Ocean Freight to Indonesia
Shipping to Indonesia by sea is a strategic choice for businesses of all sizes due to the country's massive maritime infrastructure, rapidly expanding consumer market, and its role as a Southeast Asian logistics hub. With over 17,000 islands, Indonesia relies heavily on ocean freight for both import and domestic distribution. iContainers enables shippers to compare carriers, optimize routing, and book reliable container services to Indonesia in just a few clicks.
Why Ship to Indonesia with iContainers?
Indonesia sits along critical global trade corridors, connecting the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Its ports - especially Jakarta (Tanjung Priok), Surabaya (Tanjung Perak), and Belawan - handle millions of TEUs annually and serve as gateways for goods entering Southeast Asia.
Choosing iContainers allows you to simplify your end-to-end freight management thanks to a combination of digital tools, transparent pricing, and professional support throughout your shipment lifecycle.
Reliable Door-to-Door & Port-to-Port Options
Whether you're shipping full loads or smaller consignments, iContainers provides flexible service configurations:
- Door-to-door, door-to-port, and port-to-port arrangements
- Trusted local Indonesian handling partners
- Real-time container tracking and proactive coordination
This flexibility allows you to match service levels to your business needs and timeline.
Competitive Freight Rates from Major Origins
Indonesia receives large import volumes from the United States, China, Europe, India, and the Middle East. Through access to multiple carriers and schedules, iContainers helps you:
- Compare rates across shipping lines
- Review breakdowns of surcharges before booking
- Balance cost vs transit time to select the best option
Expertise in Indonesia Trade Routes
Indonesia's ports each serve different economic zones. iContainers' experience with these trade lanes enables you to:
- Identify the best port for your cargo's destination
- Understand bottlenecks such as monsoon season or peak demand periods
- Prepare properly for import regulations and documentation
This expertise minimizes delays and improves shipment reliability.
Ocean Freight Services to Indonesia
We provide both FCL and LCL solutions tailored to your supply chain.
FCL Shipping to Indonesia
Full Container Load (FCL) is the best option for high-volume cargo or when minimizing handling is critical.
- Ideal for regular shipments
- Higher security and reduced cargo exposure
- Predictable transit timelines
You can choose 20', 40', 40' High Cube, or special equipment like open-top and flat-rack containers.
LCL Shipping to Indonesia
Less than Container Load (LCL) is suitable for businesses shipping smaller quantities.
- Pay only for the volume you use
- Perfect for sampling new markets or testing demand
- Consolidated cargo helps reduce overall shipping costs
Shipping Costs to Indonesia
Calculating ocean freight rates involves more than just the base charge. Several factors shape your final cost.
What Influences Your Ocean Freight Cost?
- Origin & distance: Asia-Indonesia lanes differ significantly from EU-Indonesia or U.S.-Indonesia routes
- Container type: Standard dry containers vs reefers or special equipment
- Cargo volume & weight: Heavier goods may incur additional fees
- Port charges: Local terminal handling costs in major Indonesian ports
- Market seasonality: Lunar New Year, Ramadan, and peak season demand spikes
Using iContainers' platform, you can adjust routes, container types, and service levels to find optimal pricing.
Container shipping rates
How much does it cost to ship a container to Indonesia?
Transit Times to Indonesia
Transit times depend on where you are shipping from, the selected carrier, and whether your route includes transshipment.
Average Transit Times from the U.S
Routes from the U.S. to Indonesia vary widely:
- West Coast ports (Los Angeles, Oakland) to Jakarta: approx. 22-32 days
- East Coast ports (New York, Savannah) often require transshipment: 30-45 days
Transit Times from Europe & Asia
- Northern Europe to Indonesia: approx. 22-35 days
- China, South Korea, and Japan to Indonesia: 5-10 days depending on port pairs
Factors That Affect Delivery Speed
- Port congestion in Jakarta or Surabaya
- Severe weather during monsoon season
- Documentation issues or customs inspections
- Transshipment delays in Singapore or Malaysia
Main Ports in Indonesia
Indonesia's port system spans thousands of islands; the following are the most significant for international ocean freight:
Port of Tanjung Priok (Jakarta)
Indonesia's busiest and most technologically advanced container port, serving the Greater Jakarta region and Java's industrial belt.
Port of Tanjung Perak (Surabaya)
A major gateway to eastern Indonesia, serving manufacturing and agricultural supply chains.
Port of Belawan (Medan)
Located in North Sumatra, Belawan is critical for commodities, agricultural exports, and regional trade.
Which Port Should You Choose?
The right port depends on:
- The final inland delivery point
- Transit times and carrier availability
- Whether your cargo requires specialized terminals
iContainers assists in selecting the most efficient port for your specific needs.
How to Book Your Shipment to Indonesia
Required Documents
Typical documents for importing into Indonesia include:
- Commercial invoice & packing list
- Bill of Lading or Sea Waybill
- Certificate of Origin
- Import permits for restricted goods
- Product-specific certificates (sanitary, fumigation, phytosanitary, etc.)
Customs & Regulations Overview
Indonesia has detailed customs requirements. To avoid delays:
- Ensure HS codes and product descriptions are accurate
- Verify if your goods require additional permits
- Coordinate closely with your customs broker
iContainers helps you streamline documentation and coordinate with local experts.
Step-by-Step Booking Process
- Request an online quote with details on origin, destination, cargo type, and service level
- Compare rates and transit times
- Confirm your booking
- Upload shipping documents
- Coordinate pick-up and delivery
- Track your shipment until it reaches the consignee
FAQs About Shipping to Indonesia
The cost of shipping a container to Indonesia depends on your origin, container type (FCL or LCL), cargo weight and volume, and current market rates. The most accurate way to get a price is to request an instant quote on the iContainers platform, where you'll see all charges itemized before booking.
Transit times to Indonesia vary by origin and service. Shipments from nearby ports in the Americas can arrive within days, while shipments from Europe or Asia may take several weeks. When you request a quote with iContainers, estimated transit times are displayed alongside the rates so you can choose the option that best fits your schedule.
The best container type depends on your cargo's size, weight, and characteristics:
- 20' or 40' dry containers for most general cargo
- 40' High Cube for lighter, voluminous goods
- Reefer containers for temperature-controlled products
- Special equipment (open top, flat rack) for oversized items
If you're unsure which option is right for you, our specialists can review your cargo details and recommend the most suitable container type.
