Ocean & Air Freight Shipping From Chile to the United States

In 2003, Chile and the United States signed the U.S.-Chile Free Trade Agreement, which helped bilateral trade between the two nations. This FTA has also paved the way for the US to become one of Chile’s most important trading partners.

In 2022, Chile exported $15.6 billion worth of commodities to the US, which was a 3.4% increase from 2021 and up 66% from 2012. The trade relationship spans multiple industries, including agriculture, mining, technology, and services.

To ship from Chile to the US with ease, read this complete guide on your ocean and air freight shipping options.

What Are the Options for Shipping Freight From Chile to the United States?

There are two ways to ship freight from Chile to the US: ocean freight and air freight.

Ocean Freight From Chile to the United States

Ocean freight is the most popular mode of shipping and the cheapest and most flexible way to transport goods around the world. It can handle any type of cargo and offers shippers two options for container shipping: less-than-container load (LCL) and full-container load (FCL).

LCL involves the consolidation process where goods belonging to different shippers are consolidated and shipped together in one container. Each shipper only pays for their cargo's space, making it economical for small shipments.

FCL is where a shipper rents the space in an entire container for their goods alone. This gives them more space, control, and security for their shipment, making it ideal for large and heavyweight cargo.

Air Freight from Chile to the United States

Air freight is the fastest mode of international shipping. It’s the best for time-sensitive and perishable goods. It’s also the most secure, with strict airport regulations helping protect high-value goods during transit.

Cost, however, is a problem with air freight. It’s more expensive than ocean freight, although it's less flexible. Air freight cannot accommodate all types of cargo and limits their size, weight, and volume.

How Much Does it Cost to Ship Cargo From Chile to the United States?

The cost to ship cargo from Chile to the US depends on a variety of factors, which include:

• Your choice of ocean or air shipping
• Your preference for door-to-door, port-to-port, port-to-door, or door-to-port shipment
• Your consignment’s weight, volume, and size
• Weight and size limits

For an accurate estimate of your shipping costs, utilize our freight costs calculator. Below, you'll find the current cost for shipping a standard 20-foot container from Chile to the US:

How long does it take to ship cargo from Chile to the United States?

The time it takes to ship goods from Chile to the US depends on the selected international shipping mode. However, the following factors also play a role:

• The season (peak or low) during which you ship
• Whether the shipment route is direct
• The popularity of the trade lane
• Geopolitical instability
• Incidents that might occur at ports

How long does it take to ship cargo by sea from Chile to the United States?

Shipping from Chile to the US will take 15-50 days.

How long does it take to ship cargo by air from Chile to the United States?

It takes 2-8 days to complete an air freight shipment from Chile to the US.

For the most accurate estimate, we recommend using our transit time calculator.

Customs Clearance in Chile and the United States

Goods arriving in a US port or airport from another country will undergo customs clearance. For this, you need the following documents:

• A commercial invoice
• A packing list
• A certificate of origin
• A letter of credit or other payment terms (depending on the contract between the parties involved)
• A bill of lading for ocean freight or an Airway Bill for air freight

We have a full documents list that contains examples of each customs clearance requirement.

Should You Choose Ocean Freight or Air Freight?

Choosing between ocean freight and air freight can be difficult, which is why we’ve outlined some pointers below.

Ocean Freight

Ocean freight is best for those shipping on a budget or whose cargo has unique specifications. It can accommodate any type of cargo, regardless of its nature, size, weight, or volume.

If you opt for sea freight, you also need to decide whether to ship via LCL or FCL.

Considerations for LCL Freight Shipping

LCL is a good option for cargo that is:

• Small in size and quantity
• Lightweight
• Suitable for consolidation with cargo belonging to other shippers
• Not delicate, fragile, or high-value
• Not requiring special handling or movement

Considerations for FCL Freight Shipping

FCL is the best choice for cargo that is:

• Large in size and quantity
• Heavy or overweight
• Not suitable for consolidation with cargo belonging to other shippers
• Delicate, fragile, or high-value
• Requiring special handling or movement

Air Freight

Air freight is for those who need to get their cargo from Chile to the US fast. Only taking 2-8 days, it’s the fastest mode of international transport and is best for time-sensitive and perishable cargo.

