Shipping from China to Peru Full Container Load
As one of China's largest trading partners in South America, Peru receives a steady flow of containerized cargo across the Pacific. For businesses shipping commercial quantities of goods, Full Container Load (FCL) remains the most cost-effective and secure method.
Why Choose FCL?
Full Container Load shipping means you reserve an entire container exclusively for your cargo. Unlike LCL (Less than Container Load), where goods are consolidated with other shippers, FCL gives you complete control over your shipment -
Key advantages of FCL include:
Lower per-unit cost – For shipments above approximately 15 cubic meters (CBM), FCL typically becomes cheaper than LCL on a per-unit basis
Faster transit – FCL shipments generally move faster than LCL because they bypass consolidation and deconsolidation processes at both ends. FCL typically takes 28–35 days, while LCL can take 35–45 days
Reduced risk of damage – Your cargo is loaded and sealed in one container, minimizing handling and eliminating risks from other shippers' goods.
Major Ports and Routes
Primary Chinese departure ports:
Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen (Yantian, Shekou), Guangzhou (Nansha), and Qingdao
Primary Peruvian arrival ports:
Callao is the main gateway, handling over 80% of Peru's maritime cargo. Other ports include Paita (serving northern regions) and Matarani (serving southern mining and agricultural zones)
Transit times vary by route:
| Route | Estimated Transit Time |
|---|---|
| Shenzhen/Guangzhou → Callao | 27–35 days |
| Shanghai/Ningbo → Callao | 35–40 days |
| Qingdao/Tianjin → Callao | 40–45 days |
Container Options and Cost Efficiency
Standard container choices include 20-foot (20ft), 40-foot (40ft), and 40-foot High Cube (40HC). The 40HC offers the best cost efficiency for lightweight, bulky cargo—it costs only slightly more than a standard 40ft but provides an additional 8 CBM of capacity -
| Container Type | Capacity | When to Choose |
|---|---|---|
| 20ft | ~28 CBM | Shipments 15–28 CBM or heavy cargo (>18 tons) |
| 40ft | ~60 CBM | Shipments 28–60 CBM, standard weight |
| 40HC | ~68 CBM | Lightweight, bulky cargo; best per-unit cost |
Important note: For 2026, Maersk introduced a $400 heavy-weight surcharge on 20ft containers exceeding 20 tons
Cost Breakdown
FCL costs consist of several components beyond the basic ocean freight:
Base ocean freight (2025–2026 estimates):
20ft container: $1,200 – $1,800
40ft container: $2,200 – $3,000
Additional fees:
Local charges in China: THC (terminal handling), documentation, customs declaration fees – approximately $300–$500 total
Destination charges in Peru: Port fees, handling, customs brokerage – approximately $150–$300
Surcharges: Bunker Adjustment Factor (BAF), Panama Canal transit fees (increased 10% in 2025), and Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) – typically 10–15% of base freight -
All-in door-to-door: If you opt for DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) service, expect to add 15–25% to port-to-port costs for full door-to-door coverage, including Peru's 18% IGV (VAT)
All-in cost estimates (port-to-port, dry container):
20ft container: $2,200 – $3,500 (depending on season and route)
40ft container: $3,800 – $5,000
Cost-Saving Tips
Ship during off-peak seasons – Freight rates drop 10–20% during January–March and July–August, compared to the peak season from September–December -
.Choose a 40HC over 20ft – For large shipments, the 40HC offers 30–40% lower cost per CBM -5.
Book early – Secure better rates by booking 2–3 weeks in advance.
Work with a freight forwarder – Forwarders with established contracts can offer more competitive rates and navigate the complexities of Peruvian customs .
Peru Customs Clearance Essentials
Peru has strict import regulations, and clearance issues can cause costly delays. Key requirements include:
RUC tax number – The Peruvian importer must provide their RUC (Registro Único de Contribuyentes) for customs clearance -
Wood packaging – Must have ISPM-15 compliant IPPC fumigation markings -
.Documentation – Original or telex-released Bill of Lading, commercial invoice, packing list, and Certificate of Origin (to claim FTA tariff reductions under the China-Peru Free Trade Agreement)
