Starting June 1st, 2023 Our warehouse fee will be $0.65/cubic foot per month
In effort to lower the warehouse storage fee during inflation, we have went narrow aisle racking.This construction took us four months but the project is finally completed. With narrow aisle racking, we are able to drop storage by 24%.We as partners will go through this inflation together.
05/18/2025
Thinking about shipping from India to the United States? The process can be overwhelming with so many options and regulations. But don’t worry, we at Worldcraft Logistics are here to break down the nuances, providing you with the most comprehensive information so you can choose a shipping method that is smarter, faster, and at the best price.
Shipping from India to the USA involves multiple steps, from choosing the right shipping method to clearing customs efficiently. Whether you're a business owner importing bulk goods or an individual shipping personal items, understanding the process is key to saving both time and money.
At Worldcraft Logistics, we simplify global trade by making international shipping straightforward and stress-free. Here’s a detailed guide to help you navigate the process of shipping from India to USA effectively.
Start by identifying the type, volume, and weight of the goods you intend to ship. Are you sending small parcels, commercial goods, or heavy machinery? The nature of your shipment influences everything from documentation to the shipping method.
Pro tip: Always classify your goods using the correct HS (Harmonized System) code to avoid customs delays.
There are two primary modes of shipping from India to the US:
Air Freight: Ideal for urgent or lightweight shipments. It's fast but comes with higher costs.
Ocean Freight: Best suited for large or heavy shipments. More cost-effective but takes longer in transit.
Depending on the urgency and budget, you can also opt for courier services for small parcels or LCL (Less than Container Load) shipping for mid-sized loads.
Partnering with an experienced freight forwarder, like Worldcraft Logistics, ensures your shipment is handled professionally from start to finish. We assist with packaging, documentation, carrier booking, customs clearance, and even door-to-door delivery.
Look for a logistics provider that offers:
Transparent pricing
Real-time tracking
Expertise in shipping from India to the USA
Customs compliance knowledge
Proper documentation is essential for successful international shipping. Common documents include:
Commercial Invoice
Packing List
Bill of Lading or Air Waybill
Importer Security Filing (ISF)
Certificate of Origin (if applicable)
Any licenses required by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
We’ll go over the required documents in detail later in the article.
Ensure your goods are securely packaged according to international shipping standards. Incorrect packaging can result in damages or delays.
Use proper labeling that includes:
Sender and receiver addresses
Package weight and dimensions
Handling instructions (e.g., Fragile, This Side Up)
Once everything is ready, your freight forwarder will book space with the appropriate carrier. At Worldcraft Logistics, we offer competitive rates and flexible scheduling with trusted carriers for both air and sea freight.
Your goods must clear Indian customs before departure. We help prepare and submit the necessary documents to the Indian Customs Authority. It’s important to declare the value of your goods correctly and ensure all legal requirements are met.
Your shipment is now on its way. Depending on the chosen method, shipping from India to USA can take anywhere from 3 days (via air) to over 30 days (via ocean freight).
We provide real-time tracking so you can monitor your shipment throughout its journey.
Upon arrival in the U.S., your shipment must clear U.S. customs. This step includes:
Verification of documentation
Inspection of goods (if required)
Assessment of duties and taxes
We coordinate directly with CBP and ensure compliance with all U.S. import regulations.
Once customs clearance is complete, your shipment can be delivered to the final destination either to a warehouse, business location, or residential address. Our door-to-door solutions make this last step seamless.
Shipping from India to the USA may seem complex, but with the right logistics partner, it becomes a smooth, transparent process. At Worldcraft Logistics, we handle every step with care and expertise so your goods reach the U.S. safely and on time.
One of the most common questions importers ask is, “How much does shipping from India to the US cost?” The answer depends on a variety of factors ranging from shipment size and mode of transport to customs duties and surcharges.
Shipping Method | Weight/Volume | Estimated Cost (USD) |
Air Freight | 100 kg | $500 – $800 |
Express Courier | 5 kg | $50 – $100 |
LCL Sea Freight | 2 CBM | $150 – $300 |
20ft FCL | Full container | $2,500 – $4,500 |
40ft FCL | Full container | $4,000 – $6,500 |
*Note: These are ballpark figures. Final pricing depends on the latest rates and surcharges.
There’s no one-size-fits-all pricing model. Shipping charges are influenced by the following:
Air Freight: Costs range from $3 to $8 per kg, depending on the service level and airline. Faster delivery comes at a higher price.
