LCL & FCL Shipping From China to El Salvador: Everything You Need to Know 2026

Full Container Load (FCL)

Best for: Cargo > 15 CBM

• Security: Higher — sealed container
• Speed: Faster — direct loading/unloading
• Cost per unit: Lower for large volumes
• Flexibility: Fixed container sizes (20GP / 40GP / 40HQ)
• Recommended: For cargo over 15 CBM, fragile goods, high-value items, or time-sensitive shipments

Less than Container Load (LCL)

Best for: Cargo 2–15 CBM

• Security: Lower — cargo is handled multiple times
• Speed: Slower — requires consolidation/deconsolidation
• Cost per unit: Higher per CBM, but lower total cost for small shipments
• Flexibility: Pay only for the space you use
• Recommended: For shipments under 15 CBM where cost is the primary concern

Full Container Load

We offer full container shipping from major Chinese ports (Shanghai, Shenzhen, Ningbo, Qingdao, Xiamen) to Acajutla Port — El Salvador's principal seaport. Most shipments require transshipment through Los Angeles (USA), Colon (Panama), or Manzanillo (Mexico) before reaching Acajutla.

2026 Key Developments:

• ONE Returns to Acajutla — Ocean Network Express resumed weekly direct service from Los Angeles
• Acajutla Port Expansion — New 610-metre quay with semi-automated cranes, capacity tripling to 1.6M TEU

• Container types: 20GP / 40GP / 40HQ, with weekly sailings
• Included: Export customs clearance in China, ocean freight, and destination THC
• Service end: Acajutla Port. Consignee arranges clearance and final delivery
• Best for: Bulk cargo, machinery, vehicles, construction materials, consumer goods, electronics
• Transit time: 30‑35 days (Shanghai, fastest) / 32‑45 days (other origins)

FCL Pricing

• 40' HC (Shanghai → Acajutla): $4,501 – $4,886
• 20GP (Various → Acajutla): $2,500 – $4,000
• 40GP / 40HQ (Various → Acajutla): $4,000 – $6,500
• Rates vary by port of origin, shipping line, and seasonal demand.

Less than Container Load

For shipments below a full container, LCL consolidation is cost‑effective. Cargo is consolidated in our China warehouse, shipped to Acajutla via transshipment hubs, and deconsolidated. The consignee arranges clearance and final delivery.

• Pricing: $35 – $45 per cubic metre (CBM)
• Minimum shipment: From 0.28 CBM / 36 kg
• Service end: Acajutla Port warehouse
• Advantage: Ideal for 2‑15 CBM shipments, shared costs
• Transit time: Typically 22‑35 days, plus 1‑2 weeks buffer for transshipment delays

LCL Shipping Notes

LCL shipments to El Salvador typically consolidate through major hubs such as Shanghai, with weekly cut‑offs and regular sailings to transshipment hubs.

Air Freight to San Salvador

Time‑sensitive cargo moves via air freight to Monseñor Óscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport (SAL) — El Salvador's main international gateway, located near San Salvador. The airport handles cargo flights from American Airlines, DHL, UPS, and other carriers. Last-mile delivery from SAL to Acajutla takes approximately 1‑1.5 hours by highway.

• Transit time: 5‑7 business days door‑to‑door (including customs)
• Service end: SAL Airport. Consignee handles customs clearance and pickup
• Acceptable cargo: Electronics, machinery parts, pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, perishables, high‑value goods, documents
• Optional: Door‑to‑door with local customs clearance available upon request

Air Freight Pricing

• Cost: Approximately $4 – $10 per kg
• Key routing: China → Miami (MIA) / Los Angeles (LAX) / Houston (IAH) → SAL
• No direct cargo flights from China — all air freight requires transshipment through North American hubs.

Express Courier

For small parcels, documents, samples, or personal effects, we offer integrated express courier services with true door‑to‑door delivery across El Salvador — including San Salvador, Santa Ana, San Miguel, and all major cities.

• Carriers: DHL Express, FedEx Priority, UPS Worldwide, EMS
• Transit time: 3‑7 days door‑to‑door, with full online tracking
• Features: All‑inclusive rates, optional DDP, simplified customs
• Best for: Documents, samples, e‑commerce parcels, urgent small shipments, personal effects

Pricing & DDP

Express courier rates are calculated based on volumetric weight. We provide all‑inclusive pricing with no hidden fees.

Key Customs Regulations

• Import Duties: Raw materials 0‑5%, intermediate goods 5‑10%, finished goods up to 30%
• VAT (IVA): 13% of CIF value
• De Minimis Threshold: $50 — shipments below this value may have simplified procedures
• CAFTA-DR Preferences: Qualifying goods may be eligible for duty exemptions
• US-El Salvador Agreement (2026): Caps reciprocal tariffs on most imports at 10%
• Storage/Demurrage: Higher tariffs implemented in 2026 due to rising operational costs
• Processing Time: Typically 2‑5 days for customs clearance
• Labeling: Consumer goods must have labels in Spanish
• Electronics: Must meet local ANDE standards

Required Documents

• Commercial Invoice — In Spanish, with complete description, value, and HS code
• Bill of Lading (sea) or Air Waybill (air)
• Packing List — Contents, weight, and dimensions
• Certificate of Origin — For preferential duty rates (CAFTA-DR)
• Import License — For regulated goods (where applicable)
• Phytosanitary Certificate — For agricultural products
• Electronics Certification — Must meet local ANDE standards