Short answer: Paraguay is a landlocked country, so your vehicle will never reach Asunción directly by sea. The usual route is by Ro-Ro ferry from Hamburg to a port on the Río de la Plata, such as Montevideo or Buenos Aires. From there, the journey continues to Asunción by river vessel or lorry. As the route passes through a third country, additional transit documents are required. Check Paraguay’s current import requirements before booking and have your commercial invoice, bill of lading, vehicle documents and proof of export to hand.
The key points in 5 points
- Paraguay has no seaport – the sea route ends at the Río de la Plata.
- Montevideo or Buenos Aires are typical transhipment ports.
- The final section is transported to Asunción by riverboat or lorry.
- Transit through a third country requires clean, consistent documents.
- ODS Orient is based in Asunción and runs alongside the final section.
How will your vehicle get to Asunción?
Shipping to Paraguay always involves combined transport. First, your vehicle is transported by sea to a port on the Río de la Plata. There, it is unloaded and prepared for onward transport. It then either travels upriver along the Paraná and Paraguay rivers by barge or overland to Asunción by lorry. Which option is suitable depends on the vehicle, the timetable and the current conditions on the rivers.
What is the route from Hamburg, and how long does it take?
From Hamburg, the sea route crosses the Atlantic to the east coast of South America and on to the Río de la Plata. The transit time comprises the sea voyage, handling at the transhipment port and onward transport, and is therefore longer than for destinations with their own seaport. You should therefore allow for a sufficient buffer. You can find an overview of the entire shipping area in our article on how to Developing South America by RoRo you can.
What types of cargo are accepted?
Roadworthy cars are usually transported by RoRo. Agricultural machinery, construction machinery and other ‘high-and-heavy’ units can also be shipped by RoRo, provided they are self-propelled or loaded onto roll-on trailers. A flat rack is suitable for oversized project cargo, whilst a container is used for vehicles that are not roadworthy or require special protection.
What documents and customs procedures do you need?
Key documents include the commercial invoice, bill of lading, vehicle documents and proof of export. In Germany, exports are processed via the electronic ATLAS export declaration system, the basis of which is the German customs explains. When transiting through Uruguay or Argentina, the vehicle is not cleared for import at the transit port but is forwarded under customs supervision – for this to happen, all details must match exactly. Paraguay regulates vehicle imports independently; you must therefore check the current import requirements before booking. Our guide to Customs regulations for vehicle exports.
Why is it helpful to have a point of contact in Asunción?
The final leg of the journey is often the most challenging when it comes to inland destinations. ODS Orient, a freight forwarder based in Hamburg since 1974, has its own office in Asunción. This means you have a local contact who keeps a close eye on onward transport and handover.
FAQ
Can a ship sail directly to Asunción?
Not by ocean-going vessel. The sea route ends at the Río de la Plata; from there, river vessels or lorries take over.
Which ports serve as transhipment points?
Typical examples are Montevideo in Uruguay and Buenos Aires in Argentina.
Is RoRo or container shipping better?
For roadworthy cars and mobile machinery, RoRo is usually the simplest solution. A container is suitable for vehicles that are not roadworthy or require special protection.
Do I have to clear the vehicle through customs in the transit country?
As a rule, it is forwarded under customs supervision and only imported into Paraguay at that stage. The transit documents must be complete for this purpose.
How much does it cost to ship goods to Paraguay?
That depends on the vehicle, the route and onward transport. It’s best to request a no-obligation quote.
All the information in this article has been carefully researched, but is subject to change at any time. ODS Orient accepts no liability for the timeliness, accuracy or completeness of the information provided. Please contact us directly for a no-obligation quote.
