA & Canada

The United States is one of Chile’s main trade partners for both imports and exports, especially in machinery, vehicles, technology, and industrial inputs. Canada also maintains a growing trade relationship with Chile in energy, mining, agrifood, and services, supported by modern trade agreements and investment flows.

For North American exporters, this means:

• Short, reliable ocean freight routes from West Coast ports (e.g., Los Angeles/Long Beach, Vancouver, Seattle/Tacoma) to Chilean ports like San Antonio and Valparaíso
• Strong demand for industrial machinery, construction equipment, vehicles, chemicals, and technology
• A familiar regulatory environment with modern customs systems and clear rules, compared to many other emerging markets

Opportunities for Exporters

If you’re planning to ship sea or air freight to Chile, some of the strongest sectors for North American companies include:

• Mining & energy supply chain
  • Heavy machinery, trucks, spare parts, drilling equipment
  • Energy generation, transmission, and renewable energy components
• Construction & infrastructure
  • Construction machinery, steel, building materials, tools, safety equipment
• Agrifood & cold chain
  • Food ingredients, packaging, processing equipment
  • Refrigerated and frozen products that can benefit from Chile’s logistics hubs
• Technology & consumer goods
  • IT equipment, electronics, telecom gear
  • Household appliances, branded consumer products

LAC helps you align your logistics with these opportunities—advising on the best ports, routing, and shipping services to ensure your freight shipping to Chile supports your commercial strategy.

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What North American Businesses Should Expect When Doing Business with Chile

Shipping to Chile is generally more predictable than to many other Latin American destinations, but there are still cultural, logistical, and customs details you need to get right. Working with a freight forwarder that truly understands customs clearance in Chile and local business practices can save you considerable time and money.

Cultural & Communication Differences

Language & communication style

• Spanish is the official language, and most legal and customs documents will be in Spanish—even if your counterpart speaks English.
• Many logistics and customs stakeholders (agents, inspectors, warehouse staff) prefer Spanish for day-to-day communication, especially when clarifying cargo details.

Business etiquette & expectations

• Chilean business culture combines professional formality with relationship-based trust. Initial interactions can be formal, but long-term success often depends on reliability and responsiveness.
• Decision-making may involve several stakeholders; negotiations can be cautious and detail-oriented, especially for higher-value contracts.
• Written communication and documentation are taken seriously. Any ambiguity in commercial invoices, packing lists, or contracts can create friction or delays.

Why this matters for shipping

• Clear, consistent documentation in Spanish (or bilingual) reduces risks of misinterpretation at customs and ports.
• A logistics partner like LAC, with multilingual staff, helps bridge communication between your North American team and Chilean authorities, carriers, and consignees.

Logistical & Regulatory Environment

Chile has modern ports and airports, but also specific regulatory layers that affect how you ship cargo to Chile:

• Efficient but structured port operations
  • Major container ports such as San Antonio and Valparaíso are busy, with peak periods where congestion, strikes, or weather can impact schedules.
  • Proper planning of arrival windows and accurate documentation reduces the risk of storage or demurrage charges.
• Sector-specific controls
  • Agricultural and food products may be subject to inspections and approvals from specialized agencies.
  • Chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and certain industrial products may require permits, safety data, or compliance certificates before release.
• Documentation-driven processes
  • Customs systems are computerized, but still rely heavily on the accuracy of commercial invoices, packing lists, and HS classifications.
  • Errors in values, Incoterms, or product descriptions can trigger manual reviews, fines, or seizure of goods.

How LAC helps in this environment

As an experienced freight forwarder in shipping to Chile, LAC:

• Designs routing and transit plans that match your delivery deadlines and budget—balancing ocean freight to Chile with air freight options for urgent or high-value cargo
• Coordinates with trusted Chilean logistics and customs partners to keep you updated on regulatory changes and port conditions
• Reviews your documentation before departure, reducing risk of customs holds and unexpected charges at the destination

Customs Practices & Common Delays

Even in a relatively predictable market, customs delays can quickly increase shipping costs to Chile. The most frequent issues we see include:

Why customs delays happen

• Incorrect or vague HS codes that don’t match the physical goods
• Inconsistent documentation (quantities or values differ between invoice, packing list, and transport document)
• Missing licenses or certificates for controlled goods (food, chemicals, electronics, medical items)
• Random inspections or intensified checks during specific campaigns (e.g., holiday seasons, health or safety controls)

How LAC mitigates these issues

• We work with you upfront to ensure:
  • Correct HS classification for your products
  • Accurate, consistent commercial invoices and packing lists
  • Clear description of goods in both English and Spanish, where needed
• Our local partners monitor customs clearance in Chile and proactively flag potential issues before your cargo arrives.
• For time-sensitive air freight, we can coordinate pre-clearance where possible, or at minimum, prepare all documents so clearance begins immediately upon arrival.

