Quick Answer: Shipping a motorcycle from the USA to Guatemala in its own 20 ft container: with AB Group Shipping it costs from $1,970 from Houston (September 2026 quote), with a 6-day transit port to port. A shared 40 ft container from Houston runs approx. $1,400. Import duties are extra: DAI 15–20% and VAT 12% on CIF value.
- LCL ocean freight from Miami to Puerto Quetzal costs $431 for a crated motorcycle up to 2 m³ / 500 kg (October 2026 rates); RoRo and shared FCL drop the per-unit cost when shipping 3 or more bikes.
- Guatemala charges DAI of 15–20% under tariff code 87.11, VAT of 12%, and IPRIMA (first registration tax), all calculated on CIF value, not your auction purchase price.
- Required documents are original Title (Certificate of Title), Bill of Lading, commercial invoice, DUCA-D, passport or ID, and active NIT with SAT.
- The embedded calculator on this page estimates freight, port charges, and import duties in seconds—no signup, no follow-up calls.
Guatemala is one of Central America's most active used motorcycle import markets. This guide uses real 2026 data from the Miami–Guatemala corridor so you calculate your total cost before bidding.
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Go to the calculator →Reference prices: shipping a vehicle from the USA to Guatemala
| Departure port | Price | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| MiamiPort Everglades | $2,794 | 4 days |
| HoustonCheapest | $1,970 | 6 days |
| New JerseyPhiladelphia | $2,770 | 14 days |
| Los Angeles | $2,620 | 10 days |
Port to port to Santo Tomas de Castilla, Puerto Barrios or Puerto Quetzal Guatemala, in USD, quoted with our system on September 28, 2026. Includes freight and US export charges; excludes import taxes and destination charges. Each vehicle travels alone in a 20 ft container; two can share a 40 ft one. The calculator on this page gives your exact price, with pickup and delivery. What our customers are quoted for a sedan, often with pickup and delivery: typically $3,203, half of them between $2,818 and $3,552 depending on the origin city.
Shipping from another state? Which port to read
Each port in the table is the one that cargo from these states usually leaves through. Miami: Florida. Houston: Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, New Mexico, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. New Jersey: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, District of Columbia and West Virginia. Los Angeles: California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah and Hawaii. Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky and Alabama ship through Savannah; Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota and South Dakota ship through Chicago (rail); Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and Alaska ship through Seattle / Tacoma: those ports are not in the table yet. We pick up in every state, and the calculator finds the best port from your city.
How much does it cost to ship a motorcycle from the US to Guatemala?
Quick Answer: Shipping a motorcycle from the US to Guatemala costs $1,970 (Houston) to $3,610 (Chicago) in its own 20 ft container (September 2026 rates), or $431 crated in consolidated LCL from Miami (October 2026 rates), depending on departure port and shipping mode. Adding port charges, customs broker fees, and import duties, total landed cost ranges $1,900–$3,600 for a bike valued at $4,000–$6,000.
Price varies by three factors: departure port, shipping mode, and the bike's cubic volume. A 150cc scooter occupies roughly 1.2 CBM crated. An 1800cc cruiser can reach 2.6 CBM due to handlebar width.
Freight is only part of the bill. Real cost includes origin THC, BAF, ISPS, destination THC, deconsolidation at the Guatemalan CFS, customs broker fees, and inland drayage.
MiamiUSMIA
Santo TomásGTSTC
HoustonUSHOU
Puerto QuetzalGTPRQ
Los AngelesUSLAX
Puerto QuetzalGTPRQ
From New York, LCL freight runs approx. $431 (New Jersey rate, leaving from Miami) with 14 days transit. From Los Angeles, LCL is $431 leaving from Miami (October 2026 rates).
Full numeric example: you buy a Honda CBR600 for $4,200. LCL freight from Miami costs $431 (October 2026 rates) and all-risk insurance $95. Your CIF value is $4,726, and that's the base for DAI, VAT, and IPRIMA.
October 2026 rate for one crated motorcycle up to 2 m³ / 500 kg, with weekly departure from our Miami CFS to Santo Tomás de Castilla.
