Ocean and Air Freight from India to China
India and China stand as two of the globe's largest manufacturing powerhouses, with a bilateral trade exceeding $86 billion. While occasional tensions persist, particularly over contested border regions, businesses, regardless of size, continue to enjoy the freedom of shipping goods from India to China.
In order to streamline the shipping process, this guide caters to both seasoned and novice shippers. It delves into the options of LCL (Less than Container Load) and FCL (Full Container Load) shipping, Shipping costs, transit times, and expert advice on avoiding customs clearance hassles when importing from India to China are also included.
Options for Shipping Freight from India to China:
When exporting from India to China, shippers generally opt for either air or ocean shipping, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Ocean Freight from India to China:
LCL (Less than Container Load): Ideal for small consignments, LCL allows goods to share container space with other shipments until the container is fully loaded before shipping.
FCL (Full Container Load): For shipments exceeding 15 cubic meters, FCL is recommended. Goods are transported in 20 or 40ft containers based on the shipment's size.
Air Freight from India to China:
Air freight provides the fastest option for shipping commercial goods between India and China, though it comes at a higher cost.
Cost for Shipping Cargo from India to China:
Several factors influence the shipment cost from India to China, including the type of goods, preferred transportation mode, weight, dimensions, distance, and service type (port-to-port, door-to-door, door-to-port, or port-to-door). Notably, sea freight is cost-effective for goods weighing over 100 kg, while lighter shipments might cost similarly via air or ocean freight. Extremely light shipments (below 35 kg) should consult international couriers as most freight forwarders don't handle such loads.
Transit Time for Shipping Cargo from India to China:
Shipping times vary depending on the mode of transit:
Air freight takes approximately three days for shipment from India to China.
Sea freight requires more time, ranging from three to ten weeks for LCL or FCL transit.
Sea Freight Transit Time from India to China:
Shipment transit times by sea from India to China differ based on the port pairs. As an approximate guide:
| From | To | Time Taken |
|---|---|---|
| Nhava Sheva | Shanghai | 36 days (FCL) |
| Nhava Sheva | Shanghai | 23 days (LCL) |
| Chennai | Shanghai | 31 days (FCL) |
| Chennai | Shanghai | 18 days (LCL) |
| Kolkata | Shanghai | 36 days (FCL) |
| Chennai | Ningbo | 32 days (FCL) |
| Chennai | Xiamen | 68 days (FCL) |
| Kolkata | Dalian or Shenzhen | 36 days (FCL) |
| Cochin | Huangpu | 46 days (FCL) |
| Krishnapatnam | Wuhu | 36 days (FCL) |
| Chennai | Dalian or Shekou | 27 days (FCL) |
| Chennai | Tianjin | 29 days (FCL) |
| Mundra | Qingdao or Shanghai | 26 days (FCL) |
| Mundra | Xiamen | 36 days (FCL) |
| Nhava Sheva | Dalian | 19 days (FCL) |
| Nhava Sheva | Huangpu | 25 days (FCL) |
| Nhava Sheva | Ningbo | 20 days (FCL) |
| Tuticorin | Huangpu | 27 days (FCL) |
Air Freight Transit Time from India to China:
Approximate air-freight transit times between India and China, accounting for customs clearance and flight duration:
| From | To | Time Taken |
|---|---|---|
| Mumbai | Shanghai-Pudong | 6 days |
| Chennai | Shanghai-Pudong | 6 days |
| Chennai | Qingdao | 3 days |
| Chennai | Guangzhou | 3 days |
| Mumbai | Chengdu | 3 days |
| Ahmedabad | Beijing | 3 days |
| Bangalore | Guangzhou | 4 days |
| Mumbai | Guangzhou | 8 days |
| Mumbai | Tianjin | 8 days |
Customs Clearance in India and China:
Freight leaving India and arriving in China must undergo customs clearance, a complex process that many shippers prefer to entrust to freight forwarders. Utilizing experts can prevent costly shipment delays and ensure compliance with regulations in both countries. Necessary documentation typically includes a commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, letter of credit or payment terms, and bills of lading or airway bills.
Choosing between Ocean Freight and Air Freight:
Ocean Freight from India to China:
LCL Shipping: Suitable for consignments occupying six or fewer standard pallets, LCL allows immediate shipping without waiting for a full container load. However, LCL shipments may be subject to multiple movements, which could impact fragile goods and add transit time.
FCL Shipping: Recommended for shipments filling more than half of a 20ft container, FCL ensures exclusive use of the container without consolidation or deconsolidation. FCL reduces handling and suits fragile or valuable cargo, but loading/unloading equipment availability may limit pickup and delivery options.
Air Freight from India to China:
Air freight is the quickest option for perishable goods or high-value items and offers more predictable delivery times compared to ocean shipping. However, the higher cost and limitations on size, weight, and types of goods may make air freight less favorable for some shipments.
Why Choose PDS for Shipping from India to China?
PDS aims to simplify the process of importing from India to China for businesses of all sizes. Its user-friendly online platform allows seamless management of imports and exports from a single location. PDS specializes in both ocean and air shipping, ensuring timely and reliable deliveries. The platform offers quick online quotes, easy booking and payment, comprehensive guidance on required documentation, full customs clearance services, and 24/7 customer support. With PDS, shippers can be confident of complying with international shipping regulations while enjoying a smooth and efficient shipping experience.
FAQs
1) How much is sea freight from India to China?
Sea freight costs can vary widely depending on factors such as the type of cargo, departure and destination ports, shipping company, and the chosen shipping route. On average, sea freight rates from India to China can range from $500 to $1500 or more for a standard 20ft container.
2) How much does it cost to ship a 40ft container from India to China?
Shipping a 40ft container would generally cost more than shipping a 20ft container. Costs can range from $1000 to $3000 or more, depending on the factors mentioned earlier.
3) How many days from India to China by sea?
The shipping duration between India and China by sea can vary depending on the specific ports of departure and arrival. On average, it can take around 10 to 30 days for sea freight shipments to travel between major ports in India and China.
4) How much is air freight from India to China?
Air freight costs are generally higher than sea freight costs due to the quicker transit time. The cost of air freight can vary significantly depending on factors like the type of cargo, dimensions, weight, and the airline. On average, air freight rates from India to China can range from $2 to $8 or more per kilogram.
5) What is the cheapest way to ship to China?
Sea freight is generally considered the more economical option for shipping larger quantities of goods between India and China. However, it comes with a longer transit time compared to air freight.
6) How long does it take to ship from India to China?
Sea freight can take around 10 to 30 days on average, while air freight is significantly faster, with shipping times ranging from a few days to a week.
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