By combining deep regional knowledge, strong local partnerships, and specialized focus on freight shipping to Chile, LAC helps your business navigate cultural nuances, logistics constraints, and customs rules—so your cargo arrives on time, with fewer surprises.

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Shipping Services to Chile: Ocean & Air Solutions

LAC offers flexible solutions for freight shipping to Chile from the USA and Canada, tailored to your cargo type, timeline, and budget. Whether you need full containers, consolidated LCL shipments, or urgent air freight to Chile, we design a plan that fits your supply chain.

Our role as a specialized freight forwarder shipping to Chile is to simplify the process end-to-end—from pickup at origin to delivery at your customer’s door in Chile, including customs coordination and documentation support.

Ocean Freight to Chile – FCL & LCL Solutions

Ocean freight to Chile is a cost-effective and reliable option for a wide range of cargo types and volumes. LAC provides both Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL) services, shipping from major North American ports across the East, West, and Gulf Coasts to key Chilean ports such as San Antonio and Valparaíso.

FCL shipping is ideal for high-volume, heavy, or high-value cargo that can fill a 20’ or 40’ container, or when shippers want dedicated space, greater control, and reduced handling risk. 

On the other hand, LCL shipping is well suited for smaller or lower-volume shipments, allowing you to share container space while keeping freight costs manageable and maintaining dependable transit schedules.

Ocean freight to Chile is ideal for shippers who need:

• Regular sea freight to Chile, whether high-volume or lower-volume
• Dedicated containers for machinery, vehicles, oversized equipment, or palletized goods (FCL)
• Small to medium shipments, samples, or test orders (LCL)
• Lower cost-per-unit compared to air freight

LAC’s ocean freight services to Chile include:

• FCL options with standard dry containers (20’, 40’, 40’ HC) and special equipment such as open-top, flat rack, and reefer containers
• LCL consolidation at origin and deconsolidation at destination
• Port-to-port, port-to-door, and door-to-door solutions with inland trucking in both North America and Chile
• Coordination with trusted Chilean partners for customs clearance and final delivery
• Optimization of packing, routing, and shipment frequency to balance cost and transit time

Air Freight to Chile

When speed is critical, air freight shipping offers the fastest way to move urgent or high-value cargo from the US and Canada. LAC works with major carriers and cargo terminals, shipping to primary airports in Chile such as Santiago.

Air freight is ideal for:

• Time-sensitive spare parts and critical machinery components
• High-value electronics, pharmaceuticals, or samples for trade shows
• Perishable or temperature-sensitive goods with strict delivery windows

Our air services for Chile include:

• Airport-to-airport, airport-to-door, and door-to-door options
• Express, standard, and deferred services depending on urgency and budget
• Coordinated customs and documentation to reduce delays upon arrival

Break Bulk & Project Cargo

Chile’s mining, energy, and infrastructure sectors often require specialized sea freight to Chile for break bulk, oversized, heavy-lift, or project cargo. These shipments demand careful engineering, route planning, and coordination with ports and authorities.

LAC supports complex cargo such as:

• Mining equipment, construction machinery, turbines, transformers
• Oversized structures, steel, and industrial components
• Lo-Lo and Ro-Ro shipping for vehicles, trucks, and heavy machinery

We assess cargo dimensions, weight, and handling requirements, then select the right vessels, equipment, and port facilities. Our team manages permits, special handling instructions, and coordination with on-site teams in Chile.

Shipping Costs & Transit Times to Chile

Understanding how costs and timing work is crucial when planning freight shipping to Chile. Final rates depend on multiple variables—mode, route, season, cargo characteristics, and local charges at origin and destination. LAC works with you to design a solution that balances speed and budget.

