Do you handle refrigerated (reefer) container shipments?

Yes. We arrange reefer (refrigerated) FCL containers for temperature-controlled cargo such as fresh produce, dairy, seafood, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals requiring controlled temperature during transit. We coordinate pre-trip inspection, temperature setting, and monitoring at key ports.

AEO-Certified FFFAI Member Since 1990 Est. 1988 JNPT · Mundra · Chennai

Ocean Freight from India —
FCL & LCL, All Trade Lanes

Full container loads and consolidated shipments from India's major ports — JNPT, Mundra, Chennai, Cochin, and Kolkata — to 120+ destination countries. Direct carrier relationships, AEO-accelerated customs, and over 35 years of sea freight experience.

FCL vs LCL

Full container or consolidated — we advise both

The choice between FCL and LCL depends on volume, transit time requirements, and commodity. NG Pillai advises on optimal mode as part of every freight quote.

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FCL — Full Container Load

You book an entire 20ft, 40ft, or 40HC container exclusively for your cargo. Best for volumes above 15 CBM, faster transit (no CFS consolidation delay), lower risk of cargo damage, and easier temperature control for reefer shipments. Container types: Dry, Reefer, Open Top, Flat Rack, Tank.

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LCL — Less than Container Load

Your cargo shares a container with other shippers' goods. You pay per CBM. Cost-effective for shipments under 10–12 CBM. Weekly consolidation departures from all major Indian CFS. Additional 3–5 days for consolidation and deconsolidation at origin and destination.

Trade Lanes

Key routes from Indian ports

Route	Service	FCL Transit	LCL Transit	Frequency
JNPT → Jebel Ali (UAE)	Direct	10–14 days	14–18 days	Daily sailings
Mundra → Jebel Ali (UAE)	Direct	8–12 days	12–16 days	Weekly x3
JNPT → New York / Baltimore	Direct / Transship	24–32 days	28–35 days	Weekly
JNPT → Hamburg / Rotterdam	Direct	20–26 days	25–30 days	Weekly x2
Chennai → Singapore / Port Klang	Direct	7–10 days	10–14 days	Weekly x2
Cochin → Colombo (feeder)	Feeder + Main	3–5 days + onward	5–7 days + onward	Daily
Kolkata → Singapore / Colombo	Direct / Feeder	10–15 days	14–18 days	Weekly
ICD Tughlakabad → JNPT (rail)	Rail feeder	3–4 days rail	3–4 days rail	Daily

Container Types

Specialist container handling

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Dry / General Purpose

Standard 20ft and 40ft dry containers for non-perishable commercial cargo. 40HC (high-cube) for lightweight, voluminous goods.

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Reefer (Refrigerated)

Temperature-controlled containers from -25°C to +25°C. Fresh produce, dairy, pharma, seafood, and chemicals. Pre-trip inspection coordinated at origin port.

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Open Top / Flat Rack

For cargo that cannot be top-loaded into a standard box — machinery, structural steel, turbines, vehicles. Lashing and securing arranged at CFS.

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ISO Tank

Bulk liquid cargo — chemicals, food-grade liquids, pharmaceuticals, and petrochemicals. ISO tank hire and cleaning certificates arranged.

How It Works

Sea freight — step by step

Cargo details and rate

Share commodity, HS code, weight, volume (CBM), port of origin and destination, and required delivery timeline. We compare FCL vs LCL and send rate with routing within 2–4 hours.

Carrier booking and container release

Shipping line booking confirmation, container release order, and CFS/terminal stuffing appointment. For FCL, container is delivered to your factory gate or stuffed at our CFS.

Export customs clearance

Shipping Bill filing with Indian Customs, AEO-accelerated processing, Let Export Order (LEO), and customs-sealed container handoff to shipping line at port gate.

Bill of Lading and document release

Draft B/L sent for your approval. Original or Telex Release B/L issued per your preference. Full document set sent: B/L, commercial invoice, packing list, CoO if applicable.

Destination clearance and delivery

Pre-alert to destination agent. Import customs clearance coordination, port demurrage and detention management, and final delivery to consignee's warehouse.

FAQ

Ocean freight questions

What is the cheapest way to ship cargo from India by sea?

LCL (Less than Container Load) is the most cost-effective for shipments under 10–12 CBM, as you pay only for the space your cargo uses. For volumes above 15 CBM, FCL is typically cheaper per CBM and moves faster — no consolidation delay. We compare both options and advise at the enquiry stage.

What documents are needed for sea freight from India?

Standard export documents include: commercial invoice, packing list, Bill of Lading, Shipping Bill (Indian customs), and Certificate of Origin where required by the destination country for preferential duty. Commodity-specific documents (phytosanitary, quality, FSSAI, fumigation) may apply. We guide all documentation as part of our service.

Which is the best port to ship from for North India cargo?

North India origin cargo (Delhi NCR, UP, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana) most commonly moves via ICD Tughlakabad or ICD Patparganj to JNPT by rail (3–4 days), or direct trucking to JNPT. Mundra is preferred for Gujarat and Rajasthan-origin cargo on certain routes. We advise on port selection based on your commodity and destination lane.

Do you handle refrigerated container shipments?

Yes. We arrange reefer FCL containers for temperature-controlled cargo — fresh produce, dairy, seafood, pharma, and chemicals requiring controlled temperature. We coordinate pre-trip inspection, temperature set-point, generator fuel at transit ports, and temperature data download on delivery.

What is a telex release Bill of Lading?

A telex release (also called Express Release or Surrender) means the original Bill of Lading is surrendered at origin, and the shipping line instructs their destination office to release the cargo without physical BL presentation. It speeds up cargo release at destination — commonly used for India–UAE trade where buyers have trusted relationships with sellers.

Ocean Freight from India —FCL & LCL, All Trade Lanes