Shipping a full container from Miami to Cartagena is one of the most common moves for businesses trading between the US and Colombia. The trade lane is mature, vessel frequency is weekly, and prices have stabilized after the 2024 peak season. This guide breaks down what you actually pay, transit times, and how to avoid the three most common cost overruns.
Quick Answer: A 20' FCL from Miami to Cartagena typically costs $1,850 - $2,400 all-in with 7-10 day port-to-port transit. Final cost depends on container size, current peak-season surcharges, and whether you arrange your own drayage.
- Weekly sailings from PortMiami to Cartagena via Crowley, Seaboard, and CMA CGM
- 20' all-in: $1,850-2,400; 40' all-in: $2,400-3,200
- Most quote variance comes from origin THC, BAF, and destination drayage
- Free time at Sociedad Portuaria Regional de Cartagena is typically 5 days
What does a 20' FCL Miami to Cartagena actually cost in 2026?
Quick Answer: A 20' standard container from PortMiami (USMIR) to Cartagena (COCTA) currently runs $1,850-2,400 all-in including origin THC, ocean freight, BAF, and basic destination charges. Add $300-450 if you need door delivery to the Bogotá metro.
The headline ocean freight rate is the smallest line item. Most of the cost sits in port handling charges (THC at both ends), the bunker adjustment factor (BAF), and the destination drayage if you're going beyond the port. We see weekly sailings on at least three carriers, so booking lead time is generally 7 days for a confirmed slot.
Miami(USMIR)
Cartagena(COCTA)
How long does the Miami to Cartagena ocean leg take?
Quick Answer: Port-to-port transit is 7-10 days depending on carrier and routing. Crowley's weekly direct service is the fastest at 7 days; transshipment options through Jamaica or Panama add 2-3 days.
Door-to-door is a different number — add origin drayage (1-3 days), pre-vessel staging (1-2 days), customs clearance at Cartagena (1-2 days typical), and final delivery. End-to-end Miami warehouse → Bogotá warehouse runs 14-21 days for a typical shipment.
Pro tip
If your shipment is time-sensitive, ask specifically about Crowley's direct service. The transshipment options through Kingston add three days for the same price.
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Use the calculator below →What's the biggest cost trap on this lane?
Quick Answer: Demurrage at Cartagena. Free time is typically 5 days; each day beyond runs $80-150 per container. Plan your DIAN clearance + drayage timeline before the vessel arrives, not after.
Watch out
Many first-time shippers assume DIAN clearance is a 1-day process. In practice, anti-narcotics inspections can push it to 3-5 days, especially for first-time importers without a clean track record.
Yes — LCL is the better fit if your shipment is under 15 CBM. AB Group consolidates weekly Miami departures so you're not waiting for a container to fill.
For commercial shipments, yes — a licensed Colombian customs broker (Agente de Aduana) is required by DIAN. AB Group can refer you to vetted brokers in Cartagena and Bogotá.
Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, Certificate of Origin (FTA if applicable), and a Manifiesto de Carga. Your customs broker handles the DIAN submission.
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