Below is an illustrative price table based on recent market examples for standard commercial cargo from major US and Canadian gateways to Chile. These are approximate freight-only ranges (not a custom quote) and exclude duties, VAT, customs fees, insurance, and most local origin/destination charges.

Mode & service	Shipment example	Approx. freight range* (USD)
Ocean FCL – 20′ container	15–25 CBM, up to ~20,000 kg, port-to-port	1,500 – 4,000+
Ocean FCL – 40′ container	40–55 CBM, up to ~26,000 kg, port-to-port	2,500 – 6,000+
Ocean LCL – consolidated cargo	3–10 CBM of palletized cargo, port-to-port	150 – 200+ USD / CBM
Air freight – standard	~300 kg pallet, airport-to-airport	~2.50 – 6.00 USD / kg
Air freight – express/priority	30–70 kg time-critical shipment, often door-to-door or with priority	~8.00 – 15.00+ USD / kg

*These ranges are referential only and can go lower or higher based on origin, destination, season, fuel, capacity, Incoterms, and value-added services.

When you request a tailored quote from LAC, we calculate precise pricing for your specific lane, commodity, and volume, and break down all components so you understand your full landed cost.

Main Factors That Affect Shipping Costs to Chile

Several components determine your total shipping costs to Chile from the United States or Canada:

• Mode of transport
  • Sea freight (FCL/LCL) is generally more economical per unit than air freight, especially for heavy or bulky goods.
• Cargo size & weight
  • FCL: based on container type and trade lane.
  • LCL & air: based on chargeable weight (volume vs. actual weight).
• Origin & destination
  • Distance to/from ports or airports, inland trucking rates, and local handling charges.
• Seasonality & market conditions
  • Peak seasons, space constraints, and fuel surcharges can impact pricing.
• Special requirements
  • Temperature control, hazardous materials handling, oversized cargo, or special packaging.

LAC analyzes these factors to provide transparent quotes and recommend the most cost-effective option for each shipment.

Typical Ocean Transit Times to Chile

While exact transit times vary by carrier, routing, and port congestion, sea freight shipments to Chile generally follows these patterns:

• From US West Coast ports (e.g., Los Angeles/Long Beach, Seattle/Tacoma):
  • Often among the fastest ocean routes to Chile, with typical port-to-port transit starting around 15–25 days.
• From US East Coast & Gulf ports:
  • Longer because of routing via the Panama Canal or intermediate hubs, often in the 20–35+ day range.
• From Canadian West Coast ports (e.g., Vancouver):
  • Competitive transit times, particularly for shipments originating in Western Canada.

These are port-to-port estimates only. You must also consider:

• Pre-carriage (inland transport from your facility to origin port)
• Export and import terminal handling times
• Customs clearance and delivery to final destination in Chile

LAC provides realistic door-to-door lead times when you request a custom quote, so you can plan inventory and delivery dates accurately.

Typical Air Transit Times to Chile

For urgent shipments, air freight to Chile is significantly faster than sea freight:

• Many shipments from major US and Canadian airports can reach Chile’s primary airports within 2–5 days including handling.
• Express and priority services can shorten total transit time further, at higher cost.
• Consolidated or deferred services are available when you need to control costs but still move faster than by sea.

We help you compare options so you know when air freight is justified by the value of time saved versus additional freight spend.

How LAC Optimizes Your Budget & Transit Times

Our role is to optimize not only your freight rate, but your total landed cost and overall supply chain performance when you ship cargo to Chile.

We help you by:

• Comparing ocean and air options for each shipment or lane.
• Proposing adjusted shipping schedules or consolidation strategies to lower shipping costs to Chile.
• Choosing the best ports, carriers, and service levels based on your required delivery dates.
• Providing visibility on local charges, customs-related costs, and potential storage or demurrage risks.

When you request a quote from LAC, we don’t just give a price—we help you understand the tradeoffs between cost, speed, and risk so you can ship to Chile with clarity and confidence.

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Customs, Duties & Documentation for Shipping to Chile

Chile has a relatively transparent and modern customs system, but it is strict about documentation accuracy and regulatory compliance. Proper preparation is crucial to avoid delays, fines, or unexpected storage charges when you ship cargo to Chile. LAC’s team and partners support you through every step of customs clearance.

