Ocean & Air Freight Shipping From the United States to Argentina
Information and quote from the United States to Argentina for LCL, FCL and Air shipping
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The United States and Argentina partnership has always been a cornerstone of American economic interaction. These nations, being two of the largest economies in the Western Hemisphere, share a robust trade relationship that spans various industries, including energy, manufacturing, and agriculture.
The US exports commodities such as industrial goods and technology to Argentina. In fact, in 2022, US exports to Argentina totaled $19.68 billion.
To help you ship from the US to Argentina with ease, here’s a complete guide to the process, starting with your ocean and air freight shipping options.
What Are the Options for Shipping Freight From the United States to Argentina?
There are two ways you can ship freight from the US to Argentina. These include ocean freight and air freight.
Ocean Freight From the United States to Argentina
The two most popular shipping methods are ocean freight, which shippers like for its flexibility and affordability. Ocean freight can transport any type of cargo, whether small, large, light, or heavy.
It even offers shippers two options for container shipping so they can further optimize their shipments to suit their needs and budgets. These options include less than container load (LCL) and full container load (FCL).
LCL involves the consolidation process. Here, cargo belonging to different shippers is consolidated and transported together in one container. Each shipper pays for the space their goods occupy, making it an economical choice, especially for smaller shipments.
FCL is where a shipper rents the space in an entire container for their goods alone. They enjoy more space, control, and security for their shipment, making FCL suitable for larger and heavier goods and high-value ones that are not suitable for consolidation.
Air Freight from the United States to Argentina
The other way to transport freight from the US to Argentina is by air. Air freight, the fastest international shipping mode, can get cargo to its destination in a matter of days. This is why it’s used by shippers transporting time-sensitive or perishable cargo.
It’s also a hit among shippers of high-value goods. Airports have stricter processes and regulations compared to seaports. This helps guarantee the security of cargo during transit.
There are cons to air freight, though. These include the cost, which is significantly higher than ocean freight. Another is its lack of flexibility, limiting what you can ship and the size, weight, and volume of your cargo.
How Much Does it Cost to Ship Cargo From the United States to Argentina?
The shipping cost from the US to Argentina will differ based on the following factors:
- 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
To calculate your shipping costs, try our online freight costs calculator. The table below displays the current cost of shipping a standard 20-foot container from the US to Argentina.
TRADE LANE RATES
Freight Shipping Cost from the United States to Argentina for a 20-foot Container
How long does it take to ship cargo from the United States to Argentina?
The transit time for goods shipped from the US to Argentina depends mainly on your selected international shipping mode. Additional factors influencing the transit time are:
- The shipping season (peak or low)
- Direct or indirect shipment route
- The trade lane's popularity
- Geopolitical instability
- Potential incidents at ports
How long does it take to ship cargo by sea from the United States to Argentina?
It takes 15 to 50 days for an ocean freight shipment to arrive in Argentina from the US.
How long does it take to ship cargo by air from the United States to Argentina?
Air freight from Argentina to the US takes between 2 to 8 days.
For the most accurate estimate, we recommend using our transit time calculator.
Customs Clearance in the United States and Argentina
When your US goods arrive in Argentina, they will undergo customs clearance. This should be a breeze, provided that you prepare and submit 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
Take a look at our full documents list to see examples of each customs clearance requirement.
Should You Choose Ocean Freight or Air Freight?
Now it’s time to choose the right mode of international shipping for you. That would depend on your needs, priorities, and cargo requirements. Consider the pointers below to help you make the right decision.
Ocean Freight
Ocean freight is for shippers who value affordability and flexibility. It can accommodate any type of cargo you need to get to Argentina without putting a dent in your budget. Ocean freight even offers you two options for container shipping so you can further optimize your shipment according to your needs.
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 might be a better option 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
If you need your cargo to arrive in Argentina fast, then air freight should be your choice. It’s the fastest way to transport cargo worldwide, often taking only 2 to 8 days to complete.
It’s also the most secure, with stringent airport regulations helping guarantee cargo security. This shipping option is ideal for time-sensitive, perishable, and high-value goods.
However, before deciding to ship by air, consider its drawbacks. The first is its cost. Its shipping fees can get significantly higher than ocean freight. Second, determine if it can accommodate your cargo. Air freight cannot ship all cargo types, sizes, weights, and volumes.