Sea Freight:
FCL (Full Container Load): A 20-foot container typically costs $2,000–$4,000, while a 40-foot container can range from $3,500–$6,500, depending on the route and season.
LCL (Less than Container Load): Charged per CBM (cubic meter). Rates average $30–$80 per CBM.
Air freight charges are based on chargeable weight, which factors in both actual and volumetric weight. Sea freight is priced by volume (CBM) unless it’s FCL.
The origin and destination also influence cost. For example:
Chennai to Los Angeles
Mumbai to New York
Delhi to Houston
More popular and direct routes usually offer better rates.
Import duties in the USA vary by product. Typically:
Duty rates range from 0% to 25%, depending on the HS code
U.S. customs also applies handling fees, which can add to your final cost
Worldcraft Logistics can help you classify your goods correctly and estimate duties in advance.
These may include:
Fuel surcharges
Port handling fees
Inland trucking (for door-to-door delivery)
Insurance (optional but recommended)
Documentation fees
When planning international logistics, understanding the shipping time from India to the USA is crucial. Whether you're importing electronics, textiles, auto parts, or personal belongings, selecting the right shipping method and knowing the estimated delivery timeline can help you save time, reduce costs, and avoid supply chain disruptions.
Let’s explore the different shipping options and their average transit times.
Sea freight is the most economical method for transporting large volumes of cargo. It's widely used by manufacturers, exporters, and businesses that can accommodate longer delivery windows.
Average Transit Time:
Full Container Load (FCL): 28 to 67 days
Less than Container Load (LCL): 30 to 70 days
Examples of Common Routes:
Origin Port (India) | Destination Port (USA) | Estimated Transit Time |
Nhava Sheva (Mumbai) | New York | 28–38 days |
Chennai | Los Angeles | 32–45 days |
Mundra | Houston | 35–50 days |
Kolkata | Savannah | 40–55 days |
🔎 Tip: LCL shipments usually take longer due to the time required for cargo consolidation and deconsolidation.
Air freight is the preferred option for time-sensitive and high-value shipments. While it costs more than sea freight, it significantly reduces delivery time.
Average Transit Time:
Standard Air Freight: 2 to 8 business days
Express Air Freight: 1 to 3 business days (via carriers like FedEx, UPS, DHL)
For small parcels, documents, and low-weight items, courier services offer the fastest and most convenient shipping from India to USA.
Average Transit Time:
Express Services (DHL, FedEx, UPS): ⏳ 2 to 5 business days
Economy Services: ⏳ 5 to 10 business days
🚀 These services are door-to-door and often include customs clearance, insurance, and tracking as part of the package.
Shipping times are never guaranteed, and a range of external factors can influence your delivery window:
Port or Airport Congestion: High cargo volumes during peak seasons (e.g., Diwali, Black Friday, Chinese New Year) can delay shipments.
Customs Clearance: Errors in paperwork, missing invoices, or restricted goods can cause clearance delays.
Weather Conditions: Monsoons in India or hurricanes on the U.S. coast can impact both sea and air transit.
Transit Routes: Direct shipments are faster. Transshipments (transit through a third country) may add days or even weeks.
Pandemics & Geopolitical Events: These can lead to unexpected delays due to port closures or flight suspensions.
If you’re planning a shipment from India to the USA, always consult with a reputable freight forwarder or 3PL logistics company. They can provide real-time quotes, transit time estimates, and handle documentation to reduce delays.
When considering shipping from India to the USA, selecting the optimal route is crucial for efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The choice of ports, shipping lines, and transit times can significantly impact your logistics strategy.
Sea freight remains a popular method for shipping from India to the USA, especially for bulk goods. Here are some of the top sea routes:
Nhava Sheva (Mumbai) to New York: This route is one of the busiest, connecting India's largest container port to the East Coast of the USA.
Mundra to Los Angeles: Ideal for shipments heading to the West Coast, this route offers access to major distribution centers in California.
Chennai to Savannah: A strategic route for reaching the southeastern USA, providing connectivity to several inland destinations.
Cochin to Houston: This route serves the Gulf Coast, facilitating trade in oil, gas, and chemical industries.
Recent developments have introduced direct services enhancing these routes:
IAX Service: Connecting ports like Port Qasim, Hazira, Nhava Sheva, and Mundra in India to New York, Savannah, Jacksonville, Charleston, and Norfolk in the USA.