Real prices by motorcycle type: scooter, sport bike, cruiser, and ATV
Engine size matters less than crate volume. A lightweight sport bike can cost more to ship than a cruiser if the crate is oversized.
| Motorcycle Type | Crated Volume | LCL Freight Miami | Operational Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scooter 150cc | ~1.2 CBM | approx. $259 | Most economical; fits standard crate |
| Sport Bike 600cc | ~1.6 CBM | approx. $345 | Requires reinforced crate for plastic fairings |
| Cruiser 1800cc | ~2.6 CBM | approx. $561 | 350+ lbs and wide handlebar increase volume |
| ATV / Quad | ~2.9 CBM | approx. $625 | RoRo or shared FCL preferred due to axle width |
A Harley cruiser with saddlebags and detachable windscreen drops category if you remove accessories. That adjustment saves approx. $120–$250 in freight.
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Go to the calculator →How does the motorcycle shipping calculator to Guatemala work?
Quick Answer: The calculator on this page asks four inputs: US departure port, Guatemala destination, motorcycle type, and purchase value. It returns freight, estimated port charges, and a duty projection in seconds—no signup and no follow-up calls.
The tool was built for auction buyers who need to decide fast. You know the landed cost in Guatemala before you bid.
- Select the origin (Miami, Houston, Los Angeles, or New York) and destination (Puerto Quetzal or Santo Tomás de Castilla).
- Enter engine size, approximate weight, and whether the bike is operational or damaged. Non-operational units require special CFS handling.
- Declare your purchase price or Bill of Sale amount. That figure feeds the CIF value and duty estimate.
- Compare shipping modes side by side (LCL, RoRo, shared FCL) before booking vessel space.
The quote separates two blocks. What AB Group Shipping charges (freight, crate, handling, drayage) and what you pay directly to SAT through your customs broker.
Operations tip
Run the motorcycle shipping calculator Guatemala before the auction, not after. With thousands of shipments processed across the Miami–Central America corridor, we see 30% of buyers underestimate landed cost and end up selling the bike at a loss.
LCL, FCL, RoRo, or air freight? Comparison for motorcycles
Quick Answer: For a single bike, crated LCL is most economical: $431 from Miami for up to 2 m³ (October 2026 rates) with 14 days transit. FCL 20' makes sense from 4–6 units. RoRo is fast but exposes the bike to weather. Air freight costs 3–4 times more and only makes sense for emergencies.
| Shipping Mode | Cost per Bike | Transit Miami–GT | Damage Risk | Bikes per Shipment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crated LCL | $431 (Oct 2026) | 14 days | Low with crate | 1–3 |
| FCL 20' | $2,794 per container (Sep 2026) | 4 days | Very low | 6–8 |
| FCL 40' HC | approx. $1,950 per bike (shared 40 ft) | 4 days | Very low | 14–18 |
| RoRo | approx. $1,700 | 10–15 days | Medium (exposed) | 1–5 |
| Air (GUA) | approx. $6.58/kg ($658 per 100 kg) | 1 day | Very low | 1–2 |
The practical threshold is clear. Starting at 4 to 6 bikes, a dedicated 20-foot container ($2,794 from Miami, September 2026 rates) starts to lower the per-unit cost.
Crated LCL
Your bike travels in a wooden crate inside a consolidated container. Crating costs approx. $120–$260 but drastically reduces damage claims from scratches and drops during CFS deconsolidation. It's the standard choice for one or two units.
RoRo
The bike rolls directly into the ship's hold and travels lashed on deck or between decks. No crate means packing cost disappears. In exchange, the unit faces salt spray and third-party handling. Operational bikes with keys only.
Air freight Miami → La Aurora (GUA) costs approx. $6.58 per kg ($658 for 100 kg, October 2026 rates) with 1 day transit. It makes sense for race bikes or urgent parts, not auction purchases.
If you're buying at auction and want to consolidate a car and bike in the same container, check our Copart Vehicle Shipping Calculator 2026: Instant Quotes. Consolidation savings often exceed $400.
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Consolidate car and bike in the same container and lower per-unit cost.
Go to the calculator →Puerto Quetzal, Santo Tomás de Castilla, or overland through Mexico?
