Shipping freight to Peru from the USA and Canada means dealing with a dynamic, rapidly evolving market—but also with strict customs rules, Spanish-language documentation, and busy gateways like the Port of Callao and Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport. As a specialized freight forwarder shipping to Peru, LAC – Latin American Cargo – helps you ship cargo to Peru smoothly via reliable ocean freight and air freight services to Peru.
With LAC, you get:
Seamless, cost-effective freight shipping to Peru—handled by regional experts.
Request a Quote – Get a tailored rate for your next shipment to Peru from the USA or Canada.
Peru is an upper-middle-income economy with a GDP of around USD 289 billion and a projected population of about 34 million people, making it one of the key markets on the Pacific coast of South America.Its economy is driven by mining, energy, agriculture, manufacturing, and services, creating strong, recurring demand for imported equipment, inputs, and consumer products.
For exporters in the USA and Canada, Peru offers:
These fundamentals translate into consistent volumes for FCL and LCL sea freight to Peru, as well as air freight to Peru for high-value or time-sensitive cargo. Working with a specialized forwarder like LAC helps you capture these opportunities while keeping shipping costs to Peru under control.
Doing business in Peru combines modern trade infrastructure with relationship-driven business culture and a regulatory environment that can feel unfamiliar to first-time shippers. LAC helps you bridge these differences so your freight shipping to Peru is predictable from pickup to delivery.
Spanish is the primary language of business and government in Peru, alongside official Indigenous languages such as Quechua and Aymara in some regions. Many executives in Lima speak English, but contracts, invoices, and customs documents are typically issued in Spanish.
Key cultural points for North American companies:
LAC’s bilingual (English–Spanish) logistics specialists help ensure that communication with your suppliers, buyers, and customs partners in Peru stays clear and accurate at every step.
Peru has made significant investments in port terminals, airports, and road networks, but logistics still differs from what shippers are used to in North America. The Port of Callao remains the main container hub and can experience congestion and schedule variations, while other ports like Paita and Matarani handle growing regional flows
What to expect when moving freight into Peru:
By coordinating routing, carrier selection, and local handling, LAC optimizes your ocean freight to Peru and air freight to Peru to account for these realities—before your cargo leaves North America.
Customs in Peru is rigorous on documentation accuracy, classification, and valuation. Delays often come from issues that can be prevented at origin. Common causes include:
LAC mitigates these risks by:
With LAC as your freight forwarder for shipping to Peru, you gain a single partner overseeing documentation, customs coordination, and logistics from your facility in North America all the way to your customer’s door in Peru. When you’re ready, request a quote and let us tailor a door-to-door solution for your next shipment.
When planning freight shipping to Peru, the right transport mode will determine your cost, transit time, and overall reliability. LAC helps you choose between ocean freight to Peru, air freight to Peru, or a combination of both so you can ship cargo to Peru in a way that matches your deadlines and budget.
As a specialized freight forwarder in shipping to Peru, we design tailored solutions for everything from small pallets to full containers, heavy machinery, and time-critical cargo.
Ocean freight shipping to Peru is the most economical option for regular, high-volume, or heavy shipments from the USA and Canada. It’s ideal when cost efficiency is more important than speed.
Shipping cargo by sea is best suited for:
What LAC provides with ocean freight services to Peru:
We focus on schedule reliability, clear communication of cut-offs, and optimal container utilization so you know exactly where your shipment stands at every step.
Shipping cargo by air to Peru is the best option when your shipment must arrive fast or carries a high value relative to its weight. It is commonly used for urgent spare parts, electronics, pharmaceuticals, fashion, and samples.
Use air freight when you need:
What LAC offers:
Our team monitors each shipment end-to-end and keeps you updated so you can plan around reliable arrival dates.
Peru’s mining, energy, and infrastructure projects often require complex logistics. LAC has specific expertise in engineering solutions for non-standard cargo going to ports, industrial sites, and inland locations.
We can help you ship specialized cargo to Peru that is:
Our project logistics team manages:
Every shipment has its own cost profile and timeline. Knowing what drives shipping costs to Peru and likely transit times helps you choose between sea and air, plan inventory, and set clear expectations with your clients. LAC provides transparent quotes and realistic schedules for all freight shipping to Peru.
Several elements shape your final rate and total landed cost:
As your expert freight forwarder when shipping to Peru, LAC breaks down these components clearly so there are no surprises when your shipment arrives.
The table below shows very approximate planning ranges for common shipment types from major US & Canadian hubs to Callao/Lima. These are not LAC’s contractual rates and are based on publicly available container and air-freight estimates for USA–Peru lanes; use them only as broad budgeting guides.
