Ocean & Air Freight Shipping From Peru to the United States

Peru and the United States’ trade relationship stands out in global trade. The partnership is deeply rooted in shared economic goals, which helped it evolve over the years. The industries covered by this trade partnership are diverse, from agricultural exports to manufacturing.

In 2022, Peru exported $8.69 billion worth of goods to the US, with the top commodities comprising gold ($833M), fruits ($718M), and grapes ($605M). Peru’s exports to the US have increased at an annualized rate of 4.6% in the last five years. 

To successfully ship goods from Peru to the US, you need to fully understand the process, including your ocean and air freight shipping options. Below is a full guide for your shipping endeavor.

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

You can ship freight from Peru to the US in two ways: ocean freight and air freight. 

Ocean Freight From Peru to the United States

Ocean freight is: less-than-container the most common shipping method because of its affordability and flexibility. It can transport any type of cargo, regardless of size, and even offers shippers two options for container shipping. These are less than container load (LCL) and full container load (FCL). 

LCL is best for smaller shipments. It involves the consolidation process, where shipments belonging to multiple sellers are consolidated and transported together in one container. Each shipper only has to pay for the space their goods occupy, making it a highly economical shipping option. 

FCL is best used for larger shipments because the shipper rents the space in an entire container to ship their goods alone. This gives them more space, control, and security for their cargo. 

Air Freight from Peru to the United States

Another way to ship goods from Peru to the US is by air. It’s the fastest mode of international transport, able to get cargo to its destination in a matter of days. Air freight is also the most secure because of strict airport regulations and processes. 

This mode of international shipping is ideal for time-sensitive, perishable, and high-value goods. But it can get expensive. It’s also not flexible, like ocean freight, and it cannot accommodate cargo of all types, sizes, weights, and volumes. 

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

The shipping cost for cargo shipped from Peru to the US will differ based on the following factors: 

• 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

To calculate your shipping costs, try our online freight costs calculator. The table below displays the current cost of shipping a standard 20-foot container from Peru to the US:

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

The time it takes to ship goods from Peru to the US largely depends on the selected international shipping mode. 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 Peru to the United States?

If you ship by sea, your cargo will arrive in the US in 15-50 days. 

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

Air freight will be much faster, taking only 2-8 days to complete a shipment from Peru to the US. 

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

Customs Clearance in Peru and the United States

Once your goods arrive in the US, they will undergo customs clearance. This requires 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

We have a full documents list you can take a look at for examples of each customs clearance requirement. 

Should You Choose Ocean Freight or Air Freight?

Now it’s time to decide whether to ship by sea or by air. This decision should take your needs, priorities, and the requirements of your cargo into consideration. 

Ocean Freight

Choose ocean freight if you value cost efficiency and flexibility. This mode of shipping can accommodate any type of cargo you need to transport and provides two options to optimize your shipment. 

Considerations for LCL Freight Shipping

LCL is a good choice for cargo that 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

If your cargo meets the following criteria, it might be better to ship via FCL: 

• 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 speed is of the essence, you should ship via air freight. An air freight shipment only takes 2-8 days to complete, making it suitable for time-sensitive or perishable cargo that needs to get to the US quickly. 

You’ll also appreciate air freight if you’re transporting high-value goods. Due to stricter airport processes and regulations, air freight can guarantee the security of your cargo throughout the process. 

The only things you should look out for are the costs and limitations. Air freight can get significantly more expensive than ocean freight and sets strict limits on what you can and cannot ship. 

Ocean Cargo Port Guide

Cargo ports of origin in Peru

Port of Callao

The Port of Callao is Peru's main port in terms of traffic and storage capacity. It’s located in Lima, the capital of the central coast. The port is 16 meters deep, allowing it to carry heavy cargo. 

Port of Matalani

The Port of Matalani is 452 miles south of Callao. It serves the southern area of Peru and major cities in Bolivia. The port has seen its cargo operations multiply, which has also led to increased investment in its port infrastructure. 

Port Talara

Port Talara is a state-owned port operated by the national oil company Petróleos del Perú SA. It mainly serves the oil industry in the regions of Piura and Tumbes. The port boasts a subsea pipeline for loading and unloading crude oil and six supporting mooring buoys. 

Cargo ports of arrival in the United States

Port of New York and New Jersey

The Port of New York and New Jersey is the third-largest port in North America, handling over 7 million TEUs per year. It handles heavyweight goods, including raw materials and automobiles. The port is strategically located and linked to shipping lanes and highways. 

Port of Seattle-Tacoma

The Port of Seattle-Tacoma is located in Washington, US. It’s one of the largest container ports in North America, handling over 4 million TEUs annually. The port connects the US to Asia, Europe, and beyond. 

Port of Houston

The Port of Houston is among North America's largest and busiest ports, handling over 3 million TEUs per year. It’s an important hub for containerized cargo, able to handle a diverse range of goods from consumer products to machinery. 

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

Airports of origin in Peru

Jorge Chávez International Airport

The Jorge Chávez International Airport is the main international airport in Peru, serving the capital city of Lima. It handles over 230,000 tonnes of freight per year and is a hub for LATAM Airlines, LATAM Perú, Star Perú, Sky Airline Peru, and more. 

Airports of arrival in the United States

Memphis International Airport

Memphis International Airport is the second busiest cargo airport in the US. It serves as a major hub for FedEx, one of the largest air cargo hubs in the world. The airport is strategically located in the central US. 

Los Angeles International Airport

Los Angeles International Airport is the fourth busiest cargo airport in the US, handling over 2 million tonnes of cargo per year. It is a major hub for international trade, and some of the world’s largest air freight companies use its facilities. 

Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport

The Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is the busiest cargo airport in the US and the rest of the world. Located in the US state of Alaska, it serves as a hub for both domestic and international cargo shipments.