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Puerto Rico
Brazil
The ocean route from San Juan to Santos offers a reliable and efficient means of transporting ambient food products, ensuring their quality and shelf stability during transit. By utilizing this maritime pathway, businesses can capitalize on the economies of scale that come with shipping larger volumes of processed food, reducing overall logistics costs. Furthermore, the vast capacity of ocean freight allows for the movement of diverse packaged groceries, catering to the varied demands of the South American market. This route not only enhances supply chain efficiency but also fosters stronger trade connections between the Caribbean and Brazil.
San Juan boasts a well-developed port infrastructure equipped to handle large volumes of cargo, with modern facilities designed for efficient loading and unloading of dry food products. The port's strategic location facilitates easy access to regional distribution networks, ensuring timely delivery to various markets. Similarly, Santos features one of the largest and busiest ports in Brazil, with advanced logistics capabilities that support the swift processing of shelf-stable food shipments. Together, these ports provide a robust framework for the seamless exchange of packaged food items between the two regions.
Comparative analysis of origin and destination capabilities.
Shipments from Puerto Rico are subject to United States export control regulations, including EAR and applicable sanctions programs.
Imports are subject to Brazilian tariff schedules, licensing rules, and non-tariff barriers administered through SISCOMEX.
DNA Expert Assessment
Very High - Complex Regulatory Environment
High - Fragile/Moisture Sensitive
When shipping from San Juan, Puerto Rico to Santos, Brazil, anticipate significant seasonal challenges. During the Atlantic Hurricane Season (June-November), build in extra buffer days and secure alternative ports of refuge, especially from August to October. Additionally, plan for increased rainfall and flooding in Brazil during the Wet Season (October-March), necessitating adjustable schedules and waterproofing measures. Lastly, account for potential congestion during the South America fruit export peak (January-May, September-December) by securing vessel space well in advance and allowing for longer transit times.
When shipping dry food, Proper packaging Is essential for medium‑fragility items. Most carriers recommend using reinforced shipping boxes with compartment inserts for ambient food....
Medium-weight cartons of processed food Should be handled as “this side up” freight, especially where liquid products are packed with shelf-stable food. Most shippers recommend cle...
Choosing the appropriate shipping container for Food Helps product integrity and damage reduction. For parcel shipments of shelf-stable food, most logistics providers suggest outer...
Even for shelf-stable processed food, You must comply with Food safety regulations in both origin and destination markets. You should ensure all beverages have accurate product lab...
Before pickup and during cross-docking, store Packaged food in Cool, dry, well-ventilated areas away from contaminants. Moisture-sensitive shelf-stable food is best kept off the fl...
Moisture-sensitive snacks Requires A sealed inner barrier such as laminated liners inside sturdy outer cartons. Most shippers recommend adding drying agents and using clear handling labels on all Packaged groceries shipments, especially when moving through humid or coastal routes.
You may ship Snacks and beverages together if Each item is securely packed and beverages are placed at the bottom of the carton. Most carriers recommend using separate inner boxes for Bottled drinks so that any leak does not damage surrounding packaged groceries.
Most international shipments of processed food Require Commercial invoices listing full product descriptions, HS codes, and values. Depending on the destination and type of beverages, you could be asked for free-sale certificates and origin documentation, especially for Bottled drinks.
For processed food with medium fragility and mixed Snacks and beverages, We recommend all-risks freight insurance that includes damage from moisture and breakage. Be sure to list realistic replacement values of your beverages and Document packaging standards, as insurers may assess packaging quality when processing claims.
Most shelf-stable food and standard Bottled drinks Can be shipped in standard dry vans as long as you keep them within labeled storage temperatures. Most carriers recommend checking manufacturer guidelines on heat sensitivity, especially for Chocolate snacks, and planning transit to minimize exposure to very hot or very cold environments.
Packaged food should be stored in a temperature-controlled environment during transit to maintain quality. Proper packaging is essential to prevent damage from moisture and saltwater exposure. Additionally, it is important to ensure compliance with any specific food safety regulations applicable at both ports.
Required documentation includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and any necessary health certificates or import permits as mandated by Brazilian customs for food products. Compliance with the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture's regulations is also essential for processed food imports.
DNA provides secure, strategically located warehousing for scalable storage and just-in-time fulfillment, with real-time inventory control and integrated distribution powered by SAMMIE’s insight and our responsive Client Success Officers.
DNA supports seamless EDI/API connectivity tailored to your systems—including ERP, WMS, finance, and more—while many other forwarders depend on third-party platforms with limited integration and manual data entry.
Our SAMMIE platform helps international teams by providing a single dashboard with all data needed to manage shipments, saving significant time and improving control compared to archaic, time-consuming methods using inaccurate data.
Call or schedule a call with our sales team to discuss your San Juan → Santos shipping needs.
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