Ocean & Air Freight Shipping From Brazil to the United States

Brazil and the United States are two of the largest economies in the Western Hemisphere. Consequently, they also share a dynamic and robust trade relationship spanning various sectors, from energy and agriculture to manufacturing and technology. 

In 2022, Brazil exported a whopping $38.9 billion worth of goods to the United States, an impressive 24.6% increase from the previous year. The goods exported include minerals and food products. 

If you are looking to ship these prime commodities or any other goods from Brazil to the United States, this article explains the process and outlines your ocean and air freight shipping options. 

What Are the Options for Shipping Freight From Brazil to the United States?

Your options for shipping freight from Brazil to the United States are ocean freight and air freight. 

Ocean Freight From Brazil to the United States

Ocean freight is the most popular shipping mode because of its cost and flexibility. It won’t cost you an arm and a leg to ship by sea. It’s also able to accommodate any type of cargo you need to transport, whether large or small. Ocean freight also offers you two options for container shipping: less than container load (LCL) and full container load (FCL). 

Shippers with small shipping needs use LCL to transport their cargo. Here, their goods are consolidated with shipments from other sellers and shipped together in one container. That way, each shipper only pays for the space their cargo occupies. 

FCL, on the other hand, is used by those with large shipping needs, whether they are shipping huge volumes of goods or large and heavy cargo. They rent the space in an entire container for their goods, giving them more space, control, and shipment security. 

Air Freight from Brazil to the United States

Air freight is the fastest way to ship goods from Brazil to the United States. It’s ideal for time-sensitive and perishable goods or for shippers who want to get their cargo to its destination quickly. 

Air freight is also the most secure mode of transportation, making it great for high-value cargo. Its strict airport regulations and processes can help guarantee cargo security. 

The caveat, however, is the cost. Since air freight uses specialized planes and has more expensive fuel, it costs more to ship by air than by sea. Air freight is also less flexible, unable to accommodate all cargo types and putting limitations on cargo weight, volume, and size. 

How Much Does it Cost to Ship Cargo From Brazil to the United States?

The cost of shipping cargo from Brazil to the United States depends on the following: 

• Your choice of ocean or air shipping
• Your preference for door-to-door, port-to-port, port-to-door, or door-to-port shipment
• Your consignment’s weight, volume, and size
• Weight and size limits

Determine your shipping costs by using our online freight costs calculator. The table below shows the current cost of shipping a standard 20-foot container from Brazil to the United States: 

How long does it take to ship cargo from Brazil to the United States?

The time it takes to ship goods from Brazil to the United States is largely dependent on the international shipping mode selected. However, the following factors also play a role:

• The season (peak or low) during which you ship
• Whether the shipment route is direct
• The popularity of the trade lane
• Geopolitical instability
• Incidents that might occur at ports

How long does it take to ship cargo by sea from Brazil to the United States?

If you ship by sea, your cargo will arrive in the United States in approximately 15 to 50 days.

How long does it take to ship cargo by air from Brazil to the United States?

Ship by air, and your cargo will arrive faster. Air freight from Brazil to the United States takes about 2 to 8 days.

For the most accurate estimate, we recommend using our transit time calculator.

Customs Clearance in Brazil and the United States

When your Brazilian goods arrive in the United States, they must go through customs clearance before a successful import. This would require that you prepare and submit the following documents: 

• A commercial invoice
• A packing list
• A certificate of origin
• A letter of credit or other payment terms (depending on the contract between the parties involved)
• A bill of lading for ocean freight or an Airway Bill for air freight

Check out our full documents list for examples of these customs clearance requirements. 

Should You Choose Ocean Freight or Air Freight?

Now, it’s time to decide whether to ship via ocean or air freight. Here are some pointers to consider to help you make the right choice for your needs, priorities, and the requirements of your cargo. 

Ocean Freight

Ocean freight is correct for you if you value cost efficiency and flexibility. It’s great for budget shippers with unique shipping needs, such as when shipping large or heavy cargo. It’s also suitable for those with small shipments. Ultimately, you must select whether to ship via LCL or FCL. 

