How much does it cost to ship a container to India

Ocean freight to India has increased significantly as the country transitioned to a free market economy. Container shipping rates from New York City to Calcutta begin at about $1,075. Of course, rates vary by state as well as country. Interestingly enough, India’s largest export is petroleum. It’s other known exports include gems and jewelry, pharmaceutical products, instruments, cotton, yarn, fabrics, and ready-made garments (not including knitted or crocheted fabrics).

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Historical ocean freight rates from the USA to India

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On the historical chart above you can see the average price of the sea freight from USA to India during the past 18 months. These figures don´t include any additional or unexpected cost incurred during the booking and shipping process.
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Main ports in India

Shipping your container to your preferred port in India has never been easier. Bangalore, Mundra, Kolkata… with iContainers you can choose among 24 different ports for your ocean freight transport from the US. Shipping from Spain? No problem at all, take your pick from the 16 ports iContainers operates in in India.

FAQs about shipping your container to India

What is the estimated transit time for shipping a container to India?

Estimated transit time to send a container to India can go from 20 to 54 days. The main – although not the sole - factor that determines this is the route and distance between the port of origin and the destination port. However, you should also keep in mind there could be unexpected incidents to be faced during transit that could result in delays.

What type of cargo can be sent in a container?

When it comes to transporting dry bulk, your best choice will surely be a standard dry shipping container. These containers are suitable for the majority of commodities which is why they are many businesses in ocean freight’s usual go-to option. However, it is important to remember that since these containers don’t offer refrigeration or ventilation so they shouldn’t be used to transport sensitive cargo.

How do you figure out shipping cost to India?

There are a number of elements that define sea freight prices. The basics are rather intuitive: the type of container required, the cargo’s dimensions, the chosen Incoterm and the transit time. Having said that, there are then a series of extra costs related to any special requirements for the transportation of goods which usually play in when freight is sensitive.

What container capacity do I need for my cargo?

In an effort to offer shippers a range of options, dry shipping containers’ dimensions have been standardized. Roughly speaking, 20ft containers – the smallest type – have a volume of 1,172 CFT / 33.2 CBM while the largest’s (45ft) volume is of 3,122 CFT / 88.4 CBM. This being said, if you’re looking to ship low-volume cargo, sharing a container with other shippers’ goods (LCL shipping) may be a better choice.

FOB vs CIF: What´s the difference?

CIF and FBO are often a source of confusion for shippers having to choose the best Incoterms for their ocean freight. Choosing between one or the other usually depends on your role as a seller or a buyer: under CIF, sellers hold a wider extent of responsibility over exported goods since they are held liable for all requirements attached to transportation for goods until their delivery to the destination port. Under FOB, sellers’ obligations end once the cargo has been loaded on the vessel.

What paperwork is needed for international shipments to India?

The complete (seemingly endless, we know) list of documents that you need when shipping internationally is hard to define as a standard model to follow. Although there is certain paperwork that is indeed required in any freight transaction – a Bill of lading, a commercial invoice or a packing list – most of it will depend on the country of origin and destination’s requirements, the type of cargo being transported etc,.

Importing From Asia In 2022

Discover how to import or export from/to China, India or Vietnam and avoid delays on your cargo. Includes Incoterms and documents.

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Klaus Lydsal

"Customs duties play an important role in your international shipment. How they're determined and calculated varies from country to country"

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