Japan → Santos: service and transit time
Santos is one of the largest ports in South America and the gateway to the Sao Paulo metropolitan area. Brazil is a long way from Japan and services tranship at ports such as Singapore or in South Africa, so transit times are long. Transit is around 38–48 days, varying by carrier, schedule and season. Delays can occur due to weather, port congestion or omitted calls.
Services to Santos mostly involve a transhipment. Cargo can sit at the transhipment port, which widens the range of transit times, but we compare several routings and present the best available at that moment. If your deadline is tight, we can look for a routing optimised for speed.
| Port of loading | Main Japanese ports (Yokohama, Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka/Kobe and others) |
|---|---|
| Port of discharge | Santos (BRSSZ) / Brazil, Latin America |
| Transit time (guide) | 38–48 daysDelays can occur |
| Containers | 40HCFCLSOC |
Transit times are a guide for representative services and are not guaranteed. They differ by carrier and service, and delays can occur due to weather, port congestion or omitted calls. Confirmed schedules are provided with your quote.
40HC ocean freight rates to Santos and what moves them
Brazil services can involve two transhipments, so costs accumulate leg by leg, and the distance makes bunker prices weigh heavily. Clearance takes time in Brazil, so we recommend comparing on an all-in figure that allows for storage while the cargo sits.
We compare rates from multiple carriers side by side and present the best available at that moment. Card payment is supported, so you can book without straining your cash flow.
Ports, customs and inland transport for Brazil
Customs clearance in Brazil can take time, and accurate documentation matters especially. Prolonged storage leads to demurrage, so please confirm the importer readiness in advance.
We will guide you through the required documents and deadlines, so please ask even if this is your first shipment to Brazil. For inland destinations, confirming drayage and onward transport in advance makes the schedule easier to plan.
SOC container also available
Parts of Latin America have few container return depots, so detention accrues easily. Where there is no clear plan for returning the box, SOC containers are effective.
Other routes in Latin America
We also handle other routes to Latin America. If the destination is not yet fixed, we will compare options on the all-in cost including the inland leg.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Japan to Santos take?
38–48 days is the guide. It varies with carrier schedules and peak-season congestion, and delays can occur due to weather, port congestion or omitted calls. Confirmed schedules are provided with your quote.
Why does it take more than 40 days?
Brazil is a long way from Japan and services tranship at ports such as Singapore or in South Africa. Services approaching a direct sailing are limited.
What should I watch out for in Brazilian customs?
Clearance can take time and accurate documentation matters especially. Prolonged storage leads to demurrage, so please confirm how ready the importer is beforehand.
Can you deliver into Sao Paulo?
Yes. Santos is the outer port of Sao Paulo and we can arrange trucking. We will quote the all-in cost including the inland leg.
What is the maximum payload of a 40HC?
Internal capacity is roughly 76 cubic metres and the maximum payload is up to 26.5 tonnes (this can differ by carrier and equipment). Send us your cargo details and we will advise the right container and an estimate.
Are quotes free? How can I pay?
Quotes are free. We accept credit cards (VISA / Mastercard / American Express / JCB). Once you have an account you can quote, book and manage shipments from My Page.
Japan to Santos 40HC, at today’s best rate
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