💡 Always request a customized quote. Actual pricing can be higher or lower depending on your exact route, dates, carrier, and cargo profile.
| Mode & service | Shipment example | Approx. freight range* (USD) | Estimated transit time** |
| LCL ocean (port-to-port) | 3–5 CBM / 300–500 kg, general cargo to Callao | $250 – $600+ | ~2–5 weeks sailing |
| FCL 20′ container (ocean) | 1×20’ container, general cargo to Callao | $1,150 – $3,000+ | ~2–4 weeks sailing |
| FCL 40′ container (ocean) | 1×40’ container, general cargo to Callao | $1,700 – $4,500+ | ~2–4 weeks sailing |
| Air freight – medium load | ~100 kg on pallets, standard service to Lima (LIM) | $350 – $900+ (≈$3–$5/kg incl. surcharges) | 1–3 days of flight time |
| Air freight – heavy load | ~500 kg on pallets, consolidated air freight to Lima (LIM) | $1,000 – $2,500+ (≈$1.5–$4/kg) | 1–3 days of flight time |
* Base freight only: Ranges focus on international freight (port-to-port / airport-to-airport). They exclude most origin/destination local charges, documentation, customs, duties/taxes, storage, and special handling.
** Estimated transit time: Time in transit between main ports/airports. Door-to-door lead times will be longer once you include pickup, customs clearance, and inland delivery within Peru.
Transit times vary by origin, service level, carrier, and customs process, but these ranges offer a useful guide:
For ocean / sea freight to Peru (port-to-port):
For air freight to Peru (airport-to-airport):
Door-to-door times will be longer once pickup, consolidation, customs clearance, and inland delivery within Peru are included—especially for destinations away from Lima. LAC always provides estimated door-to-door lead times as part of your formal quote.
When you request a quote with LAC, we:
Share your cargo details, and we’ll design a tailored solution for your freight shipping to Peru—with clear pricing, realistic transit times, and the end-to-end support you need to grow your business in the Peruvian market.
Customs is where freight shipping to Peru either goes smoothly… or gets stuck. Peru’s customs authority, SUNAT, is strict about documentation, HS classification, and valuation. Getting these right is essential to keep shipping costs to Peru under control and avoid delays in customs clearance in Peru. As your freight forwarder shipping to Peru, LAC helps you and your Peruvian partner prepare everything correctly before your cargo sails or flies.
For most commercial imports, SUNAT and your Peruvian importer’s customs broker will require at least the following:
Main shipping & customs documents (exporter side):
Importer & broker-side documents in Peru:
LAC checks your commercial documents for consistency (values, HS codes, descriptions, weights) and coordinates with your Peruvian consignee and their broker so customs clearance in Peru is as smooth as possible.
Peru applies general WTO rules but also has a detailed set of local regulations and restrictions. Knowing them in advance is key when you ship cargo to Peru.
Restricted and prohibited goods
Certain products are prohibited (cannot be imported) or restricted (require special permits or authorizations) under Peruvian law. Examples include:
Before shipping, LAC verifies with your importer and SUNAT’s restricted/prohibited lists to confirm whether your cargo requires special approval.
Food, beverages, and agricultural products
For food and agricultural cargo, Peru has strong sanitary and phytosanitary controls:
Pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and healthcare products
These are tightly controlled and typically require:
Chemicals and other sensitive products
Certain chemicals, inputs for mining, and hazardous materials require prior permits or special controls from the relevant ministries and agencies (e.g., environment, defense, health).
Used vehicles and equipment
Peru has specific restrictions for used vehicles:
If you plan to ship cargo to Peru that includes vehicles or used machinery, LAC will confirm the current rules and help determine whether import is feasible and under what conditions.
While your Peruvian importer and their customs broker are legally responsible for clearance, what you do at origin has a direct impact on how fast and smoothly your shipment is released. Here’s a simplified view of how customs clearance in Peru works for commercial cargo.
1. Importer setup & broker appointment
2. Pre-shipment classification & valuation
LAC supports this stage by aligning your documentation with the agreed HS codes and ensuring descriptions and values are consistent across invoice, packing list, and B/L or AWB.
3. Filing the customs declaration (DAM)
4. Risk assessment & inspection
5. Payment of duties, taxes, and fees
6. Release & delivery
LAC coordinates closely with your importer’s broker and provides pre-alerts, document reviews, and real-time updates so you always know where your shipment stands in the clearance process.
Correct HS classification and valuation determine what you will pay at customs and whether you can benefit from free trade agreements. As your freight forwarder shipping to Peru, LAC helps keep this under control so freight shipping to Peru is predictable.
Main import charges in Peru
Most commercial imports may face some or all of the following:
Using free trade agreements to reduce duties
If you are shipping from the USA or Canada, your products may qualify for preferential or zero tariffs under FTAs:
To benefit, you must:
Why HS code and valuation matter so much
LAC works hand-in-hand with your team and your Peruvian customs broker to validate HS codes, align documents, and estimate duties and taxes upfront. That way, your freight shipping to Peru is not only compliant, but your shipping costs to Peru are fully understood before you book space on a vessel or plane.
