UK → South America · FCL sea freight · 18–30 days
FCL container shipping from the UK to South America.
Full container load sea freight from the UK to South America, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Peru, Ecuador and beyond. We manage the complete move from UK collection to delivery at your South American destination.
Destinations we serve
South American countries and ports
We ship FCL containers to all major South American markets. Key destinations include:
- Brazil: Santos, Paranaguá, Itajaí, Rio de Janeiro
- Argentina: Buenos Aires (Exolgan), Zárate
- Colombia: Cartagena, Buenaventura, Barranquilla
- Chile: San Antonio, Valparaíso, Iquique
- Peru: Callao (Lima)
- Ecuador: Guayaquil
- Uruguay: Montevideo
- Venezuela: La Guaira, Puerto Cabello (subject to current conditions)
Shipping to a country or port not listed? Ask us, we access the full South American continent through our worldwide agent network.
Atlantic · Pacific · Both coasts
East and West coast South America
Brazil, Argentina & Uruguay
18–28 days from UK ports
Brazil (Santos) is the dominant South American container port. Buenos Aires serves Argentina and the River Plate basin. Montevideo (Uruguay) is an alternative entry point for Mercosur. Direct services available from Felixstowe and Southampton.
Colombia, Chile, Peru & Ecuador
22–30 days from UK ports
West Coast South America routes typically transit through a transhipment hub (Cartagena or Panama). Cartagena (Colombia) also serves as a direct port. San Antonio and Callao are the main gateways for Chile and Peru respectively.
Cross-trade shipments to and from South America
Maya also arranges cross-trade FCL movements into and out of South America where neither origin nor destination is the UK, for example, a container moving from China to Brazil managed through our Asian and South American agent networks. If you need cargo moved between two non-UK countries in this region, get in touch.
Felixstowe / Southampton → South American ports
Ports and transit times
UK ports: Felixstowe and Southampton, with collection from anywhere in the UK.
Transit times: Brazil (Santos) typically 18–24 days. Argentina (Buenos Aires) 22–28 days. West Coast (Colombia, Chile, Peru) 22–30 days depending on routing and transhipment. Exact timings confirmed at quote stage.
TRANSIT · TYPICALLY 18–30 DAYS DEPENDING ON DESTINATION
UK export and South American import procedures
Customs for UK–South America shipments
Every South American country has its own import regime. Brazil's SISCOMEX system requires an import licence (LI) for certain goods. Argentina's AFIP and ARCA systems are complex and documentation must be prepared precisely. Pacific coast countries each have their own requirements.
We arrange UK export clearance and coordinate South American import customs through our trusted in-country partners. Documentation is prepared before the cargo ships to prevent costly port delays and demurrage. See how our customs service works.
One operator owns the file from your UK collection point to the South American delivery, you deal with us, not a chain of local agents.
Straight answers
UK–South America shipping questions
Which South American countries do you ship containers to from the UK?
We ship FCL containers from the UK to all major South American markets including Brazil (Santos, Paranaguá, Itajaí), Argentina (Buenos Aires/Exolgan), Colombia (Cartagena, Buenaventura), Chile (San Antonio, Valparaíso), Peru (Callao), Ecuador (Guayaquil) and Uruguay (Montevideo). Ask us about your specific destination.
How long does sea freight from the UK to Brazil or Argentina take?
Typically 18–24 days to Brazil (Santos) and 22–28 days to Argentina (Buenos Aires) from UK ports. Colombia and Ecuador on the Pacific coast are similar to Brazil at 18–24 days. Chile and Peru on the West Coast can be 24–30 days depending on routing. We'll confirm exact timings with your quote.
Do you handle South American import customs from the UK?
Yes. Each South American country has its own import regime, Brazil's SISCOMEX, Argentina's AFIP, and so on. We arrange UK export clearance and coordinate destination import customs through our trusted South American partners. All documentation is prepared before the cargo ships to prevent port delays.
Can you handle the full door-to-door move to South America?
Yes. We manage the full move: collection from your UK address, UK export customs, ocean freight booking, import clearance at the South American port and onward haulage to your final destination, all handled by us.
24h turnaround · No obligation
Shipping a container to South America?
Tell us your destination country and port, what you're sending and where we're collecting from in the UK. We'll come back with a tailored FCL quote within 24 hours on working days.
Already hold a quote from another forwarder? Send us this route and we’ll give you ours to compare.
Related: Container shipping · Customs clearance · All routes