Shipping Costs Brazil Europe

Ocean Freight – FCL (Full Container Load)

• 20' Standard: $1,200–$2,500
• 40' Standard: $1,800–$4,000
• 40' High Cube: $2,000–$4,500
• 40' Reefer: $3,500–$7,000

Ocean Freight – LCL (Less than Container Load)

• Rate per CBM: $60–$120
• Minimum charge: typically 1 CBM or 1 tonne (W/M)
• Transit time: 5–10 days longer than FCL (consolidation/deconsolidation)

Air Freight

• Rate per kg: $3–$8 (depending on weight/volume ratio)
• Minimum charge: typically 45–100 kg
• Express/courier: $8–$15/kg

Other Options

• Break bulk (oversized cargo): individual quotation
• RoRo (vehicles): $1,500–$3,000 per unit

Surcharges

• BAF/Fuel Surcharge: $200–$600 per container
• THC (Terminal Handling): $150–$300 per container
• Documentation fee: $50–$150
• ISPS (port security): $10–$25
• CAF (Currency Adjustment): 0–5%
• Peak Season Surcharge: $100–$500 (January–March)

Freight is only part of the cost. Here's how to calculate the full landed cost for a 40' container from Santos to the UK:

Example – 40' Container Santos to Felixstowe

• Goods value (FOB Santos): $50,000
• Ocean freight (FCL 40'): $2,500
• Cargo insurance (0.4%): $210
• CIF value: $52,710
• Customs duty (avg 5%): $2,636
• VAT 20% (on CIF + duty): $11,069
• THC + port charges: $400
• Customs broker: $300
• Inland transport: $350

Total landed cost: ~$67,465 (35% above FOB value)

Factors Affecting Price

• Seasonality: January–March (Brazilian harvest) = higher rates
• Oil prices: direct impact on BAF
• Container demand: global freight market conditions
• Route: direct services are cheaper than transshipment
• Volume: regular shipments = better contract rates

1. Compare Quotes

Always collect at least 3 quotes from different forwarders and shipping lines. Prices for the same route can differ by up to 40%.

2. Book Early

Last-minute bookings (under 2 weeks) cost 15–30% more. Plan shipments 4–6 weeks in advance.

3. Avoid Peak Season

January–March is peak season on Brazil routes (soy, coffee harvests). Plan shipments for April–June or September–November when possible.

4. Consolidate Shipments

If you can't fill a full container, consider LCL consolidation through an NVOCC rather than booking small quantities separately.

5. Negotiate Annual Contracts

With regular shipments (4–6+ containers/year), negotiate contract rates with shipping lines. Savings of 10–25% vs spot rates.

6. Use Experienced Forwarders

A good freight forwarder has negotiated corporate rates, knows the ports and optimises routing. Their commission (2–5%) is repaid through freight savings.

Ocean FCL – Best Value for Volume

• Transit: 18–28 days
• Cost per kg: ~$0.05–$0.15
• Best for: large volumes, non-time-sensitive goods

Ocean LCL – For Smaller Shipments

• Transit: 25–35 days
• Cost per kg: ~$0.10–$0.30
• Best for: shipments under 15 CBM

Air Freight – Speed at a Premium

• Transit: 1–3 days
• Cost per kg: $3–$8
• Best for: high-value, perishable, samples, urgent orders

Key Routes and Transit Times

• Santos → Rotterdam: 18–22 days (direct)
• Santos → Hamburg: 20–24 days
• Santos → Felixstowe: 22–26 days
• Paranaguá → Antwerp: 20–24 days
• Buenos Aires → Barcelona: 20–24 days

1. Not Including All Surcharges

The base freight rate is not the final cost. BAF, THC, documentation fees, ISPS and seasonal surcharges add 30–50% to the bill. Always ask for an all-in rate.

2. Ignoring Detention and Demurrage

Demurrage (container held at port) and detention (container held outside port) charges run $50–$200/day after the free period (typically 5–7 days). Customs delays can cost thousands.

3. Wrong Incoterms Selection

FOB, CIF, DAP – each term shifts cost allocation and responsibility. Under FOB, the buyer controls freight and can negotiate. Under CIF, the seller dictates transport terms.

4. Ignoring Seasonality

Freight rates in peak season (Q1) can be 30–50% higher. Planning off-peak shipments delivers significant savings.

5. Last-Minute Bookings

Booking with less than 2 weeks' notice means higher rates and risk of no space. Plan 4–6 weeks ahead.

6. Skipping Cargo Insurance

Insurance costs 0.3–0.5% of cargo value but protects against losses reaching tens of thousands. Carrier liability is limited to ~$500/package.