Freight Forwarder from the USA to Latin America & the Caribbean

A freight forwarder simplifies international shipping by acting as your logistics partner. Freight forwarders coordinate carriers, manage documentation, ensure compliance, and handle challenges along the way, saving you time, reducing costs, and keeping your cargo moving smoothly.

Freight180 ships worldwide, managing cargo across all major global trade lanes as a U.S.-based freight forwarder. Our strongest expertise, however, is in shipments moving between the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean, including the Dominican Republic, Colombia, Panama, Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Jamaica, and Ecuador, among others. With over 20 partner agencies across the region, we combine deep local knowledge with our digital platform to deliver reliable transit times, competitive rates, and hands-on support for shipments moving in either direction, whether you’re importing into the U.S. or exporting to these markets.

An NVOCC (Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier) is licensed by the Federal Maritime Commission to act like an ocean carrier without operating ships. Unlike freight forwarders, an NVOCC like Freight180 can contract with multiple carriers, issue its own Bill of Lading, consolidate loads, and offer more route flexibility and competitive options.

Choose a freight forwarder with experience on your trade routes and strong infrastructure at the origin and destination. The right partner should offer additional services, such as customs support, insurance, and intermodal options, to ensure your shipments are safe, fast, and cost-effective.

Incoterms (International Commercial Terms) are standardized trade rules that define buyers’ and sellers’ responsibilities in international shipping, including transport arrangements, payment of costs, and risk handling. Choosing the right Incoterm matters because it directly affects your costs, responsibilities, and risk exposure. The right term supports smoother operations, helps avoid disputes, and protects your business in international trade. Freight180 can guide you in selecting the most suitable Incoterms for your shipments, helping you save time, money, and avoid unnecessary risks.

Ocean freight is generally more economical and better for large or heavy shipments, though it takes longer. Air freight is faster and ideal for urgent, smaller, or high-value cargo, but it costs more. The right choice depends on your budget, timeline, and cargo type.

An intermodal shipment uses two or more modes of transport, such as truck, rail, and ocean, under a single contract. This increases efficiency, reduces costs, and ensures smoother long-distance moves. For example, your container might go by truck to a rail ramp, travel cross-country by train, and then continue by ship to its final destination.

A Bill of Lading (B/L) is the official contract between the shipper and the carrier that confirms the receipt of cargo for transport. It serves three key purposes: it’s a receipt for the goods, a contract of carriage outlining terms and conditions, and, in some cases, a document of title that can be used to transfer ownership of the goods. In short, it’s one of the most important documents in international shipping.

International shipments typically require a Shipper’s Letter of Instructions (SLI), Commercial Invoice, and Packing List. Depending on the cargo type, you may also need an Export License, Certificate of Origin, or Phytosanitary Certificate. Freight180 will guide you through the process and help secure all required documentation to ensure your shipment moves smoothly and in compliance.