Quick Answer: Puerto Quetzal (Pacific) receives most cargo from Los Angeles and Asia; Santo Tomás de Castilla (Atlantic) is the natural route from Miami and Houston with 12–18 days. The overland option through Tecún Umán adds risk and time, and rarely beats ocean freight on price.
| Entry Point | Freight from Miami | Transit Days | Inland Transport to Guatemala City |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santo Tomás de Castilla | $431 (LCL, Oct 2026) | 14 days | ~190 miles · approx. $110–$190 · 1 day |
| Puerto Quetzal | $431 (LCL, Oct 2026) | 16–22 days | ~60 miles · approx. $80–$140 · half day |
| Tecún Umán / El Carmen (overland) | approx. $1,150–$1,900 | 14–25 days | ~155 miles · approx. $100–$170 · 1 day |
From Miami and Houston, Santo Tomás de Castilla wins almost every time. The route is direct across the Caribbean and doesn't cross the Panama Canal.
From Los Angeles, Puerto Quetzal makes sense. The vessel runs down the Pacific coast with frequent stops in Manzanillo, Mexico.
The overland Mexico route requires international customs transit, custody, and double border clearance. It only competes for lots of 8+ bikes leaving Texas.
Peak season congestion
October through December, Santo Tomás de Castilla stacks up with 3–7 day discharge and deconsolidation delays. Free time runs regardless. Book space 2 weeks ahead and consider diverting to Puerto Quetzal if your timeline is tight.
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Compare Puerto Quetzal and Santo Tomás de Castilla with inland transport included.
Go to the calculator →How do I calculate import duties on a motorcycle in Guatemala?
Quick Answer: Duties are calculated on CIF value: bike cost plus international freight plus insurance. On that base, tariff code 87.11 applies DAI of 15–20% depending on engine size, then VAT of 12% on CIF plus DAI, and finally IPRIMA or first registration tax.
The formula is simple and doesn't change. Memorize it before bidding at any auction.
- CIF = invoice value + international freight + insurance.
- DAI = CIF × rate for tariff code 87.11 (15–20%).
- VAT = (CIF + DAI) × 12%.
- Total duties = DAI + VAT + IPRIMA.
Real example with the Honda CBR600. Bike $4,200 + freight $431 + insurance $95 = CIF $4,726. DAI at 15% = $709. VAT 12% on $5,435 = $652.
Duties total roughly $1,361, equivalent to about Q10,500 at current exchange rates. Add the customs broker ($150–$350) and IPRIMA per table.
| Line Item | Scooter 150cc | Sport Bike 600cc | Cruiser 1800cc | ATV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $1,400 | $4,200 | $11,000 | $5,500 |
| Freight + Insurance | approx. $289 | $526 | approx. $811 | approx. $750 |
| CIF Value | $1,689 | $4,726 | $11,811 | $6,250 |
| DAI (15%) | $253 | $709 | $1,772 | $938 |
| VAT (12%) | $233 | $652 | $1,630 | $863 |
| Customs Broker | $180 | $220 | $300 | $250 |
| Total Landed | $2,355 | $6,307 | $15,513 | $8,301 |
SAT may reject your invoice
If SAT deems your invoice undervalued, they apply their own valuation tables. Keep the Bill of Sale, Copart or IAAI receipt, and proof of bank payment. AB Group Shipping is a freight forwarder, not a tax advisor: confirm exact rates with a customs broker licensed with SAT.
The DUCA-D is the Central American Unified Import Declaration. Your customs broker files it to formalize clearance.
What is CIF value and why does it determine your duties?
CIF value sums merchandise cost, international freight, and insurance to the Guatemalan port. It's the taxable base for everything.
Lower freight reduces the base. Every $100 less in freight saves roughly $28 in DAI and VAT combined.
Quoting FOB and arranging freight separately doesn't always lower CIF. SAT reconstructs transport value when it spots below-market figures.
What is IPRIMA or first registration tax?
IPRIMA taxes the first vehicle registration in Guatemala. It's calculated on SAT value tables by model and year, not your invoice.
It applies to imported used motorcycles and is paid before issuing the registration card. Without it, you don't get a license plate.
Higher-displacement and newer bikes pay steeper rates. A 2022 1800cc cruiser pays far more than a 2015 scooter.
What documents do I need to import a motorcycle to Guatemala?