Ocean Cargo Port Guide
Cargo ports of origin in the United States
Port of Long Beach
The Port of Long Beach is the third busiest port in the US, handling over 8 million TEUs per year. It has a well-developed infrastructure and ongoing investments in automation and sustainability initiatives. It’s a highly competitive port that can accommodate large vessels and manage cargo flows efficiently.
Port of Houston
The Port of Houston is located along the US Gulf Coast. It’s one of the busiest ports in the US, handling over 2 million TEUs per year. The port is a gateway for trade with Central America and South America. It handles a wide range of cargo types, including containers, breakbulk, and project cargo.
Port of Savannah
The Port of Savannah is located in the southeastern region of the US. It handles over 4 million TEUs per year, making it a key player in global trade and one of the busiest ports on the East Coast. It boasts a deepwater terminal that allows it to accommodate large vessels.
Cargo ports of arrival in Argentina
Port of Buenos Aires
The Port of Buenos Aires is Argentina’s principal maritime port. It’s also the nation’s leading transshipment point for foreign trade. The port is located in Buenos Aires’ Retiro ward. It handles over 11.7 million metric revenue tonnes of cargo per year.
Port of Campana
The Port of Campana is located on the East Coast of South America, particularly in Argentina. It is a regional river port that handles many cargo types. These include reefers, timber, project cargo, dry, and liquid bulk.
Port of San Nicolas
The Port of San Nicolas is more formally called the Port of San Nicolás de los Arroyos. It is located on the western shore of the lower course of Argentina’s Paraná River, which is within the jurisdiction of the city of San Nicolás de los Arroyos in the Buenos Aires Province.
Air Freight from the United States to Argentina: An Airport Guide
Airports of origin in the United States
Memphis International Airport
The Memphis International Airport processes more than 25 billion pounds of cargo per year. It is among the largest cargo airports in the world. This growth can be attributed to the airport being the home base of the FedEx Express World Hub.
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport
The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport is an important cargo airport in the Midwest. It ranks sixth among all US cargo airports, seeing a 104% increase in landed cargo weight in the last couple of years. It is home to DHL’s North American hub and is a hub for Amazon’s central Prime Air.
Chicago/Rockford International Airport
The Chicago/Rockford International Airport is the 17th largest cargo airport in the US in terms of landed cargo weight. It is the home base of UPS’ second-largest North American facility. It’s also a major Amazon Air hub.
Airports of arrival in Argentina
Ministro Pistarini International Airport
The Ministro Pistarini International Airport serves the city of Buenos Aires and its surrounding areas. It’s also known as the Ezeiza International Airport. It’s one of the largest international airports in Argentina, handling over 187,000 tonnes of cargo per year.
Aeroparque Jorge Newbery
The Aeroparque Jorge Newbery is a domestic airport in Buenos Aires, Argentina. It boasts a convenient location in the heart of Buenos Aires, making it a prime choice for passenger and cargo transport.
Córdoba International Airport
The Córdoba International Airport, or Ingeniero Aeronáutico Ambrosio L.V. Taravella International Airport, is the second busiest airport in Argentina. It serves the city of Córdoba and its surrounding areas. The airport handles over 13,000 tonnes of cargo per year.
Why Ship From the United States to Argentina With iContainers?
Shipping cargo involves multiple factors, including the season, the size of the shipment, the shipping method, and the origin and destination points.
Leveraging years of industry experience, iContainers offers traditional freight forwarding services with modern technological enhancements for customer convenience. Our digital platform lets you manage your shipment—from requesting a quote to booking and tracking your cargo—right from your mobile device.
Contact us for a free quote whenever you need it. We are always ready to assist you with the information you need.
About Us
Why Ship From the United States to Argentina With iContainers?
Why Us?
Transporting cargo involves numerous factors, including the season, the size of your shipment, the shipping method, and the origin and destination points.
With extensive industry experience, iContainers combines traditional freight forwarding services with modern technology for your convenience. Our digital platform lets you manage every aspect of your shipment—from obtaining a quote to booking and tracking your cargo—all from your mobile device.
Don't hesitate to reach out for a free quote at any time. We are always ready to provide you with the information you need whenever you need it.
