Ocean & Air Freight Shipping from Guatemala to the United States

Guatemala is the largest economy in Central America, making it a vital trading partner for the United States. Both countries have long engaged in solid economic ties, benefiting agriculture, textiles, and electronics industries.

In 2022, Guatemala’s exports to the US amounted to $5.23 billion. The top commodities exported were bananas, knit sweaters, and coffee.

To ship from Guatemala to the US, you must first be aware of your ocean and air freight shipping options. We cover that and more in this guide.

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

You can ship from Guatemala to the US through ocean freight or air freight.

Ocean Freight From Guatemala to the United States

Ocean freight is the most common shipping option from Guatemala to the US. That’s mainly because of its affordability and flexibility. This shipping option can transport any type of cargo and even offers shippers two container shipping options: less than container load (LCL) and full container load (FCL).

LCL involves the consolidation process. Here, goods belonging to different shippers are consolidated and transported together in one container. Each shipper only has to pay for the space their goods occupy, making it an economical choice for small shipping needs.

FCL is where the shipper rents the space in an entire container for their goods alone. This gives them more space, control, and security for their shipment. FCL is best for shippers with large shipping needs.

Air Freight from Guatemala to the United States

The other way to ship goods from Guatemala to the United States is by air. This is the fastest way to get cargo to the US, taking only a couple of days to complete. It’s also the most secure, with strict airport regulations and processes helping guarantee cargo security.

Air freight is best used for time-sensitive, perishable, and high-value shipments.

However, it’s worth noting that this shipping option can be expensive. It’s also not as flexible as ocean freight, limiting the type, size, weight, and volume of cargo it can ship.

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

The cost to ship cargo from Guatemala to the US will depend on certain factors. These 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

Use our online freight costs calculator to get an estimate of your shipping costs. The table below provides the current cost for shipping a standard 20-foot container from Guatemala to the US:

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

The time it takes to ship goods from Guatemala to the US largely 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 Guatemala to the United States?

Ocean freight from Guatemala to the US will take 15-50 days.

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

Air freight from Guatemala to the US will take 2-8 days.

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

Customs Clearance in Guatemala and the United States

Once your goods land in a US port or airport, they will go through the customs clearance process. 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

If you need examples of these customs clearance requirements, take a look at our full documents list.

Should You Choose Ocean Freight or Air Freight?

When choosing the right mode of shipping for you, you need to consider your needs, priorities, and the requirements of your cargo. Here are some pointers to help you make the right decision.

Ocean Freight

Ocean freight is best for those shipping on a budget or whose cargo has unique specifications. This mode of shipping can transport any type of cargo, whether small, large, light, or heavy. It even allows shippers to optimize their shipments with two container shipping options.

Considerations for LCL Freight Shipping

LCL is best 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 better 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 the shipping method of choice for time-sensitive and perishable cargo. That’s because it’s the fastest mode of international transport, able to get goods from Guatemala to the US in 2-8 days.

It’s also ideal for high-value goods, as strict airport regulations can help guarantee cargo security. However, these regulations also mean that air freight is less flexible. It cannot ship all types of cargo and sets limits on the weight, size, and volume of allowable shipments.

Moreover, air freight is expensive, with shipping fees significantly higher than ocean freight.

Ocean Cargo Port Guide

Cargo ports of origin in Guatemala

Puerto Quetzal

Puerto Quetzal is the biggest Pacific seaport. It’s situated on the Pacific coast, near the Panama Canal and other Mexican ports. The port handles the majority of sugar and coffee exports. But it also boasts dedicated terminals for coal and liquefied gas.

Port of Santo Tomas De Castilla

The Port of Santo Tomas De Castilla handles dry cargo, liquid bulk, and containerized goods. It can accommodate vessels with a length of 230 meters and a 10-meter draft. It has an advantageous geographical location close to the US states of Miami and Florida.

Port Barrios

Port Barrios is located on the Guatemalan coastline facing the Atlantic Ocean. It used to be known as a major Atlantic port. It was built as a railroad terminal link for Guatemala and American trade routes.

Cargo ports of arrival in the United States

Port of New York and New Jersey

The Port of New York and New Jersey is the largest natural harbor, spanning the entire New York Harbor coastal area and spreading over 25 miles. It handles over 7.8 million TEUs per year and is the second busiest port in the US for loaded imports and exports.

Port of New Orleans

The Port of New Orleans is one of the busiest ports in the US. It has over 36,000 vessel calls per year, 41.6% of which handle the inward and outward movement of dry bulk cargo. The port boasts two major berths that handle 455,000 TEUs per year.

Port of Los Angeles

The Port of Los Angeles is the busiest container facility in North America. For 25 consecutive years, it has also ranked as number one in the Western Hemisphere. It handles a wide range of cargo, with over 8.6 million TEUs, 157,000 units of automobiles, and 1,712 vessel arrivals per year.

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

Airports of origin in Guatemala

La Aurora International Airport

The La Aurora International Airport serves the city of Guatemala. It’s located 6.4 kilometers south of the city center and 25 kilometers from Antigua, Guatemala. The airport is the country’s primary airport, serving as a hub for Transportes Aéreos Guatemaltecos, Avianca Guatemala, and more.

Mundo Maya International Airport

The Mundo Maya International Airport was formerly called the Flores International Airport. It is located in the Santa Elena Suberb in Flores, Guatemala. The airport is a hub for Transportes Aéreos Guatemaltecos and Mayan World Airlines.

Airports of arrival in the United States

Tampa International Airport

The Tampa International Airport is located 6 miles west of Downtown Tama in the county of Hillsborough in the US state of Florida. It handles over 328,000,000 points of cargo and mail. The airport is a hub for Southwest Airlines, Silver Airways, United Express, Air Florida, Continental Connection, and Flight Express, Inc.

Reno/Tahoe International Airport

The Reno/Tahoe International Airport is a public and military airport. It’s located 3 miles southeast of downtown Reno in Washoe County in the US state of Nevada. The airport is the second busiest commercial airport in the state. It’s a hub for Reno Air, Logistic Air, and Aha!.

Rickenbacker International Airport

The Rickenbacker International Airport is a civil-military airport located 10 miles south of downtown Columbus in the state of Ohio. It serves as a hub for AirNet Express, Amerijet International, Evergreen International Airlines, and Air Tahoma.

Why Ship From Guatemala 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.