Quick Answer: You need the original Title (Certificate of Title) free of liens, original Bill of Lading or telex release, commercial invoice or Bill of Sale, DUCA-D, passport or ID, and active NIT with SAT. Without the original title in hand, Guatemalan customs won't release the motorcycle.
- Original clean Title (Certificate of Title): if a lien holder appears, you need a release letter from the bank or finance company.
- Bill of Lading: make, model, VIN, and engine size must match the title exactly. One digit off triggers corrections and storage fees.
- Commercial invoice or Bill of Sale: notarized for private sales. For auctions, attach the Copart or IAAI receipt.
- DUCA-D: filed by your customs broker licensed with SAT.
- Active NIT and passport or ID: corporations need current business license and legal representation.
CBP 72-hour rule
Per CBP regulations, the original title must be presented at the export port at least 72 hours before vessel departure. That's not 72 hours before document cut-off. Late delivery means missing the boat and waiting for next week's sailing.
If you're comparing requirements across the region, check our Car Shipping El Salvador Calculator: Rates 2026. Central American processes share DUCA but differ on age restrictions.
Can I import a salvage-title or electric motorcycle to Guatemala?
Quick Answer: Yes, Guatemala accepts motorcycles with salvage or rebuilt titles, unlike some other Central American countries. Electric bikes also enter and may receive favorable tariff treatment. No blanket age restriction exists for motorcycles as it does for passenger vehicles.
Salvage or rebuilt title is accepted. But SAT typically values the bike by table, not by your auction price.
That detail surprises many buyers. You pay $1,200 for a wrecked sport bike and SAT values it at $3,500 for duty purposes.
Non-operational damaged bikes require crating and special CFS handling. Cost rises approx. $80–$180 for extra forklift and securing.
Lithium batteries in electric motorcycles
Lithium batteries classify as dangerous goods UN3480/UN3481. Air freight requires DG declaration and certified packaging. Ocean freight follows IMDG rules with specific documentation. Never declare an electric bike as general cargo: a port hold costs more than the entire freight bill.
For electric bikes, confirm the specific tariff code with your customs broker. Incentives exist but change by decree—verify before shipping.
If you buy at auction regularly, the full workflow is detailed in our Copart Vehicle Shipping Calculator 2026: Instant Quotes. You can also review this analysis on Motorcycle Shipping USA to Central America 2026 with rates and container options.
How long does it take and what's the step-by-step process to registration?
Quick Answer: Miami to Santo Tomás de Castilla takes 12–18 days ocean transit, plus 5–10 business days for SAT clearance. Adding vehicle registration, registration card, and license plates, the complete process runs 25–40 days from vessel departure.
- Pickup and crating: 2–4 days from lot to our Miami CFS.
- Document cut-off and departure: document cut-off occurs 48–72 hours before yard cut-off.
- Ocean transit: 12–18 days to Santo Tomás de Castilla; 16–22 to Puerto Quetzal.
- Discharge and deconsolidation: 2–4 days at the Guatemalan CFS.
- DUCA-D, duty payment, and inspection: 3–6 business days to release.
- Tax registration and plates: SAT vehicle registry, registration card, and motorcycle-class license plate.
Document cut-off ≠ vessel ETD
Three separate dates: document cut-off, yard cut-off, and vessel ETD. Missing document cut-off by one title delays you a full week, because Miami–Guatemala sails weekly. Submit papers Monday for Thursday departure.
Prepare the bike before handoff. Fuel tank under one-quarter full, battery disconnected, lashed at four points, and pressure-washed.
Cleanliness isn't cosmetic. Dirt on tires or fenders triggers phytosanitary inspection and adds storage days.
What hidden charges and insurance should you calculate before booking?
Quick Answer: Charges that surprise most are port storage ($15–$45 daily after free time), CFS deconsolidation ($75–$150), ISPS, BAF, non-intrusive inspection ($60–$120), and document corrections ($100–$250). Cargo insurance runs 1.5–2.5% of declared value.
Free time at Santo Tomás typically runs 5 to 8 days. After that, daily storage can exceed the freight itself in two weeks.
Always demand an itemized breakdown. An "all-in" quote that doesn't list origin THC, BAF/CAF, ISPS, destination THC, and drayage almost always hides destination charges.
