Shipping from China to Guatemala

With the increasing trade between China and Central American countries, more and more businesses and individuals are looking to ship goods from China to Guatemala. As a key market in Central America, Guatemala imports a wide variety of goods, including textiles, machinery and equipment, electronics, and daily necessities. This guide is designed to help customers better understand the process of shipping goods from China to Guatemala.

Shipping from China to Guatemala

The main modes of transporting goods from China to Guatemala are sea freight and air freight. Sea freight is typically used for bulky, high-volume goods, and due to its relatively low cost, it is well-suited for customers with large trade volumes. Air freight is suitable for time-sensitive or high-value products, such as electronic components and pharmaceuticals.

Sea freight from China to Guatemala

Sea freight is the most common mode of transport from China to Guatemala. Major Chinese ports such as Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, and Qingdao offer routes to Central America, typically transiting through the Panama Canal to reach major ports in Guatemala.

Major ports in Guatemala include Puerto Quetzal and Puerto Santo Tomás de Castilla, located on the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, respectively, and capable of receiving international cargo from various routes. Sea freight typically takes between 30 and 40 days, depending on the vessel’s schedule and transit arrangements.

For customers requiring container shipping, both full container load (FCL) and less-than-container load (LCL) options are available. FCL is suitable for businesses with large cargo volumes requiring dedicated containers, while LCL offers a more cost-effective solution for small and medium-sized shippers.

Air freight from China to Guatemala

Air freight is the fastest mode of transport from China to Guatemala. Air freight departs from major Chinese airports (such as Shanghai Pudong, Guangzhou Baiyun, Shenzhen Bao’an, and Beijing Capital International Airport), transits through countries such as the United States or Mexico, and finally arrives at La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City.

Air freight typically takes approximately 5-10 days, depending on flight and transit availability. It is suitable for electronics, fashion apparel, urgent orders, or high-value products. Although air freight is more expensive than sea freight, it often helps companies seize market opportunities and reduce inventory backlogs and capital tie-ups in supply chain management.

Major Airports and Ports in Guatemala

Guatemala’s major international ports are:

• Puerto Quetzal
• Puerto Santo Tomás de Castilla

The main international airport is:

• La Aurora International Airport

Shipping cost from China to Guatemala

Shipping costs from China to Guatemala are affected by many factors, including cargo weight, volume, shipping method, port of departure and destination, route selection, and peak or off-season market conditions. The following table provides a reference:

Ocean freight costs are typically calculated based on container size (20gp, 40gp, 40hq), with the cost of shipping one container ranging from US$2,550 to US$5,800. LCL (less than container load) is charged per cubic meter (CBM), with costs ranging from US$100 to US$200 per cubic meter.

Air freight costs are based on chargeable weight (the greater of actual weight or volumetric weight). Typically, for a minimum shipping weight of 45kg, costs range from US$4.5 to US$10.5 per kilogram.

In addition to the basic shipping cost from China to Guatemala, customers must also consider additional charges such as port charges, customs declaration fees, customs clearance fees, tariffs, and VAT. When planning your logistics budget, it’s recommended to confirm all potential costs with your freight forwarder in advance to avoid unexpected expenses during shipping.

Cost Of Shipping 20ft & 40ft Container From China To Guatemala

The average price to ship a container from China to Guatemala is $2,550 to $5,850.
Shipping costs for shipping a full container from China to Guatemala depend on the size of the container (20ft or 40ft) and the timetable route, please contact the Basenton Quotation Team for detailed rates for shipping containers from China to major container ports in Guatemala.

• How much does it cost to ship a 20-foot container from China to Guatemala? The average price to ship a 20-foot container from China to Guatemala is $2550 to $4550. Shipping schedules for shipping 20-foot containers from China to Guatemala vary by route.
• How much does it cost to ship a 40-foot container from China to Guatemala? The average price of shipping a 40-foot container from China to Guatemala is from $3,050 to $5,850. Shipping schedules for shipping 40-foot containers from China to Guatemala vary by route.