How Customs Works in Chile

Customs authorities in Chile review documentation, classify goods, and assess duties, taxes, and any applicable controls. Many shipments clear relatively quickly when paperwork is correct, but any discrepancy can trigger further inspections.

In practice, this means:

• Accurate HS codes and product descriptions are essential
• Declared values must be consistent with commercial terms and supporting documents
• Certain goods (food, chemicals, electronics, etc.) require additional certifications or permits

LAC supports you and your consignee by coordinating with customs brokers and keeping all documentation aligned with Chilean regulations.

Key Documents Required to Ship to Chile

While exact requirements can vary by product and Incoterms, most shipments to Chile require:

• Commercial Invoice
  • Seller and buyer details
  • Detailed description of goods, HS codes, unit prices, total value, currency, and Incoterms
• Packing List
  • Package count, weights, dimensions, and packing details
• Bill of Lading (B/L) or Air Waybill (AWB)
  • Issued by the carrier or forwarder; must match invoice and packing list information
• Certificates & Permits (as applicable)
  • Certificates of origin
  • Sanitary/phytosanitary certificates for food, plants, or animal products
  • Safety data sheets, technical sheets, or homologation for regulated products

LAC reviews your documents prior to shipment to minimize discrepancies and prepare your consignee for a smooth customs clearance in Chile.

Duties, Taxes & Import Restrictions

Chile applies duties and taxes based on HS classification, trade agreements, and the declared customs value. Many goods benefit from reduced or zero duties under free trade agreements, but VAT and other applicable charges may still apply.

Key points to consider:

• Import duties depend on HS code and any preferential trade agreements
• VAT and other internal taxes are calculated on the customs value plus duties and certain costs
• Restricted or controlled goods require prior approvals and may face additional inspections

LAC helps you and your import partner understand likely costs in advance so you can estimate total shipping costs to Chile, not just the freight rate. We can also help you assess whether your goods may qualify for preferential treatment under existing agreements.

How LAC Supports Customs Clearance in Chile

As an experienced freight forwarder for shipping to Chile, we maintain a network of trusted local customs brokers who understand your industry and product types.

Our customs support includes:

• Pre-shipment review of HS codes, values, and documents
• Coordination with your consignee and their broker on licenses, permits, and certificates
• Guidance on Incoterms to clarify who is responsible for duties, taxes, and local charges
• Ongoing communication during customs clearance to keep you informed and reduce surprises

By aligning freight, documentation, and customs strategy, LAC helps lower risk and shorten the overall clearance process for both ocean and air freight to Chile.

Major Ports, Airports & Logistics Hubs in Chile

Understanding Chile’s main logistics gateways helps you choose the best routing and delivery strategy.

Main Seaports in Chile

Port / Complex	Region / Location	Notes
San Antonio	Central Chile – ~110 km from Santiago	Largest port by volume; key container and general cargo gateway for imports/exports.
Valparaíso	Central Chile – near Santiago	Major container and multipurpose port; strong link to Santiago and central region.
San Vicente / Talcahuano	Biobío Region – Concepción area	Important industrial and maritime hub; handles containers, bulk, and general cargo.
Coronel	Biobío Region	Serves forestry, industrial, and regional cargo flows.
Antofagasta	Northern Chile	Supports mining and energy sectors; key for northern-region imports and exports.
Iquique	Northern Chile	Strategic for northern trade and free-trade zone activities.
Arica	Far North (border area)	Gateway for northern Chile and neighboring countries’ cargo.
Coquimbo	North-Central Chile	Regional port serving mining and agrifood exports and imports.
Puerto Montt	Southern Chile	Important for seafood, agrifood, and regional distribution.
Punta Arenas	Extreme South (Magallanes Region)	Key hub for southern logistics, energy, and regional supply.

Main Cargo Airports in Chile

Airport	IATA Code	Region / City	Notes
Arturo Merino Benítez Intl. Airport	SCL	Santiago Metropolitan Region	Primary international and cargo hub; main gateway for air freight to Chile.
Andrés Sabella Airport	ANF	Antofagasta (North)	Supports mining-related and regional cargo flows.
Diego Aracena Intl. Airport	IQQ	Iquique (North)	Serves northern trade, including mining and free-trade zone activities.

