Container Shipping to Peru

Move your cargo to Peru efficiently with ocean container shipping from the USA and Canada. For medium to large volumes, containerized ocean freight remains one of the most reliable and cost-effective ways to support North America–South America trade.

Whether you are shipping machinery, industrial equipment, consumer goods, food products, or retail cargo, choosing the right mix of FCL (Full Container Load) and LCL (Less than Container Load) services—and the right logistics partner—plays a key role in controlling transit times, landed costs, and overall supply chain performance.

Peru’s main container gateway is the Port of Callao, located near Lima, which handles the majority of the country’s containerized imports. Additional ports such as Paita and Matarani support regional flows and specialized cargo across different sectors.

Why Ship Cargo by Containers to Peru?

Container shipping to Peru is an ideal solution if you need:

• Secure, standardized transportation for palletized, crated, or boxed cargo
• Scalable capacity, from small LCL shipments to full 20ft or 40ft FCL containers
• Cost-efficient ocean freight for long-distance trade lanes from the USA and Canada

With over 25 years of experience in Latin American logistics, LAC – Latin American Cargo supports exporters and importers with container shipping solutions tailored to Peru. Our team helps you navigate routes, ports, and customs processes—so your cargo moves smoothly from origin to final destination.

Container Shipping Options To Peru

FCL 20ft & 40ft container shipping to Peru

Full Container Load (FCL) is usually the best option when:

• Your cargo can fill most of a 20ft or 40ft container.
• You need reduced handling and better security (the container is sealed for your cargo only).
• You’re shipping high-value, fragile, or time-sensitive commercial goods.

Typical options we arrange:

• 20ft standard containers – ideal for heavy cargo, machinery, dense goods.
• 40ft & 40ft HC containers – better for voluminous, lighter cargo or mixed loads.
• Special equipment – reefer (refrigerated), open-top, flat-rack for oversized or temperature-controlled cargo.

LAC helps you select the right FCL 20ft or 40ft container to Peru based on your cargo weight, dimensions, and delivery requirements, balancing rate levels vs. service reliability.

LCL shipping to Peru

Less than Container Load (LCL shipping to Peru) is perfect if you don’t have enough volume to fill a full container. Your cargo shares space with other shippers in a consolidated container.

LCL is ideal when:

• You ship small or regular batches instead of full loads.
• You want to optimize cash flow with smaller inventory shipments.
• Your cargo is well-packed and stackable (cartons, pallets, crates).

LAC coordinates LCL shipping from major U.S. and Canadian gateways to Peru, managing consolidation, documentation, and deconsolidation at destination so you don’t have to deal with multiple providers.

Main Routes & Ports For Container Shipping From USA & Canada To Peru

Peru’s maritime commerce is concentrated on a few main ports, especially Callao, with additional traffic via Paita in the north and Matarani in the south.

• Port of Callao (near Lima) – primary container hub, handling most of Peru’s imports and exports.
• Port of Paita (north) – key container port for northern Peru and a major hub for refrigerated exports.
• Port of Matarani (south) – important for bulk and general cargo, also handling containers serving southern regions.

Typical Port-to-Port Transit Times (Estimates)

*These are typical sailing time ranges, based on common commercial services; actual transit times vary by carrier, routing, and schedule.

LAC uses its network of ocean carriers and regional partners to select the route that best fits your priorities: fastest transit, lowest freight rate, or the most frequent sailing schedule.

Shipping Cost To Peru: What Affects Your Rate?

When you request a quote for container shipping to Peru, your ocean freight rate will depend on:

• Type of service – FCL 20ft / 40ft container vs. LCL shipping to Peru.
• Origin & destination – inland pickup/delivery, origin ramp, and Peruvian port (Callao, Paita, Matarani).
• Cargo details – weight, volume (CBM), commodity, stackability, and packaging.
• Seasonality & market conditions – space availability, peak seasons, GRI/FAK increases.
• Surcharges – bunker adjustment, terminal handling, documentation, security, and any special equipment or hazardous handling.

Recent market references show that per-container shipping costs to Callao can range from the high hundreds to several thousand USD depending on lane, season, and container size, but these values fluctuate significantly over time.

Because ocean freight pricing changes quickly, LAC provides route-specific quotes that break down:

• Ocean freight (base rate)
• Fuel and other surcharges
• Origin & destination terminal handling
• Documentation and any special fees

This gives you a clear picture of your real shipping cost to Peru before you commit.

Transit Times For Container Shipping To Peru

For standard, port-to-port ocean freight:

• From West Coast USA & Western Canada to Callao: often about 2–3 weeks of sailing time.
• From East Coast USA, Gulf ports & Eastern Canada to Callao: often about 3–4 weeks of sailing time.

Door-to-door transit times are longer and depend on:

• Distance from your warehouse to origin port, and from Callao/Paita/Matarani to final destination.
• Customs clearance speed and whether inspections or documentation issues occur.
• Type of service (direct vs. transshipment).

LAC estimates realistic ETAs based on the actual carrier schedule, and we monitor your container throughout the journey, keeping you updated if anything changes.