Having the right inland strategy is just as important as choosing the right ocean or air service. When you ship cargo to Peru, LAC designs routes around the country’s main ports, airports, and logistics hubs to keep transit times predictable and shipping costs to Peru under control.
Most ocean freight to Peru arrives via a few strategic ports along the Pacific coast:
| Port / Group | Location / Region | Primary Role | Notes |
| Port of Callao | Callao (Lima metro area) | Principal seaport and main container gateway | Handles the majority of Peru’s imports/exports; key hub for ocean freight to Peru |
| Port of Paita | Northern Peru | Second-busiest container port | Strategic for refrigerated and dry cargo; strong in agricultural flows |
| Matarani, Salaverry, Ilo & others | Southern / central coastline | Secondary regional and industrial ports | Serve mining, industrial and bulk/project cargo; alternatives for specialized flows |
Pro Tip: A new deep-water port at Chancay, north of Lima, is emerging as a major Pacific hub for Asia-South America trade. While it is especially focused on Asia-bound flows, its growth strengthens Peru’s overall port network and offers future routing opportunities.
For air freight to Peru, Lima is the primary international gateway, with domestic connections supporting deliveries to other regions.
| Airport / Group | IATA Code | Location | Role in Peru’s Logistics Network | Notes |
| Jorge Chávez International Airport | LIM | Callao (Lima metro area) | Main international cargo hub; primary gateway for air freight to Peru | Hosts major cargo facilities and cold-chain logistics |
| Other domestic airports (Arequipa, Trujillo, Piura, Cusco, Iquitos, etc.) | – | Various cities across Peru | Regional distribution points connected to Lima by air and road | Used for onward distribution from Lima based on urgency and cargo type |
Peru’s logistics activity is concentrated around a handful of key regions:
When you ship cargo to Peru with LAC, we design end-to-end solutions that combine ocean or air legs with the right domestic transport to reach these hubs and surrounding cities efficiently.
Moving freight across borders is never just about a rate. It’s about having a partner who truly understands Latin America—and Peru in particular. LAC combines regional expertise, local know-how, and tailored solutions to make your freight shipping to Peru reliable and straightforward.
What sets LAC apart:
With LAC, you’re not just getting a freight rate; you’re getting a structured logistics plan that accounts for local realities in Peru—from port congestion and inspections to inland delivery challenges.
How long does freight shipping to Peru take from the USA or Canada?
Door-to-door times will be longer once you add pickup, consolidation, customs clearance in Peru, and inland delivery. LAC provides realistic lead-time estimates with every quote.
How are shipping costs to Peru calculated?
Shipping costs to Peru depend mainly on:
LAC breaks down freight, surcharges, and expected local costs so you know exactly what is included in your rate.
What documents do I need to ship cargo to Peru?
Typical documents include:
Certain products—such as food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and electronics—may require additional sanitary, phytosanitary, or regulatory certificates. LAC will advise based on your commodity.
Can I ship vehicles or heavy equipment to Peru?
Yes, but Peru has specific rules for importing vehicles and used equipment. Depending on the type, age, and condition, you may face restrictions, additional inspections, or higher duties and taxes.
LAC routinely handles RORO and containerized shipments of vehicles, trucks, and heavy machinery. We’ll help you choose the right mode and coordinate with your Peruvian partner to ensure all permits and requirements are in place before shipping.
Do I need a customs broker in Peru?
In practice, yes. Your Peruvian importer will typically work with a licensed customs broker to file declarations, handle inspections, and manage duties and taxes.
LAC coordinates closely with licensed brokers in Peru so your documents are prepared correctly, your HS codes are appropriate, and your cargo moves through customs as smoothly as possible.
What is the safest way to ship machinery and industrial equipment to Peru?
For heavy or oversized machinery, we usually recommend:
LAC’s team reviews dimensions, weight, and sensitivity of your equipment, then recommends the safest and most cost-effective option to ship cargo to Peru.
Can you ship door-to-door to cities beyond Lima?
Yes. LAC arranges door-to-door freight shipping to Peru, including inland trucking and, when needed, domestic air connections to cities such as Arequipa, Cusco, Trujillo, Piura, and others.
We plan inland routes carefully to account for terrain, road conditions, and delivery constraints, especially for remote mining or industrial sites.
Ready to move your next shipment? LAC makes freight shipping to Peru from the USA and Canada simple, transparent, and reliable—whether you’re sending a few pallets by air or multiple containers of machinery by sea.Request a Quote today and let LAC be your trusted freight forwarder when shipping to Peru.
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