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How long does it take to ship from China to Guatemala?

Shipping times from China to Guatemala vary depending on the shipping method and route:

• Sea freight: Generally takes 30-45 days, but may take longer if there are layovers or during peak season.
• Air freight: Typically takes 5-10 days, but may take several days longer due to layovers, flight delays, etc.

When choosing a shipping method, consider the type of cargo, the customer’s delivery requirements, and your budget. If timeliness is a priority, air freight is recommended. If cost control is more critical, sea freight is the most suitable option.

Door-to-door Shipping from China to Guatemala

Door-to-door shipping from China to Guatemala is an integrated international logistics solution, covering the entire process from picking up goods from the Chinese factory or warehouse, domestic transportation, export declaration, international transportation, customs clearance at the destination port, to final delivery to the consignee in Guatemala. This eliminates the need for intermediaries, significantly reducing communication costs and time.

This service model is particularly suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises, cross-border e-commerce sellers, and individual buyers unfamiliar with the logistics process. By choosing door-to-door service, customers can avoid the risk of cargo being held up due to incomplete documentation, incorrect tariff payments, or unfamiliar customs clearance procedures.

Furthermore, door-to-door services often include value-added services such as warehousing, sorting, and packaging, helping customers more efficiently process orders before shipment. For example, if you have goods from multiple suppliers, you can consolidate them at a Chinese warehouse and then ship them directly to your Guatemalan customer through a one-stop logistics solution.

Door-to-door shipping is more than just door-to-door delivery; it emphasizes comprehensive liability protection throughout the entire process. In the event of transportation delays, customs clearance issues or tariff disputes, professional freight forwarding companies can handle them in a timely manner to ensure that customers’ goods are delivered safely and efficiently.

Learn more: Door to Door Shipping from China

DDP Shipping from China to Guatemala

DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping from China to Guatemala is the most worry-free delivery method for international trade. This means the seller is responsible for the entire transportation chain, including international shipping, insurance, customs clearance, duties, and VAT, until the goods are delivered to the buyer in Guatemala. The buyer does not incur any customs clearance or additional fees.

DDP shipping is becoming increasingly popular among Amazon FBA and small and medium-sized businesses because it allows buyers to clearly understand the total cost of their order at the time of order, eliminating hidden fees and significantly improving the customer experience. While sellers shouldering more responsibility can improve their service competitiveness and win more orders.

It’s important to note that while DDP is suitable for common goods like daily necessities, apparel, and electronics, certain special shipments (such as dangerous goods and restricted items) may face customs clearance restrictions. Before choosing DDP shipping, confirm with your freight forwarder whether your shipment is eligible for this method.

DDP can also be combined with door-to-door shipping to provide a truly turnkey service. After the seller hands over the goods to the Chinese freight forwarding company, the remaining transportation and customs matters will be handled by the freight forwarder, and the buyer only needs to receive the goods in Guatemala.

Freight forwarding from China to Guatemala

Freight forwarding plays a crucial role in international transportation. It goes beyond simply arranging transportation; it also encompasses a range of services, including export declaration, customs clearance at the destination port, insurance, warehousing, and LCL services. For clients without international logistics experience, a reliable freight forwarder can significantly reduce risk.

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For shipping from China to Guatemala, a professional freight forwarder can recommend suitable transportation options based on cargo characteristics, transit time, and budget, such as full container load (FCL), less than container load (LCL), air freight, express delivery, or door-to-door services. Through effective route planning, costs can be effectively controlled, avoiding seasonal price increases.

Basenton Logistics, a leading international freight forwarder in China, has extensive experience in shipping from China to Guatemala and offers one-stop solutions, including ocean freight, air freight, direct delivery (DDP), and door-to-door services. With long-term cooperation with shipping companies, airlines and local customs clearance agents in Guatemala, Basenton Logistics can not only ensure the safe and efficient arrival of goods, but also assist customers in completing customs clearance smoothly, truly saving worry, time and money.