V.O. Chidambaranar Port: This port in South India offers a direct weekly container service to the USA with a transit time of approximately 22 days.
For time-sensitive shipments, air freight is the preferred choice. Key air routes include:
Delhi (DEL) to New York (JFK): A major corridor for electronics, textiles, and pharmaceuticals.
Mumbai (BOM) to Chicago (ORD): Facilitates trade in automotive parts and machinery.
Bangalore (BLR) to Los Angeles (LAX): Supports the tech industry's supply chain between India and Silicon Valley.
Consulting with experienced freight forwarders can provide insights into the most efficient and cost-effective routes for your specific needs. Understanding the top shipping routes from India to the USA is essential for optimizing your supply chain. Whether you choose sea freight for cost savings or air freight for speed, selecting the right route ensures timely and efficient delivery of your goods.
The most cost-effective way of shipping from India to the USA is by ocean freight. This method is ideal for bulk shipments and offers the lowest cost per kilogram compared to air or courier services. While transit times are longer, typically between 25 to 45 days sea freight remains the preferred option for businesses looking to minimize expenses, especially when shipping large volumes of goods such as textiles, electronics, or machinery.
For smaller shipments, postal services like India Post or economy courier options can also provide affordable solutions, particularly for lightweight packages. While air freight is faster, it tends to be more expensive and is best reserved for urgent or high-value shipments. Overall, planning ahead and consolidating cargo are key strategies to reduce costs when shipping from India to the USA.
When shipping from India to the USA, partnering with a reliable logistics provider is essential to ensure smooth delivery, cost-efficiency, and full compliance with international shipping regulations. Whether you're a small-scale exporter or an established manufacturer, the right shipping partner in India can help manage everything from freight booking and documentation to customs clearance and final delivery across the U.S.
India is one of the world’s leading exporters, with major seaports like Nhava Sheva (JNPT), Mundra, and Chennai, and international air hubs such as Delhi (DEL) and Mumbai (BOM). Many experienced freight forwarders and global 3PLs operate in India, offering ocean, air, and express shipping options to the U.S. Top names include:
India Post – Best for low-cost international delivery of documents and small parcels via USPS in the U.S.
Shiprocket X – Ideal for eCommerce sellers, offering affordable and simplified cross-border shipping from India to the USA.
FedEx India – Great for express air shipping with flexible delivery windows and strong customs support.
Maersk India – A global ocean freight leader, well-suited for FCL (Full Container Load) shipping of bulk goods to major U.S. ports.
Blue Dart–DHL Express – Excellent for urgent shipments and air express service with reliable tracking and coverage across both India and the USA.
Freightwalla – A tech-enabled Indian freight forwarder offering instant quotes, digital bookings, and transparent pricing for ocean freight.
Aramex India – Offers competitive air freight rates with end-to-end delivery, including customs support for commercial shipments.
Jeena & Company – A longstanding Indian logistics provider specializing in customs brokerage, consolidation, and multimodal freight forwarding.
Worldcraft Logistics – A trusted U.S.-based 3PL with strong freight forwarding capabilities and local partners in India. They provide full-service shipping solutions including door-to-door delivery, flexible LCL/FCL options, and expert handling of customs clearance and regulatory compliance from India to the USA.
Whether you're shipping textiles from Tiruppur, auto parts from Pune, or pharmaceutical goods from Hyderabad, these providers offer customizable freight options to fit your budget and delivery timeline.Choosing the right freight forwarder helps ensure that your shipment reaches its U.S. destination securely, on time, and without hidden costs.
