Shipping to the west coast of South America will continue to gain in importance in 2025 - both for companies with regular exports and for individual projects such as construction machinery, lorries or special vehicles. In this guide, we summarise practical knowledge on routes, cost factors, documents and customs processes for the west coast of South America (especially Chile, Peru and Ecuador). You will also receive a checklist for preparation, a tabular route overview and answers to frequently asked questions.
In short, knowing the right ports, the right transport method (e.g. RoRo) and the customs steps saves time, money and nerves - and minimises risks along the entire supply chain.
Chile, Peru and Ecuador are key gateways for raw materials, renewable energies, transport & logistics, mining, agricultural and food tech. The demand for reliable shipping south america west coast is correspondingly high. RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) in particular impresses with rolling cargo - from SUVs to 50-tonne construction machines - thanks to short port handling times, low damage risks and predictable departures. Additional options are available for container and flatrack loads if dimensions, weight or stowage concepts require it.
The choice of port of departure (POL) and port of destination (POD) determines transit times, cost factors and planning. The following overview serves as a practical introduction and shows common combinations from Europe to the west coast of South America.
| Relationships (POL → POD) | Suitable load | Usual frequency* | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bremerhaven/Antwerp/Zeebrugge → San Antonio/Valparaíso (CL) | Cars, lorries, construction machinery, project cargo | weekly to fortnightly | RoRo & container frequently available; customs in Chile well digitalised. |
| Northern Europe → Callao (PE) | Cars, lorries, systems, flat racks | fortnightly to 3-weekly | Callao is Peru's main RoRo and container port; note peak times. |
| Northern Europe → Guayaquil (EC) | Agricultural machinery, pickups, special vehicles | 2-4-week | ECUAPASS (SENAE) is mandatory for customs clearance. |
*Frequencies are approximate; actual departures vary according to season, shipping company and port rotation. Always check current departures in the timetable tool.
Tip: You can view actual departures and arrivals on the ODS Orient page: Timetables (Europe-South America West Coast).
Advantages:
Please note: Specific prices vary greatly depending on the route, equipment, season, market situation, harbour fees and customs requirements. A personalised quote is required for individual costs. The most important cost drivers at a glance:
Shipping to the west coast of South America is only possible with clean documents and local compliance. Differences between Chile, Peru and Ecuador often concern registrations, digital platforms and import processes.
Important: Work with a local customs broker to ensure that current legislation, tax rates and special authorisations (e.g. SPS certificates) are properly mapped.
More basics and practical tips: RoRo shipping - what to consider?
1) What is the fastest method of transport to the west coast?
RoRo is often the most efficient option for rolling goods, as handling in the port is minimised. Containers/flat racks are ideal when goods cannot be rolled or require special stowage concepts.
2) Which harbours are the best ports of call?
Chile: San Antonio/Valparaíso - Peru: Callao - Ecuador: Guayaquil. The choice depends on your distribution logic, customs requirements and shipping network.
3) How long does customs processing take?
This varies depending on the country, season and completeness of the documents. Digital systems such as SUNAT (Peru) or ECUAPASS (Ecuador) speed up processes - correct documents are the key.
4) Can private individuals ship vehicles to Chile/Peru/Ecuador?
Yes - provided vehicle documents, proof of purchase/ownership and import regulations are fulfilled. Depending on the country, additional proof (e.g. emission/safety standards) may apply.
5) Can ODS Orient also organise containers/flat racks instead of RoRo?
Yes, depending on the dimensions, weight and route availability, we plan the right solution - including pre-/post-carriage and customs coordination.
6) Are there fixed prices for shipping south america west coast?
No. Specific prices depend on numerous factors (route, equipment, season, fees). Ask for a personalised quote - this is the only way to obtain realistic total costs.
South america's west coast can be shipped efficiently and safely in 2025 if routes, customs requirements and documents are properly orchestrated. RoRo is often the first choice for rolling goods; containers and flat racks complement the portfolio for special stowage requirements. Those who plan early, take country-specific compliance into account and work with reliable partners benefit from stable transit times and calculable overall costs.
Shipping to the west coast of South America will continue to gain in importance in 2025 - both for companies with regular exports and for individual projects such as construction machinery, lorries or special vehicles. In this guide, we summarise practical knowledge on routes, cost factors, documents and customs processes for the west coast of South America (especially Chile, Peru and Ecuador). You will also receive a checklist for preparation, a tabular [...]
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