Cargo insurance costs 1.5–2.5% on CIF. Standard deductible is $250–$500 and covers total loss, theft, and handling damage.
| Incoterm 2020 | International Freight | Destination Charges | Duties in Guatemala | Recommended for Bikes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EXW | Buyer | Buyer | Buyer | No |
| FOB | Buyer | Buyer | Buyer | Yes, with own forwarder |
| CIF | Seller | Buyer | Buyer | Yes, most common |
| DAP | Seller | Seller | Buyer | Yes, door-to-door |
| DDP | Seller | Seller | Seller | Rarely worthwhile |
Beware DDP on used bikes
DDP looks convenient because the seller pays everything. In practice it shifts SAT liability to the seller and exposes them to revaluation risk. For used auction bikes, CIF or DAP are cleaner: you control clearance with your own customs broker.
For deeper Guatemala duty calculation, practical references include how to calculate the cost of shipping a vehicle to Guatemala and this specific case on duties for shipping a Honda CRF 250 from the United States.
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Itemized breakdown: freight, THC, BAF, ISPS, and duty estimate.
Go to the calculator →Calculate your motorcycle shipment to Guatemala in seconds
Quick Answer: The embedded calculator on this page delivers your Guatemala motorcycle shipping price in seconds: freight, port charges, and duty estimate, free and no signup. Compare LCL, RoRo, and shared FCL from Miami, Houston, Los Angeles, or New York before you buy the bike.
Quoting before purchase changes your bidding strategy. Knowing landed cost prevents overpaying at Copart or IAAI.
Weekly departures from our Miami CFS with in-house consolidation and motorcycle pickup across the United States.
- Compare shipping modes and ports on one screen, no emails or follow-up calls.
- Weekly Miami → Guatemala sailings with AB Group Shipping in-house consolidation.
- Different destination? Check the Free Car Shipping Calculator Colombia or the Car Shipping to Costa Rica Calculator: 2026 Rates.
- Full household move with bike included? See the International Moving Cost USA to Chile: Prices & Documents 2026.
- For lots of 6+ bikes, project cargo, or electric bikes with lithium batteries, use the custom quote form.
Other corridor operators publish rate references too, like car shipping to Guatemala. Compare and you'll see why the motorcycle shipping calculator Guatemala on this page wins on transparency: full itemized breakdown, not just base freight.
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Your Guatemala motorcycle shipping price in seconds—free and no signup.
Go to the calculator →Ocean freight depends on departure port and mode (crated LCL, RoRo, or a container of your own); see the price table at the top of this page for current rates. Add port charges, customs broker fees, and Guatemalan import duties to reach your total landed cost.
Ocean transit from Miami to Santo Tomás de Castilla takes 12–18 days, and to Puerto Quetzal 16–22 days via Panama Canal. After discharge, SAT clearance takes 5–10 business days. Total time from departure to registration is 25–40 days.
Yes, Guatemala accepts salvage and rebuilt titles, unlike some other Central American countries. SAT values the unit using their own reference tables, not necessarily your auction price. You need the original title in hand and the Copart or IAAI receipt.
Ocean freight wins in almost all cases. For LCL from Miami, see the price table at the top of this page; overland through Mexico via Tecún Umán adds custody, international transit, and double border clearance. Overland only competes for lots of 8+ bikes leaving Texas.
An imported motorcycle pays DAI (tariff duty) of 15–20% under code 87.11, VAT of 12%, and IPRIMA (first registration tax). All are calculated on CIF: purchase price plus freight plus insurance. Confirm exact rates with a customs broker licensed with SAT.
Use the calculator on this page to compare LCL, RoRo, and shared FCL from Miami, Houston, Los Angeles, or New York to Puerto Quetzal and Santo Tomás de Castilla. Get freight, port charges, and duty estimate in seconds—no email and no follow-up calls.
Guides for shipping to Guatemala
- Car Shipping Guatemala Calculator: 2026 Instant Quotes · Car shipping calculator
- Moving to Guatemala Cost Calculator: Quotes from USA (2026) · Household move page (calculator + guide)
- LCL Shipping USA to Guatemala 2026: Instant Quotes · Consolidated cargo (LCL) calculator
- Air Freight Calculator USA to Guatemala: 2026 Rates · Air freight calculator
- Importing Auto Parts from USA to Guatemala: Full Guide