Shipping Container Costs To Belize: A Comprehensive Guide

Shipping containers to Belize can be a challenging experience, so it's important to find a freight company that understands the local business culture, language, and customs regulations. There are various companies that offer shipping services to Belize, with prices depending on factors such as the volume of the consignment, the type of container, and the point of origin. Sea freight is generally cheaper than air freight, and Roll-On/Roll-Off (RoRo) shipping is the most cost-effective method for transporting vehicles and heavy equipment.

Air freight

Global MAX International Freight Shipping is another company that offers air freight services to Belize, utilising their sophisticated A.I. platform, Freight-Calculator, to provide real-time quotes and updates on shipments. Global MAX focuses on the main air transit hub, Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport, ensuring broad coverage of Belize. They also boast an expansive network of dependable carriers adhering to international safety standards, ensuring the secure and efficient transportation of cargo.

When shipping to Belize, it is essential to hire a freight forwarding company with expertise in the local business culture, language, and customs regulations. LAC, for example, has over 20 years of experience in providing logistics and freight forwarding services to Belize, helping importers and exporters build stronger relationships with their clients. Their extensive network of carriers allows them to offer a wide range of international freight shipping services, including air freight.

Ocean freight

Full Container Load (FCL)

If you are looking to ship a full container, you can choose between 20ft and 40ft containers. If your cargo requires a different type of equipment, such as open-top containers, flat racks, or reefers, specialised divisions can offer alternative options.

Less Than Container Load (LCL)

If your shipment cannot fill an entire container, you can opt for LCL ocean consolidation services. The rate is based on the volume of the cargo, with weight-based pricing applying if the cargo exceeds the maximum weight per cubic meter.

Roll-On/Roll-Off (RoRo)

RoRo shipping is the cheapest and safest way to transport vehicles and heavy equipment to Belize. This method involves driving or towing your cargo onto and off a specific vessel.

Breakbulk

For freight that is too large or heavy for standard containers, breakbulk shipping is the best option. This method involves individually loading out-of-gauge cargo onto an ocean vessel.

Choosing a Freight Forwarder

When shipping to Belize, it is recommended to hire a freight forwarding company with experience and knowledge of the local business culture, language, and customs regulations. Latin American Cargo, for example, offers a range of international freight shipping services to Belize, including ocean and air freight options.

Costs and Timeframes

The cost of ocean freight to Belize will depend on factors such as the size and weight of your cargo, the type of container used, and the origin of the shipment. For example, shipping a car from the United States to Belize typically costs between $1,300 to $3,000, with East Coast ports offering more affordable rates due to their accessibility. Shipping times can vary, but it generally takes around 3-5 days for a shipment to reach Belize from the United States, plus an additional 3-5 days for customs clearance and unloading.

Full container load

Shipping a full container load (FCL) to Belize can vary in price depending on several factors, including the size of the container, the origin of the shipment, and the type of cargo.

Container Size

The cost of shipping a full container load will depend on the size of the container. For example, Latin American Cargo offers full container load services to Belize in 20ft and 40ft containers. The larger the container, the higher the cost of shipping.

Origin of Shipment

The origin of the shipment can also affect the price. For instance, shipping a full container load from the East Coast of the United States to Belize may be more affordable than shipping from the West Coast due to accessibility.

Type of Cargo

The type of cargo being shipped can also impact the shipping cost. Latin American Cargo offers specialised transportation services for cargo such as perishables, hazardous materials, or oversized shipments, which may have different rates than standard cargo.

Shipping Rates

Several companies provide shipping rates for full container loads to Belize. For example, Global MAX International Freight Shipping offers real-time quotes for full container loads from the USA to Belize using their Freight-Calculator platform. DFS Worldwide, a UK-based company, offers sea freight container shipping from Southampton to the Port of Belize, with rates based on the volume and regularity of shipments.

When shipping a full container load to Belize, it is important to consider the size of the container, the origin of the shipment, the type of cargo, and to obtain accurate shipping rates from reputable companies.

Less than container load

Shipping freight to Belize can be challenging, and it is always advisable to hire a freight forwarding company that understands the local business culture, language, customs regulations, and has a proven track record of shipping cargo to Belize.

One option for shipping containers to Belize is to use a company called Global MAX International Freight Shipping. They offer "Less Than Container Load to Belize" (LCL) consolidations, providing flexible options to meet your ocean container shipping rates. Their Freight-Calculator platform provides automatic, real-time quotes for LCL shipping to Belize. The rate for LCL shipping is based on the volume of the cargo, with weight-based pricing applying if the cargo exceeds the maximum permitted weight per cubic meter.

Another company that offers LCL shipping to Belize is Latin American Cargo (LAC). LAC provides ocean consolidation services for shipments that cannot fill an entire container. Similar to Global MAX, LAC's rates for LCL shipping are based on the volume of the cargo, with weight-based pricing applying if the cargo exceeds the maximum weight limit.

DFS Worldwide is another company that offers LCL shipping from their warehouse in Feltham, UK, to the port of Belize. Their rates are based on the volume and weight of the cargo, with prices starting at £1817 for 10 cubic meters and a maximum weight of 600kg.

When shipping to Belize, it is important to consider the regulations, documentation requirements, and any potential challenges that may arise. Additionally, the cost of shipping will depend on various factors, including the origin of the shipment, the type of cargo, and any additional services required.

Roll-on/Roll-off

The RoRo method is a time-tested approach, with origins dating back to 1833. RoRo ships are large vessels designed to carry cargo on wheels, such as cars, utility vehicles, and heavy equipment. The cargo is rolled on and off the ship using ramps and doors located at the stern, bow, or sides. This is in contrast to Lift-On/Lift-Off (LoLo) vessels, which use cranes to load and unload cargo.

With RoRo shipping, your vehicle or cargo can be driven on and off the ship under its own power. If the cargo is not self-propelled, a modular transporter called a MAFI trailer can be used. This process is convenient and involves minimal lifting, making it a safe option for shipping.

When using RoRo shipping to Belize, you can expect sailing times between 6 and 21 days, depending on the departure port. The Port of Belize City is well-equipped to receive RoRo vessels and handle heavy-duty shipments.

The cost of RoRo shipping will depend on factors such as the type of vehicle or cargo, the shipping distance, and any additional services required. It is important to consider the size and weight of your cargo, as these will impact the overall cost. Additionally, there may be import tariffs and taxes applied in Belize that will add to the total price.

Overall, RoRo shipping is an efficient and cost-effective solution for transporting vehicles and heavy equipment to Belize, offering flexibility and convenience throughout the shipping process.

Frequently asked questions