Considerations for LCL Freight Shipping

You should ship via LCL if your cargo is: 

• Small in size and quantity 
• Lightweight
• Suitable for consolidation with cargo belonging to other shippers 
• Not delicate, fragile, or high-value 
• Not requiring special handling or movement 

Considerations for FCL Freight Shipping

FCL might be more attuned to your needs if your cargo is: 

• Large in size and quantity 
• Heavy or overweight
• Not suitable for consolidation with cargo belonging to other shippers 
• Delicate, fragile, or high-value 
• Requiring special handling or movement 

Air Freight

If you need your cargo to arrive in the United States quickly, we recommend shipping by air. Air freight shipments only 2-8 days to complete their journey from Brazil to the United States, making them suitable for time-sensitive or high-value goods. 

It’s also a good option for high-value shipments, with air freight having stricter processes and regulations that can help ensure cargo security. 

Before finally deciding on air freight, consider your budget and the nature and specifications of your cargo. Air freight is significantly more expensive than ocean freight and is less flexible. There are strict limits on what you can and cannot ship and their weight, size, and volume. 

Ocean Cargo Port Guide

Cargo ports of origin in Brazil

Port of Vitória

The Port of Vitória is located on the Santa Marta River. It’s not the most accessible port in Brazil, with a lack of infrastructure and narrow access points that limit its use. It’s most popular for cruise ships and oil platform repair. 

Port of Paranaguá

The Port of Paranaguá is the largest bulk port in Latin America. It is also hailed as the largest port in Brazil for grain exports and the third largest in container shipping. It’s popular for the export of agricultural products. 

Port of Rio de Janeiro

The Port of Rio de Janeiro is located in the second most populous city of Brazil, Rio de Janeiro. It is the third busiest port in the country, handling general container cargo, steel products, electronic equipment, and more. 

Cargo ports of arrival in the United States

Port of Los Angeles 

The Port of Los Angeles has been the number one port in the United States for over 20 years. It is also the busiest port in the Western Hemisphere and the world's 19th biggest freight hub. The port handles a quarter of American container trade per year. 

Port of New York and New Jersey

The Port of New York and New Jersey is one of the busiest ports in the United States and occupies the largest land area. A couple of years ago, a 30-year strategy was approved to increase the port’s capacity and allow it to accommodate the biggest vessels in the world. 

Port of Savannah 

The Port of Savannah is one of the major ports on the U.S. East Coast. It’s hailed as the fourth busiest port in the United States and has the largest container terminal in the Western Hemisphere. It is known for handling vehicle shipments. 

Air Freight from Brazil to the United States: An airport guide

Airports of origin in Brazil

São Paulo International Airport

The São Paulo International Airport, also known as the Guarulhos–Governor André Franco Montoro International Airport, serves the Brazilian state of São Paulo. It opened over 39 years ago and is a hub for LATAM Airlines Brasil, Gol Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes, and more. 

Viracopos International Airport

The Viracopos International Airport serves the Campinas municipality in São Paulo. It was named after the neighborhood where it is located on January 6th, 1987. The airport is a hub for Azul Brazilian Airlines, LATAM Cargo Brasil, and more. 

RIOgaleão Airport

The RIOgaleão Airport, formerly known as the Galeão–Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport, is the main international airport serving Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It is a hub for Gol Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes, LATAM Airlines Brasil, and more. 

Airports of arrival in the United States

Tampa International Airport

The Tampa International Airport is the second largest cargo airport in Florida and ranks 26th in the United States. It recently invested $69 million in its cargo facilities, supporting its growth as an air freight hub. 

Baltimore/Washington International Airport

The Baltimore/Washington International Airport ranks 24th among the biggest cargo airports in the United States. In 2019, it raised $36 million to construct a 200,000-square-foot cargo facility. 

Fort Worth Alliance Airport

The Fort Worth Alliance Airport is located 14 miles north of Fort Worth's central business district in the state of Texas. It is a hub for FedEx Express and the focus city of popular cargo carrier Amazon Air.