Shipping your vehicle from the United States to Guatemala is the most critical step — and where most people overpay or make costly mistakes. This guide compares your options: RoRo vs container, departure ports, transit times, and what to look for in a shipping company.
Quick summary: RoRo from Miami is the cheapest and fastest option ($1,050-$2,800, 10-15 days). Container shipping costs $1,000-$2,000 more but protects the vehicle completely. Always get 3+ quotes and verify the company ships to Guatemala regularly.
RoRo vs Container Shipping
| Feature | RoRo (Roll-On/Roll-Off) | Container |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Car driven onto ship deck | Car loaded into 20ft/40ft container |
| Protection | Exposed to sea spray, secured on deck | Fully enclosed, weather-proof |
| Cost | $1,050 - $3,900 | $2,500 - $5,200 |
| Best for | Standard cars, trucks, SUVs | Luxury vehicles, classics, motorcycles |
| Can ship items inside? | No (customs will inspect) | Sometimes (check with shipper) |
| Availability | Weekly sailings from major ports | Less frequent, may wait for consolidation |
| Damage risk | Low but possible (salt spray, minor dings) | Very low |
Recommendation: RoRo for 90% of imports. Container only for vehicles worth $40K+ or if you need maximum protection.
Shipping Costs by Port
| Departure Port | RoRo Cost | Container Cost | Transit Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miami/Jacksonville, FL | $1,050 - $2,800 | $2,500 - $3,500 | 10-15 days | Most common, cheapest, most frequent sailings |
| Houston, TX | $1,200 - $2,500 | $2,700 - $3,800 | 12-18 days | Good for Texas, Midwest sellers |
| Los Angeles, CA | $2,000 - $3,900 | $3,500 - $5,000 | 19-25 days | Longer transit, higher cost |
| New York/New Jersey | $2,500 - $3,500 | $3,800 - $5,200 | 20-38 days | Longest, most expensive |
Price drivers: Vehicle size (SUVs/trucks cost more), season (Dec-Feb is peak), fuel surcharges, and whether the route is direct or has transshipment stops.
Arrival Ports in Guatemala
| Port | Location | Drive to Guatemala City | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puerto Quetzal | Pacific coast, Escuintla dept. | ~2 hours | Most US imports (Miami, Houston routes) |
| Puerto Santo Tomas de Castilla | Atlantic coast, Izabal dept. | ~5 hours | Some East Coast shipments |
90%+ of vehicle imports arrive at Puerto Quetzal because it’s closer to Guatemala City, where most customs processing happens and most buyers live.
How to Choose a Shipping Company
Must-Haves
- Regular Guatemala service — companies that ship to Guatemala weekly know the customs requirements
- Door-to-port and port-to-port options — door service picks up from your location
- Licensed and bonded — verify FMC (Federal Maritime Commission) license for ocean freight
- Insurance options — marine cargo insurance (1.5-2% of vehicle value)
- Bill of lading — proper documentation for Guatemala customs
- Guatemalan community presence — many reliable shippers are Guatemalan-owned and staffed
Red Flags
- No physical office or only a PO box
- Prices significantly below market (may add fees later)
- No FMC license
- Cannot provide references from Guatemala imports
- Demands full payment upfront with no escrow option
What to Expect: Timeline
| Phase | Duration | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle pickup/delivery to port | 1-5 days | Drive to port or arrange inland transport |
| Port processing (US side) | 1-3 days | Export docs, customs clearance, loading |
| Ocean transit | 10-38 days | Depends on departure port (see table above) |
| Guatemala port arrival | 1-2 days | Unloading, port storage begins |
| Customs clearance | 5-10 days | Your customs broker handles this |
| Total | ~4-6 weeks | From drop-off to driving in Guatemala |
Documents the Shipper Needs
- Original vehicle title (clean, in your name)
- Copy of your ID (passport or DPI)
- Vehicle photos (all sides, odometer, VIN plate — for condition documentation)
- Bill of sale or purchase receipt
- Keys (2 sets if possible)
- Power of attorney if someone else is handling the shipment
Tips
- Get at least 3 quotes — prices vary significantly between companies and seasons
- Miami is king — if you can get the car to Florida, you’ll save money and time
- Book 2-3 weeks before your target ship date — especially during peak season (November-February)
- Remove all personal items from the vehicle before shipping — Guatemala customs will inspect and may seize undeclared items
- Take detailed photos before handing over the vehicle — document any existing damage for insurance claims
- Remove toll transponders, garage openers, and GPS trackers — you don’t need them and they can cause confusion at customs
- Gas tank should be under 1/4 full — required by most RoRo shippers for safety
- Disable alarm systems — cars that alarm on the ship deck cause problems
- Get marine insurance — it’s cheap (1.5-2%) relative to the risk. Your US auto insurance does NOT cover ocean transport
- Hire your customs broker BEFORE shipping — they need time to prepare documentation
Related Guides
- Complete Import Process — full step-by-step customs guide
- Vehicle Import Calculator — calculate your total landed cost
- Customs Brokers — find a licensed agent
- Ports Guide — what to expect at Puerto Quetzal and Santo Tomas
- Best Cars to Import — which vehicles have the best value