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Ocean and Air Freight from the US to Brazil

Updated: Mar 6, 2023

Ocean and Air Freight From US to Brazil

Brazil has been doing great economically for the last three decades. The country has been blooming in all the economic strongholds; agriculture, technology, and mining. Not to mention, they have a cordial corporate culture that favors international trading.


Exporting to Brazil has become more common in the last ten years. But, however promising it might seem to start international trading, don’t go in blindly. If you are a US exporter, here is a guide you need before shipping merchandise to Brazil.



What Shipping Options Are There?

There are only two options to get your cargo to Brazil: air and sea.


Air freight presents the quickest means. It will only take about five days for your cargo to be in Brazil. It is ideal for unplanned and urgent shipping needs. However, air freight is overly expensive.


Shipping by sea is relatively affordable but will take longer. Your cargo will be at the destination port in one to two months. Sea shipping has two primary options; LCF & FCL.


Do I go for LCL or FCL?

Does your cargo fit in a 20-foot or a 40-foot container? In a 20-foot container, you can have up to 10 standard pallets, while a 40-foot container can carry up to 22 pallets.


Full Container Load (FCL) is the most viable option if your load can take up half of the container space. In FCL, your cargo ships separately from other exporters’ shipments.


LCL is the lower cost sea shipment option if you have several pallets. Here, you share container space with other exporters. It is ideal if you have six or fewer standard pallet loads. Since the container is a shared space, you only pay for the space you utilize.


Ocean Freight Ports for Brazil?

Brazil has approximately 175 ports. The services offered by these ports differ from port to port. It is prudent to research before deciding on the port of arrival to use. Choose the port closest to your location to cut freight costs and transit time.

Among the most popular ports are:

  • Port de Santos

  • Port de Paranagua

  • Port de Santarem

  • Port de Victoria

  • Port de Rio de Janeiro

  • Port de Rio Grande

  • Port de Itajai


What Are the Documentation Requirements?

Having the proper documentation for your package prevents many hiccups at the port of arrival. When shipping from the US to Brazil, these are some of the most important documents you'll need:

  • Commercial invoice

  • Packing list

  • Bill of Lading for ocean freight

  • Airway Bill for Air freight

  • Certificate of origin

  • Other documents include:

  • Temporary import. Necessary if you are exporting professional items, exhibit goods, or sample products.

  • Registrations. Food items, beauty, and medical products require registration documentation by the respective bodies.

  • AES. Short for Automated Export System, this document is an electronic Export Declaration Form. It is mandatory for filling by US exporters.


Are All INCOTERMS Viable in Brazil?

Brazilian Government allows the use of all INCOTERMS provided they conform to the stipulated law.


However, exporters cannot use the Delivery Duty Paid (DDP). This INCOTERM states that the exporter can participate in the goods clearance process and payment of respective duties.


Brazilian law does not permit this.

Once the goods are at the port of arrival, only the importer and the hired third party can clear the goods and pay the taxes and duties.


How much will it cost to ship cargo?

The cost you incur while shipping your package is dependent on several factors.

These are:


Tariffs and taxes

Governments impose tariffs as a way to collect revenue. Every exporter is liable to an amount of money once the goods are at the port of arrival.


Cargo value

The worth of your cargo also has a great take on your shipping costs. For high-end goods, the cost is higher due to the need for a good insurance package when goods are in transit.


Shipping distance

Most of the time, the shipping costs will be lower if the delivery distance is shorter. It is advisable always to choose a port of delivery closest to you.


Weight of the package

Often the more weight of your package, the higher the shipping costs. Additionally, you will notice that some items, despite being small, are packaged in a big carton. This, too, has implications for the overall shipping cost. This is because the shipper seeks to maximize the space of the container. Thus, ensure that the packaging used matches the item inside.


Get Reliable International Shipping and Freight Forwarding with SHIPIT Logistics

International shipping is a complex process that requires much attention to detail from the shipper, especially for Brazil. We can provide personalized logistics solutions that fit your needs and take care of your burden! Reach out today if you have more questions or need more information about our services.


Contact us or request a quote for assistance to better understand the requirements and costs for your shipments to Brazil.

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