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Move your cargo to Chile efficiently with ocean container shipping from the USA and Canada. For medium to large volumes, containerized ocean freight remains one of the most reliable and cost-effective ways to serve North America–South America trade lanes.
Whether you are shipping industrial equipment, consumer goods, food products, or retail cargo, selecting the right combination of FCL (Full Container Load) or LCL (Less than Container Load) services—and the right logistics partner—directly impacts transit time, landed cost, and supply chain reliability.
Chile’s main container gateways include San Antonio and Valparaíso, which handle the majority of the country’s containerized imports, supported by a modern port infrastructure and regular sailings from key ports in the USA and Canada.
Remember, at LAC we also offer a full range of specialized freight services to Chile that your company needs to expand its business:
Container shipping to Chile is an ideal solution if you need:
With over 25 years of experience in Latin American logistics, LAC helps exporters and importers navigate routes, ports, and regulatory processes specific to Chile. Our team delivers tailored container shipping solutions with clear visibility and end-to-end coordination.
When planning container shipping from USA to Chile (or from Canada), your main choices are FCL or LCL. The right option depends on your volume, cargo type, and budget.
FCL is ideal when you have enough cargo to fill most of a container, or when you want additional security and control over loading.
LAC can help you choose between 20ft and 40ft containers based on your cargo weight, dimensions, and destination in Chile.
If you don’t have enough cargo to fill a full container, LCL shipping to Chile lets you share container space and pay only for the volume you use.
LAC coordinates LCL shipping to Chile by managing the consolidation, documentation, and deconsolidation, so you can focus on your business instead of the logistics details.
Depending on your cargo, you may also need:
LAC’s team can advise on the most suitable container type for your specific shipment and compliance requirements.
Container shipping to Chile typically moves through key ports on both sides.
Main origin ports in the USA & Canada:
Main destination ports in Chile:
Actual times depend on carrier, routing, and season. LAC provides schedule options when quoting.
| Origin Region | Main Load Ports | Chilean Ports | Typical Transit Time* |
| USA West Coast | Los Angeles / Long Beach | San Antonio / Valparaíso | ~18–25 days |
| USA East Coast | New York / Savannah / Miami | San Antonio / Valparaíso | ~25–35 days |
| USA Gulf Coast | Houston | San Antonio / Valparaíso | ~22–30 days |
| Canada West Coast | Vancouver | San Antonio / Valparaíso | ~20–30 days |
| Canada East / Central | Montreal / Toronto (via rail) | San Antonio / Valparaíso | ~28–35 days |
*Transit times are approximate and can vary; door-to-door timelines will be longer depending on inland transport and customs.
LAC helps you compare services and select the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability for your lane.
When planning a shipment, “What is the shipping cost to Chile?” is usually the first question. Container shipping rates depend on several key elements:
LAC provides transparent quotes for container shipping to Chile, clearly itemizing:
This helps you understand exactly what is included in your shipping cost to Chile, and where you can optimize.
North American companies use container shipping for a wide variety of cargo, including:
Certain goods may be restricted or require special permits (pharmaceuticals, chemicals, dangerous goods, etc.). LAC can help you understand logistic and documentation implications, while regulatory compliance decisions should always be confirmed with Chilean customs and relevant authorities.
Choosing an experienced freight forwarder to Chile is crucial to avoid delays, unexpected charges, and customs complications.
By working with LAC, you benefit from:
Our role as a freight forwarder is to coordinate all moving parts so your shipment travels smoothly from door to door.
1. Quote Request & Cargo Review
You share cargo details (dimensions, weight, commodity), origin/destination, and preferred service (FCL or LCL).
Our team reviews your requirements and timelines for shipping to Chile.
2. Route & Service Planning
We plan the most efficient shipping solution, selecting the optimal trade lane, sailing, and equipment (20ft/40ft containers, reefer, or special equipment if required).
3. Booking & Documentation
LAC secures space with the carrier and confirms schedules.
We provide Bill of Lading instructions, documentation guidelines, and key deadlines, including commercial invoice and packing list requirements.
4. Inland Pickup & Export Handling
We coordinate trucking from your supplier or warehouse in the USA or Canada to the port or consolidation facility and manage export procedures as needed.
5. Ocean Freight & Shipment Monitoring
Your cargo sails to Chile.
We proactively track the shipment and provide regular status updates and estimated time of arrival (ETA).
6. Arrival & Import Customs in Chile
Upon arrival, our local partners coordinate port handling and work with your appointed customs broker to support customs clearance, inspections, and compliance with Chilean customs and sanitary authorities when applicable.
7. Final Delivery (Door Service, if required)
Once cleared, your container or LCL cargo is delivered to the consignee’s warehouse or distribution center in Chile.
🌎 End-to-End Visibility
Throughout the entire process, LAC provides continuous tracking, clear communication, and a single point of contact—so you always know where your cargo is and what comes next.
To avoid delays and extra costs, your paperwork needs to be accurate and complete. For container shipping to Chile, you typically need:
Chilean customs authorities will review your documents, HS codes, and values. Issues such as misclassification, undervaluation, or missing data can lead to inspections and extra charges.
LAC assists you by:
1. Is FCL or LCL better for shipping to Chile?
If your cargo volume is close to filling a 20ft container or more, FCL is usually more economical and secure. For smaller, regular shipments or new market testing, LCL shipping to Chile can be more flexible and cost-effective.
2. How long does container shipping from USA to Chile usually take?
Port-to-port transit can range from roughly 18 to 35 days, depending on whether you ship from the West Coast, East Coast, or Gulf. Door-to-door times will also include pickup, customs, and inland transport.
3. How can I reduce my shipping cost to Chile?
You can often reduce cost by:
4. Do you offer shipping from Canada to Chile as well?
Yes. LAC manages container shipping from major Canadian hubs (Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, etc.) to key ports in Chile, offering both LCL and FCL options.5. Can LAC help with both imports and exports involving Chile?
Yes. LAC supports exports from the USA and Canada to Chile, and can also coordinate movements involving other Latin American and Caribbean countries as part of your broader supply chain.
Learn from the experiences of those who matter most: our customers
LAC Blog
Export Guides
Transport Guides
Logistics Glossary
Container Types & Sizes
Incoterms 2020 Rules