Container Shipping to Chennai — Get Instant Quotes

Why Choose iContainers for Shipping to Chennai?

• South India’s main container gateway. The combined Chennai port complex (Chennai + Kamarajar/Ennore + Kattupalli) moved ≈ 1.8 million TEU in March 2025 YTD—a new record for the Bay of Bengal region. ceicdata.com
• “Detroit of Asia” automotive corridor. Dozens of global carmakers export finished vehicles and import parts through the port, which operates India’s largest Ro/Ro terminal. en.wikipedia.org
• Multi-mode reach from one dashboard. Compare FCL, LCL, or fast air freight via Chennai International Airport (MAA)—which lifted 38 000 t of cargo in March 2025 alone—then book, upload paperwork, and track every milestone online. ceicdata.com
• Local compliance guidance. We walk you through Indian customs’ ICEGATE filings, Duty Drawback codes, and Adani-run CFS procedures so your shipment clears the first time.
• Alternative speed option. Need line-down parts overnight? Book air freight into MAA, clear within 24 h, and truck direct to Chennai’s Sriperumbudur industrial belt.

Our Container Shipping Services to Chennai

Full Container Load (FCL) Shipping

• Most-used mode for automotive parts, textiles, engineering machinery, and chemicals feeding Tamil Nadu’s factories.
• Typical routes & times
  • Shanghai → Chennai: 18–24 days direct main-line service (as fast as 12 days ex-Shenzhen).
  • Rotterdam → Ennore (INENR): ≈ 40 days with weekly Maersk loops.
  
  


• Ports served: Chennai (INMAA), Ennore/Kamarajar (INENR), and Kattupalli—giving shippers choice of three terminals within 30 km.


• Opportunity: Direct on-dock rail into India’s ICD network slashes inland haulage to Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune.

Less than Container Load (LCL) Shipping

• Pay only for the space you use—ideal for < 15 m³ / < 12 t.
• Weekly consolidations from Shenzhen, Antwerp, and Los Angeles feed Chennai CFS facilities.
• Popular with SMEs shipping electronics, leather goods, pharma inputs, and specialty foods.
• Transit-time references
  • Hamburg → Chennai (LCL): ~32–35 days door-CFS.
  • Singapore → Chennai: 7–10 days feeder service.
  
  

Air-freight alternative – Critical samples or AOG spares land at MAA in 1–3 days and reach factories the same day.

How Long Does It Take to Ship a Container to Chennai?

• East Asia → Chennai: 12–24 days depending on origin and service loop.




• Europe → Chennai: 38–42 days with one trans-shipment (often Colombo or Singapore).




• US Gulf/East Coast → Chennai: 28–33 days via Suez.




• Air freight via MAA: 1–3 days door-to-door within Asia; 3–5 days ex-Europe/US.

Popular Routes and Ports for Shipping to Chennai

Steps to Book Your Container Shipment with iContainers

1. Generate an instant quote for FCL, LCL, or air.
2. Upload documents—commercial invoice, packing list, HS codes, and any DG approvals.
3. Confirm & pay online.
4. Track gate-in, departure, trans-shipment, and arrival in real time.
5. Customs clearance—file via ICEGATE yourself or let our licensed broker handle valuation, duties, and GST.
6. Arrange final-mile trucking to Sriperumbudur, Oragadam, or your free-trade-zone warehouse.

What Can You Ship in a Container to Chennai?

Common Commodities

• Automobiles & parts
• Textiles & garments
• Leather goods
• Engineering machinery
• Electronics
• Granite & building stone

Restricted or Prohibited Goods

• Used electronics without e-waste permits
• Hazardous chemicals not declared under IMDG Code
• Petroleum products without DG licence
• Counterfeit brands and pirated media
• Wood packaging not ISPM-15 treated