When shipping from India to the USA, especially for bulk or commercial shipments, having the correct documentation is crucial to ensure smooth customs clearance, avoid delays, and comply with international trade regulations. Here’s a list of the essential documents required:
Document Name | Purpose | Mandatory? | Notes |
Commercial Invoice | Details goods value, HS code, Incoterms, and parties involved | ✅ Yes | Crucial for customs clearance and tax/duty calculations |
Packing List | Lists packaging details such as weight, dimensions, and quantity | ✅ Yes | Used for verification by customs and freight carriers |
Bill of Lading (B/L) | Contract of carriage and proof of shipment for sea freight | ✅ Yes | Ocean B/L required for sea freight; Air Waybill (AWB) for air shipments |
Importer Exporter Code (IEC) | Legal authorization for exports from India | ✅ Yes | Issued by India’s DGFT, mandatory for all exporters |
Certificate of Origin (COO) | Certifies that goods originate from India | ✅ Yes | May help reduce import duties under trade agreements |
Proforma Invoice | Pre-shipment quote showing intended transaction details | ❌ Optional | Helpful for buyer approval and import license applications |
Letter of Credit / Payment Proof | Ensures payment security between buyer and seller | ⚠ If needed | Required for certain payment terms, especially large/bulk orders |
Insurance Certificate | Provides proof of insurance coverage during transit | ⚠ If CIF | Required when shipping under CIF terms (Cost, Insurance, Freight) |
Customs Declaration Form | Declares goods and value to Indian and US customs authorities | ✅ Yes | Typically filed electronically by a customs broker or freight forwarder |
Phytosanitary Certificate | Certifies plant/food products are pest-free | ⚠ If applicable | Mandatory for agricultural shipments |
Fumigation Certificate | Proves wooden packaging is pest-free (ISPM 15 compliant) | ⚠ If applicable | Required when using wood-based pallets or crates |
FDA Prior Notice | Required for food, drugs, cosmetics entering the USA | ⚠ If applicable | Must be submitted to FDA prior to shipment arrival |
MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) | Safety information for chemicals or hazardous goods | ⚠ If applicable | Must comply with international regulations for dangerous goods |
BIS Certification | Confirms product compliance with Indian standards (if regulated) | ⚠ If applicable | Required for items falling under the mandatory BIS scheme |
Worldcraft Logistics proudly supports international bulk freight services from India to the USA, offering reliable, cost-effective solutions tailored to your shipping needs. Whether you're moving full container loads (FCL) or less-than-container loads (LCL), our experienced team ensures smooth customs clearance, efficient transit, and end-to-end tracking. As a trusted partner in global logistics, we help businesses streamline their supply chain when shipping from India to the USA.
Duties and taxes are determined based on the product’s declared value, classification under the HS (Harmonized System) code, and country of origin. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) assesses import duty and applicable taxes such as tariffs or anti-dumping fees. It's important to use accurate commercial invoices and proper documentation to avoid penalties.
Tracking is available via your carrier or freight forwarder’s online portal. Air and courier shipments usually offer real-time tracking, while ocean freight provides milestone updates (e.g., departure, arrival, customs clearance). Worldcraft Logistics offers comprehensive tracking tools for shipments from India to the USA.
Economy courier services like India Post or Aramex are generally the cheapest for small packages. For faster delivery, DHL, FedEx, and UPS offer reliable express services—though they are more expensive. Choosing the right service depends on your budget and urgency.
Prohibited items include narcotics, counterfeit goods, firearms, flammable materials, certain chemicals, and items violating U.S. import laws. Always check with your carrier or U.S. Customs for an updated list of restricted items before shipping.
Shipping times can vary due to customs clearance, weather, port congestion, or global supply chain disruptions. While most shipments proceed as scheduled, occasional delays may occur, especially during peak seasons. Working with a reliable logistics provider can help minimize risks.
DTDC’s charges vary depending on the service type (express vs. economy), weight, and destination zone. On average, charges range from ₹1,500–₹2,500 per kg for express delivery. Contact DTDC directly or visit their website for the latest rate calculator.
The cost of shipping a 20-foot container (FCL) from India to the USA typically ranges from $1,500 to $3,500, depending on the route, fuel surcharges, and season. For 40-foot containers, rates can go from $2,500 to $5,500. Prices fluctuate based on market demand and port selection.
Shipping 1 kg from India to the USA can cost between $15–$50 depending on the shipping method (courier, air cargo, or postal), delivery speed, and carrier. Economy services are more affordable, while express shipping offers faster delivery at a premium price.
For heavy or oversized items, ocean freight is the most suitable and cost-effective method. Worldcraft Logistics offers bulk shipping solutions including FCL, LCL, and specialized equipment for over-dimensional cargo. Proper packaging, documentation, and freight insurance are essential for smooth transit.
Bulk shipping plays a vital role in India’s export economy, reducing per-unit shipping costs and supporting international trade. New U.S. tariffs could impact certain sectors, raising costs for exporters. However, working with an experienced freight forwarder can help navigate these changes and explore cost-effective alternatives.
SEO
Digital Marketing/SEO Specialist
Simon Mang is an SEO and Digital Marketing expert at Wordcraft Logistics. With many years of experience in the field of digital marketing, he has shaped and built strategies to effectively promote Wordcraft Logistics' online presence. With a deep understanding of the logistics industry, I have shared more than 300 specialized articles on many different topics.
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