If you are evaluating the option of a car shipments to Guatemala from the United StatesIf you have any doubts, you probably have many questions: how much does it cost, what paperwork is needed, what port is used, how do I make sure the car arrives in good condition? The good news is that you are not alone in this process. Every year, thousands of people from our Latino community send vehicles to Guatemala for moving, business or simply to help their families.
The main port of arrival in Guatemala is Santo Tomás de Castilla, located in Izabal. This port has direct connections with Houston and Miami, which facilitates logistics and reduces transit times. Knowing how this system works and what is expected of you as the sender will make the process much easier and safer.
In this guide we will go over, step by step, everything you need to know to ship your car from the U.S. to Guatemala: the available ports, the shipping process, the necessary documentation, the approximate costs and the most useful tips to make sure your car arrives smoothly.
What does it mean to send a car to Guatemala?
The shipment of cars to Guatemala is the process by which a vehicle is transported from a port in the United States to the Guatemalan port of Santo Tomás de Castilla. This transfer is carried out in specialized cargo ships, where the cars travel in containers, in RORO (Roll On/Roll Off) mode or on top of mother/host trucks that are loaded inside the ship.
The objective is that the car arrives in the same condition in which it was delivered, complying with U.S. export standards and Guatemalan import regulations.
Available ports to ship cars to Guatemala from the United States
Currently, the only U.S. ports with direct connections to Guatemala are:
- Houston (HOU) → St. Thomas of Castille
- Miami (MIA) → St. Thomas of Castille
Port Santo Tomás de Castilla
- Location: Izabal, Atlantic coast of Guatemala.
- Specialization: maritime cargo, containers and vehicles.
- Frequent connections to Houston and Miami.
- Estimated transit time: 10 to 15 days.
This port is strategic because it is located near the border with Honduras and the capital city, which facilitates land transportation of the car once it arrives in the country.
Documentation required to ship a car to Guatemala from the United States
Before loading the vehicle, you must submit the following documentation:
- Photo of the car title (front and back).
- U.S. Sender ID (passport or driver's license) + address and phone number.
- Recipient ID in Guatemala + address and phone number.
- Signing of two documents that we send you digitally
Important note: the vehicle must be free of debts or liens. If you still have financing, written permission from the bank or finance company is required.
Step-by-step process: how to ship a car to Guatemala from the United States
Quotation and reservation
You share with us the basic information (type of car, departure city and destination) and our team will prepare a personalized quote for you.
2. Delivery of the car at the port
You have two options: take the car directly to the assigned port (Houston or Miami) or let Car Freight take care of the ground transportation from your city. Our team coordinates the pick-up at your home or preferred location and transports it safely to the port.
3. Inspection and documentation
The condition of the car is checked and the documentation presented is validated. This is where official photos are taken and the VIN is verified.
4. Boarding
The trolley is loaded on the ship in the chosen mode (container or RORO).
5. Maritime transit
The journey from the U.S. to Guatemala takes 10 to 15 days.
6. Disembarkation in Santo Tomás de Castilla.
The vehicle is delivered to the authorized person, who must comply with the customs clearance process.
Costs: how much does it cost to ship a car to Guatemala from the United States?
The price of a car shipment to Guatemala depends on several factors:
- Type of vehicle: Small sedans cost less than SUVs or heavy trucks.
- Method of shipment: RORO is usually cheaper than a dedicated container.
- Season: demand in certain months may increase the cost.
Estimated price range: between $1,100 and $1,700 USD per standard vehicle (does not include import taxes in Guatemala).
Keep in mind that each case is different, so it is best to request a customized quotation for your shipment.
Preparation checklist prior to shipment
- Remove all personal items from the car.
- Leave a maximum of ¼ tank of gasoline.
- Check battery, tires and brakes.
- Keep copies of all documentation.
- Take pictures of the car before delivering it.
Frequently asked questions about shipping cars to Guatemala from the United States (FAQ)
How long does it take to ship cars to Guatemala?
Estimated time is 10 to 15 days, depending on the port of departure.
Can I send a financed car?
Yes, but you need a letter of authorization from the bank.
Does the car arrive directly to my city in Guatemala?
No. Disembarkation is in Santo Tomás de Castilla. From there you must coordinate ground transportation.
Can I leave things inside the car?
Yes, for Central America it is allowed to include cargo inside the car, as long as you present a detailed list of what you are transporting, for an additional cost.
Conclusion
The car shipments to Guatemala from the United States is a simple process if the proper steps are followed. With clear ports of departure (Houston and Miami), a single port of arrival (St. Thomas of Castile) and simple documentary requirements, more and more people are relying on this service to move their vehicles.
The key is to plan ahead, prepare your car well and make sure you work with a reliable agent like Car freight. This way, your vehicle will arrive safely and you will be able to use it in Guatemala for your family, your move or your personal projects.
Ready to get started? Request your Guatemala shipping quote and receive personalized advice today!