Most international air cargo flows through SCL and then moves by road to other regions.

Main Logistics Hubs & Industrial Regions

Key logistics and industrial areas include:

• Santiago Metropolitan Region – The country’s main economic center, with large warehousing, distribution, and manufacturing activity.
  
• Central Region corridor (Santiago–San Antonio–Valparaíso) – Concentrates a high share of import/export flows due to proximity of ports and the capital.
  
• Biobío / Concepción–Talcahuano–San Vicente area – Important for industrial activity and maritime operations in southern-central Chile.
  
• Northern mining regions (e.g., around Antofagasta and Iquique) – Heavy mining and energy-related logistics demand.

How LAC Helps You Ship to Chile Successfully

With more than 25 years of experience specializing in Latin American logistics, LAC offers the regional expertise needed to ship cargo to Chile efficiently and without surprises. Our teams understand the country’s regulations, port operations, and customs processes, ensuring your shipment moves smoothly from pickup to final delivery.

What sets LAC apart:

• LATAM Specialists: Deep knowledge of Chile’s seaport and airport systems, customs procedures, and documentation requirements.
  
• Multilingual Support: English and Spanish-speaking experts ensure clear communication with consignees, brokers, and local partners.
  
• Strong Carrier Network: Access to reliable ocean and air carriers serving San Antonio, Valparaíso, and Santiago, among other logistics hubs.
  
• Heavy Machinery & Project Cargo Expertise: Ideal for mining equipment, vehicles, OOG cargo, and industrial components commonly shipped to Chile.
  
• End-to-End Guidance: From routing and compliance to HS classification support and documentation review.
  
• Fast, Personalized Quotes: Competitive pricing with a customer-first approach to every shipment.

Shipping to Chile becomes simpler, safer, and more cost-effective when you have a regional expert managing the details.

FAQs About Freight Shipping to Chile

How long does ocean freight to Chile usually take?

Typical port-to-port transit times are roughly 15–25 days from US West Coast ports and 20–35+ days from East Coast and Gulf ports, depending on routing and carrier schedules. You should add time for pre-carriage, terminal handling, customs clearance, and final delivery.

When does air freight make more sense than sea freight?

Air freight to Chile is recommended when:

• Delivery deadlines are tight or tied to specific events or penalties.
• You’re shipping high-value, low-volume items where time is more critical than cost.
• You need urgent spare parts, prototypes, or samples.

For heavy or bulky cargo with flexible timelines, sea freight to Chile is usually more economical.

What information do I need to get a shipping quote to Chile?

To estimate shipping costs to Chile, we typically need:

• Origin and destination (city/postal code and country)
• Cargo description and HS code (if available)
• Number of pieces, dimensions, and gross weight
• Preferred mode (ocean FCL/LCL, air) and desired delivery date
• Any special requirements (reefer, hazardous, oversize, project cargo)

Providing accurate details helps us quote quickly and avoid later surprises.

Can LAC help with customs clearance in Chile?

Yes. LAC works closely with trusted local customs brokers to support customs clearance in Chile. While the importer of record and their broker are responsible for final clearance, we coordinate documentation, monitor status, and help resolve issues when they arise.

Are there restricted or prohibited items when shipping to Chile?

Yes. Chile restricts or prohibits certain items, including some chemicals, hazardous materials, weapons, certain electronics, and specific food and agricultural products without proper permits or certificates. Share your product details and HS codes with us so we can confirm feasibility before you ship cargo to Chile.

Do you handle shipments from both the USA and Canada to Chile?

Absolutely. LAC arranges freight shipping to Chile from major gateways across the USA and Canada, offering port and airport options plus inland pickup and delivery according to your Incoterms.

Can you ship personal effects, or only commercial cargo?

LAC focuses on commercial cargo for businesses—industrial equipment, consumer goods, project cargo, and similar shipments. If your case is borderline, we can review it and advise on the best approach.

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Request a Quote and Ship to Chile with Confidence

LAC combines deep regional expertise, strong carrier networks, and hands-on support to make freight shipping to Chile from the USA and Canada simpler and more predictable. Whether you need ocean, air, or a mix of both, we’ll help you find the right balance of cost, speed, and reliability.Request your tailored quote today and let us take care of the logistics.