Sea Freight Services to Cartagena

• FCL/LCL Flexibility:
  • FCL for large shipments (e.g., industrial machinery, vehicles).
  • LCL for cost-effective consolidation of smaller orders (e.g., consumer goods, spare parts).
• Specialized Cargo Handling:
  • Reefer containers for pharmaceuticals, fresh produce, and tropical fruits.
  • Breakbulk services for oversized items (e.g., wind turbines, oil rig components).

Air Freight Services to Cartagena

• Transit Time: 5–7 days (door-to-door, including customs and ground transport).
• Key Routes:
  • Shanghai/Shenzhen → Miami (3–4 days) → CTG (2 days).
  • Cargo flights by LATAM Cargo, Emirates, and China Southern for priority handling of tech, medical supplies, and luxury goods.
• Cargo Types:
  • High-priority items: Electronics, aerospace parts, and time-sensitive documents.
  • Perishables: Flowers, vaccines, and premium food products with cold-chain logistics.

Logistics Services for Cartagena

1. Customs Clearance:
   • Expert handling of Colombian customs (DIAN):
     • Required documents: Commercial invoices, certificates of origin, Bill of Lading, and RUT (tax ID).
     • Tariffs: VAT (19%) + potential duties; exemptions under the Andean Community and China-Colombia trade agreements (e.g., machinery, electronics).
   • Special permits for restricted items: Pharmaceuticals (INVIMA), electronics (ICONTEC), and agricultural products (ICA).
2. Inland Transportation:
   • Seamless transfer from Cartagena Port to inland destinations via:
     • Road: Highway 40 to Barranquilla, Bogotá, or Medellín, with GPS-tracked vehicles and temperature-controlled options.
     • River: Barges on the Magdalena River for cost-effective transport of bulk goods (e.g., rice, coal).
3. Cargo Insurance:
   • Comprehensive coverage for sea, air, and ground transit:
     • All-risk policies for damage, theft, or delays due to Caribbean storms (June–November).
     • Political risk coverage for cross-border disruptions.
4. Warehousing & Distribution:
   • Bonded warehousing in Cartagena or Barranquilla for customs deferral.
   • Fulfillment services for e-commerce and retail, including last-mile delivery to Colombia’s major cities.

Key Considerations for Shipping to Colombia

• Regulatory Compliance:
  • Electronics must meet ICONTEC standards; textiles require Spanish labeling and INCO certification.
  • Agricultural imports need phytosanitary certificates from SENASA (for Peru/Chile) or ICA (for Colombia).
• Port Efficiency:
  • Cartagena handles over 2 million TEUs annually; peak seasons (Q4, pre-Christmas) may cause delays—plan 1–2 weeks buffer.
  • Use experienced agents to avoid penalties for incorrect documentation.
• Security:
  • High-value cargo should use tamper-proof packaging and avoid night-time transport in rural areas.
  • Partner with carriers offering 24/7 tracking and armed escorts for sensitive shipments.
• Currency & Payments:
  • Colombian Peso (COP) and USD are accepted; letters of credit (L/C) are recommended for large orders to mitigate currency risk.

Industries Served via Cartagena

• Textiles & Apparel:
  • Fabric, machinery, and accessories for Colombia’s textile hubs (e.g., Barranquilla, Bogotá).
• Energy & Oil:
  • Offshore drilling equipment, pipelines, and safety gear for Caribbean oil projects.
• Retail & E-Commerce:
  • Consumer electronics, home appliances, and fashion for major retailers (e.g., Éxito, Olímpica) and e-commerce platforms.
• Agriculture & Mining:
  • Tractors, irrigation systems, and mining tools for Magdalena Valley’s farms and Antioquia’s mineral deposits.

Get a Quote for Cartagena

• Cargo details (type, weight, dimensions, hazardous status).
• Port of origin and delivery address (e.g., Cartagena Port, Bogotá warehouse, industrial park).
• Preferred shipping method (sea/air) and timeline (e.g., project deadlines, seasonal demands).

• Shenzhen to Cartagena
• Shanghai to Cartagena
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• Qingdao to Cartagena
• And more at sangrupo.com