What Can You Ship to Peru by Container?

North American companies use container shipping for a wide variety of cargo, including:

• Industrial machinery and equipment
• Mining and construction supplies
• Automotive parts and tires
• Consumer goods, electronics, and appliances
• Food products and perishables (with reefer containers)
• Retail goods and e-commerce replenishments

Certain goods may be restricted or require special permits (pharmaceuticals, chemicals, dangerous goods, etc.). LAC can help you understand logistic and documentation implications, while regulatory compliance decisions should always be confirmed with Peruvian customs and relevant authorities.

Customs & Import Requirements In Peru

Peru’s customs authority is SUNAT (Superintendencia Nacional de Aduanas y de Administración Tributaria). To import commercial cargo, your consignee in Peru typically must:

• Hold a valid RUC (Unique Taxpayer Registry) as an importer, except for very small, occasional shipments.
• Work with a licensed customs broker in Peru for standard commercial imports above certain value thresholds.

For most commercial imports, SUNAT requires:

• Customs declaration (DAM / DUA) filed by the customs broker.
• Commercial invoice (with clear descriptions, Incoterms, HS codes).
• Bill of Lading (for ocean freight),
• Packing list,
• Insurance letter or policy, and, when applicable, certificate of origin and permits for restricted goods.

LAC supports you by:

• Ensuring documents match (invoice, packing list, BL).
• Coordinating with your customs broker in Peru to minimize clearance delays.
• Advising on extra documentation needs (sanitary, phytosanitary, or technical certificates) for regulated products.

Why Use LAC As Your Freight Forwarder To Peru?

Choosing a specialized freight forwarder to Peru means fewer surprises along the way. With Latin American Cargo you get:

• Regional focus: 25+ years dedicated to trade with Latin America, including Peru.
• Strong carrier network: multiple ocean carriers and NVOCCs on the main USA–Peru and Canada–Peru routes.
• Integrated services: door pickup, port handling, FCL or LCL booking, insurance coordination, and delivery within Peru through trusted local partners.
• Bilingual, culturally aware team: fluent in English and Spanish, familiar with Peruvian business practices and SUNAT requirements.

Our goal is to make your container shipping to Peru predictable, transparent, and cost-effective, whether you’re shipping once or setting up a recurring trade lane.

Step-by-Step: How LAC Manages Your Container Shipment to Peru

1. Quote Request & Cargo Review
You share cargo details (dimensions, weight, commodity), origin/destination, and preferred service (FCL or LCL).
Our team reviews your requirements and timelines for shipping to Peru.

2. Route & Service Planning
We plan the most efficient shipping solution, selecting the optimal trade lane, sailing, and equipment (20ft/40ft containers, reefer, or special equipment if required).

3. Booking & Documentation
LAC secures space with the carrier and confirms schedules.
We provide Bill of Lading instructions, documentation guidelines, and key deadlines, including commercial invoice and packing list requirements.

4. Inland Pickup & Export Handling
We coordinate trucking from your supplier or warehouse in the USA or Canada to the port or consolidation facility and manage export procedures as needed.

5. Ocean Freight & Shipment Monitoring
Your cargo sails to Peru.
We proactively track the shipment and provide regular status updates and estimated time of arrival (ETA).

6. Arrival & Import Customs in Peru
Upon arrival, our local partners coordinate port handling and work with your appointed customs broker to support customs clearance, cargo inspections, and any procedures required by SUNAT.

7. Final Delivery (Door Service, if required)
Once cleared, your container or LCL cargo is delivered to the consignee’s warehouse or distribution center in Peru.

🌎 End-to-End Visibility
Throughout the entire process, LAC provides continuous tracking, clear communication, and a single point of contact—so you always know where your cargo is and what comes next.

FAQs About Container Shipping to Peru

1. How much does it cost to ship a 20ft or 40ft container to Peru?
Ocean freight rates change frequently. In recent market conditions, per-container shipping cost to Callao has ranged roughly from hundreds to several thousand USD, depending on route, season, and size (20ft vs. 40ft).
For an accurate figure, LAC provides lane-specific quotes that include all main surcharges and estimated local charges.

2. How long does container shipping to Peru take?
Typical port-to-port transit times are around 2–3 weeks from the U.S./Canadian West Coast and 3–4 weeks from East Coast, Gulf, and Eastern Canada ports, plus extra time for pickup, customs, and on-carriage.

3. Can I ship smaller loads if I don’t fill a full container?
Yes. LCL shipping to Peru lets you ship smaller volumes by paying only for the CBM you use inside a shared container. This is often cost-effective for regular small shipments.

4. Do I need a customs broker in Peru?
For most commercial imports above low-value thresholds, a Peruvian customs broker is required to file the customs declaration and coordinate with SUNAT.
LAC can work directly with your chosen broker or recommend trusted partners.

5. Which Peruvian port should I ship to?

• Callao is the default choice for most container shipping to Peru.
• Paita can be ideal if your consignee is in northern regions.
• Matarani serves southern Peru and certain industrial/mining areas.

LAC will recommend the most suitable port based on your consignee’s location and service options.