Sea freight is the backbone of India-to-world trade. Whether you’re moving a 20-foot container of textiles from Tiruppur or a consolidated LCL shipment of handicrafts from Jodhpur, understanding how the process works will save you time, money, and considerable stress.
India’s Major Export Ports
- Nhava Sheva (JNPT), Mumbai: India’s largest container port. Handles ~55% of India’s container traffic.
- Chennai Port: Gateway for South India. Preferred for auto components and engineering goods.
- Mundra Port (Gujarat): Fastest-growing port. Excellent connectivity for textile exporters in Ahmedabad and Surat.
- Kolkata/Haldia: Primary gateway for Northeast India and jute products.
- Kochi (Cochin): Dominant for spices and seafood from Kerala.
FCL vs LCL: Which Is Right for Your Order?
FCL (Full Container Load): Your goods fill the entire container. More economical per CBM for large orders. Standard sizes: 20′ (28 CBM) and 40′ (56 CBM). LCL (Less than Container Load): Your goods share space with other shippers. Better for smaller orders under 15 CBM. Expect longer transit times due to consolidation and deconsolidation.
Essential Export Documentation
Ensure your supplier provides: Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading (or Airway Bill), Certificate of Origin (for preferential duty schemes), and any product-specific certificates (Spice Board, Textile Committee, APEDA for agri products). Missing documents are the #1 cause of customs delays — verify the checklist for your destination country well in advance.
Transit Times (Approximate)
Mumbai to Rotterdam: 22–26 days. Mumbai to Felixstowe: 20–24 days. Mumbai to Los Angeles: 25–30 days. Mumbai to Dubai: 6–8 days. Chennai to Singapore: 10–13 days. Add 5–10 days buffer for customs clearance at destination.