Since air freight is more secure than ocean freight, it’s also a good choice for high-value commodities. Strict airport regulations will help guarantee the safety of your cargo during transit.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. The first is the cost. Air freight can be significantly more expensive than ocean freight. The second is the lack of flexibility. Air freight can’t ship all types of cargo and limits shipment size, weight, and volume.

Ocean Cargo Port Guide

Cargo ports of origin in Chile

Port of Valparaíso

The Port of Valparaíso is 140 kilometers from Santiago. It is on the central coast of Chile. It’s one of the busiest ports in the country, a major trading center, and the biggest container port in the nation.

Port of San Antonio

The Port of San Antonio is one of Chile’s largest ports. It also ranks 13th on the list of the busiest ports in South America. The port is within close proximity to the capital, making it well-known. It’s a major seafood trading district.

Port of Punta Arenas

The Port of Punta Arenas is located in the heart of Patagonia. Because of its location, it’s one of the most visited ports in Chile, resting on the edge of the Strait of Magellan in Chile’s southernmost city.

Cargo ports of arrival in the United States

Port of Oakland

The Port of Oakland is one of the busiest ports in North America, handling over 2.5 million TEUs of cargo per year. It houses the Oakland International Container Terminal and the TraPac Container Terminal. The port handles 99% of containerized goods in Northern California.

Port of Miami

The Port of Miami handles over 10.2 million tonnes of cargo and 1.2 million TEUs per year. It’s an important port for containerized shipping and sees an ongoing blend of cargo and passenger traffic, making it important in the global maritime landscape.

Port of Seattle-Tacoma

The Port of Seattle-Tacoma is a joint venture of the Port of Seattle and the Port of Tacoma. Together, they’re known as the Seattle-Tacoma Port and stand as one of the largest container ports in North America, handling over 4 million TEUs per year.

Air Freight from Chile to the United States: An airport guide

Airports of origin in Chile

Diego Aracena International Airport

The Diego Aracena International Airport serves Iquique, the capital city of Tarapacá, Chile. It’s located on the Pacific coast, just 48 kilometers south of the town. The airport is a hub for Chilean Airways and is home to the First Air Brigade of the Chilean Air Force.

Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport

The Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, also known as the Santiago International Airport, is the busiest international airport in Chile and the country’s largest aviation facility. It is located 15 kilometers northwest of central Santiago.

Airports of arrival in the United States

Charlotte Douglas International Airport

The Charlotte Douglas International Airport serves Charlotte in the US state of North Carolina, just 6 miles west of the city’s central business district. It’s the primary airport for both commercial and military use in the Charlotte metropolitan area.

Detroit Metro Wayne County Airport

The Detroit Metro Wayne County Airport, located in Romulus, serves Detroit and its surrounding metropolitan area in the state of Michigan. It is the busiest airport in Michigan, handling over 347 million pounds of cargo per year.

King County International Airport

The King County International Airport, also called Boeing Field, is a public airport located 5 miles south of downtown Seattle in the US state of Washington. It serves as a hub for Kenmore Air, Ameriflight, Aeroamerica, and Vance International Airways.

Why Ship From Chile to the United States With iContainers?

Shipping cargo is influenced by various factors, including the season, shipment size, shipping method, and the starting and ending locations.

iContainers, with years of industry expertise, combines traditional freight forwarding services with modern technology to enhance your convenience. Our digital platform lets you manage every aspect of your shipment—from requesting a quote to booking and tracking your cargo—all from your mobile device.

Reach out to us for a free quote whenever you need. We are always ready to assist you with the information you need.