Container gateway · Brazil
Port of Santos
Santos is a container gateway on the Atlantic Ocean in Brazil (South America – East Coast). Below: key facts, how it connects with Vietnam and what to prepare when shipping through it.
Key facts
- Country / territory
- Brazil
- UN/LOCODE
- BRSSZ
- Port type
- Container gateway
- Region
- South America – East Coast
- Waters
- Atlantic Ocean
- Coordinates
- 23.98°S, 46.30°W
- Container throughput
- No verified figure published here
- Sea distance from Vietnam
- approx. 9,630 nm
About the port of Santos
Santos, serving São Paulo, is Brazil’s largest port and one of Latin America’s busiest container gateways. Cargo from Vietnam usually travels via Singapore and the Cape of Good Hope.
Santos is a container gateway: most boxes handled are imports and exports for its own hinterland, carried on mainline and regional services.
Role in trade with Vietnam
East Coast South America is served from Asia mainly via Singapore and the Cape of Good Hope, on long-haul services with typical transit times of four to six weeks.
Sea routes and transit times from Vietnam
Estimated port-to-port distances and transit times on typical routings. Actual schedules depend on the service and its port rotation.
| Route | Distance | Transit (direct) |
|---|---|---|
| Cai Mep – Thi Vai → Santos | 9,630 | 25–31 days |
Shipping lines
Most global carriers and regional lines serve this region. We check current services and space for your shipment when quoting. All shipping lines →
Customs and documentation tips
- Make sure the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and customs declaration show consistent descriptions, HS codes, quantities and weights.
- Agree the Incoterms® rule and who arranges freight, insurance and destination charges before booking.
- Choose the bill of lading type (original, telex release or sea waybill) according to the payment terms with your buyer or supplier.
- Declare the verified gross mass (VGM) of each container before the carrier’s cut-off, as required by SOLAS.
- Check destination import requirements early: licences, product standards, labelling, fumigation or phytosanitary certificates where applicable.
Frequently asked questions about Santos
Where is the port of Santos?
Santos is in Brazil, on the Atlantic Ocean, in the South America – East Coast shipping region.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Santos?
The UN/LOCODE commonly used for Santos is BRSSZ. Check the exact terminal or location code required by the carrier when booking.
How long does sea freight take from Vietnam to Santos?
On a typical routing from Cai Mep – Thi Vai, the sea distance is about 9,630 nautical miles and a direct service takes roughly 25–31 days port to port. Services with transshipment take longer.
What documents are needed to ship via Santos?
Usually a commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading, plus any certificates required by the destination (origin, phytosanitary, fumigation, licences). Advance cargo filings may apply before loading.
Can Global Logistic Group arrange shipping to or from Santos?
Yes. We arrange FCL and LCL ocean freight, customs clearance and inland transport for Santos through our carrier contracts and agent network. Send us your cargo details for a quote.
Information on this page is general guidance compiled by Global Logistic Group from public sources. Port facilities, carrier networks, routings and transit times change frequently; always confirm current schedules, cut-offs and requirements with us or the carrier before booking. Data as of October 2026.