Services
Ocean Freight from India
FCL, LCL, Break Bulk, RORO, ODC — we ship any cargo by sea from any Indian port. Best value for shipments above 500 kg.
FCL vs LCL — which do you need?
FCL — Full Container Load
Your cargo fills a 20ft or 40ft container. You pay for the full container, regardless of how full it is.
Best for: Cargo above ~5–7 CBM or 3,000+ kg
LCL — Less than Container Load
Your cargo shares a container with other exporters. You pay only for your CBM. Weekly consolidations from all major ports.
Best for: Cargo under 5 CBM or first shipments
Container types we offer
20ft Standard
Capacity: ~26 CBM / ~21,700 kg
Best for: General goods, machinery parts, consumer products
40ft Standard
Capacity: ~55 CBM / ~26,400 kg
Best for: Textiles, garments, furniture, light industrial goods
40ft High Cube
Capacity: ~67 CBM / ~26,400 kg
Best for: Bulky lightweight goods — furniture, mattresses, ready-made garments
Reefer (20ft/40ft)
Capacity: Same as standard — temperature controlled
Best for: Pharma, seafood, fresh produce, chemicals requiring cold chain
Flat Rack
Capacity: Oversize cargo
Best for: Machinery, vehicles, oversized equipment
Ports we operate from
Mumbai
#1 container port in India
Tamil Nadu
East coast hub
Gujarat
Fastest growing port
West Bengal
Northeast India hub
Mumbai
Same as JNPT
Andhra Pradesh
East coast
Incoterms for ocean freight — what they mean for you
Incoterms define who pays for shipping and who bears the risk at each stage. Here are the four most common ones used for ocean exports from India.
You (the exporter) are responsible for all costs and risks until the goods are loaded onto the vessel at the Indian port. The buyer pays freight and insurance from that point. Most common for Indian exporters.
You pay for ocean freight and insurance to the destination port. The buyer takes risk once cargo arrives at destination. Often preferred by buyers who want predictable total cost.
You pay ocean freight to destination port but don't cover insurance. Risk transfers at the origin port. Less common — CIF is preferred when insurance is required.
You pay everything including destination customs duties and last-mile delivery. Highest obligation for the exporter. Only use when the buyer has specifically asked for it and you've accounted for destination duty costs.
Which Indian port should you ship from?
Port choice affects transit time, rate, and frequency. Here is how the major ports compare.
| Port | Strength | Best routes | Transit to USA (West Coast) |
|---|---|---|---|
| JNPT / Nhava Sheva | Highest frequency, most carriers | USA, UK, Europe, Middle East | ~25–28 days |
| Chennai Sea Port | Best for Southeast Asia, East coast India | Singapore, Malaysia, USA East Coast | ~28–32 days |
| Mundra (Gujarat) | Fastest growing, competitive rates | Middle East, Africa, Europe | ~25–30 days |
| Kolkata / Haldia | Northeast India hub, Bangladesh routes | Singapore, SE Asia, Middle East | ~28–35 days |
| Vizag | East coast bulk and break bulk | Japan, Korea, SE Asia | ~30–35 days |
Ocean freight — frequently asked questions
What is the minimum cargo size for ocean freight from India?
There is no hard minimum — LCL (shared container) shipments can be as small as 0.1 CBM. However, for cargo below 500 kg / 2 CBM, air freight is often cheaper once you factor in LCL handling charges, CFS charges, and port fees. We will advise which mode is more cost-effective for your specific shipment.
FCL or LCL — which is better value?
The crossover point is typically 12–15 CBM or 5,000 kg. Below this, LCL is usually cheaper. Above this, FCL gives you a dedicated container, lower risk of cargo damage, and faster transit (no CFS consolidation delays). We calculate the breakeven for your shipment before quoting.
How long does ocean freight from India to the USA take?
Mumbai (JNPT) to Los Angeles: 22–26 days. Mumbai to New York: 28–32 days. Chennai to Los Angeles: 26–30 days. These are sailing days — add 3–5 days for customs clearance and inland delivery at destination. Transit times vary by carrier and season.
What documents do I need for ocean freight export?
Core documents: Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading (issued by the shipping line), Shipping Bill (filed by our CHA on ICEGATE), IEC, and Certificate of Origin if required by the destination country. For food, pharma, or agricultural products, additional certificates may be needed.
Can you handle reefer (refrigerated) containers?
Yes — we book and manage reefer FCL and LCL for pharma, seafood, fresh produce, and temperature-sensitive chemicals. We specify the exact temperature range required and verify reefer performance before loading.