Shipping between the UAE and India is a major route for many carriers. At SeaRates, we understand the challenges of successfully keeping the two continents connected with smooth shipping. Our team simplifies necessary logistics operations for the world's major destinations and offers you the most cost-effective method for your company’s needs.
Read next and find everything from planning to execution for successful and efficient shipping from UAE to India.
How long does it take to ship from the UAE to India?
UAE to India shipping costs may vary significantly depending on several factors including the volume, weight, and dimensions of the packages being shipped, the goods of the packages, and the mode of transportation. It's also important to take into account the shipment's insurance and the time of year.
SeaRates can help calculate the shipping cost from UAE to India, but as a general rule:
- Air freight is typically more expensive than sea freight (although it can be cheaper to send small packages via plane).
- Shipping expensive goods that carry a high insurance premium will increase your shipping costs.
- If you can’t fill a shipping container with your goods, LCL shipping (less than container load) is a cheaper shipping method than FCL shipping (full container load).
Don't let these cost factors stress you out. SeaRates' Logistics Explorer makes finding the best freight rates easy. Just tell us where your cargo is coming from and going to, when you need it shipped, and what kind of items you're sending. We'll search for the most cost-effective options based on all the factors that can affect the price.
Generally, the cheapest shipping from Dubai to India would be FCL shipping via the ocean outside the peak time of the year.
Does the day of the month in which you plan to ship your cargo impact the cost of the freight rate?
Shipping cargo door-to-door from the UAE to India could take from 20 to 30 days, depending upon your chosen port of origin and destination, what is being shipped, and the method of transportation.
1. Air freight is the fastest transportation method, with cargo taking between 8 days to reach its destination port in the UAE.
2. Ocean freight takes longer. Shipping to India from UAE can take from 13 to 20 days for goods to reach their India destination port from the UAE.
3. In addition, FCL shipping is a faster process than LCL shipping because of the logistics involved in loading and unloading the goods at either end of the journey.
| Port-to-Port | Door-to-Door | |
| Sea FCL | 5-7 days | 30 days |
| Sea LCL | 5-7 days | 7-14 days |
| Air Cargo | 1-4 days | 15 days |
When is the best time to ship from the UAE to India?
Seasonal factors significantly affect air and ocean freight rates, especially for FCL shipments.
The main peak seasons for freight rates are from mid-August to mid-October, in the run-up to Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Eve. The increase in freight rates is due to high demand and a lack of space in containers. Therefore, you should take this factor into account when planning your supply chain and make shipments outside the peak season.
Shipments that are booked in the last 2 weeks of the month may be cheaper as carriers try to fill up the available space on vessels. However, the beginning of the month may be more expensive for you, as the General Rate Increase may be charged for cargo spaces.
Thoughtful advance planning guarantees the cheapest transportation costs.
What are the rates for shipping from the UAE to India?
As shipping rates vary significantly, the SeaRates Logistics Explorer can help you find a quote to suit you.
After adding in the basic details, such as the destination and date of shipment, the marketplace will allow you to compare various freight journeys. This lets you view the details of how your shipment will be processed and the transit duration. The marketplace also provides a cost breakdown for each leg of the journey to help you control your budget and spending.
You can request a tailored quote to know the shipping cost from UAE to India. This more detailed process asks specific questions about your shipment, such as its commodity type, its HS Code, and its weight. SeaRates will then contact you directly with some options.
Freight shipping quotes from the UAE to India
These are examples of the most affordable 20-foot FCL shipping costs shipping cargo from the UAE to India..
| Jebel Ali-Nhava Sheva | From $33 | |
| Jebel Ali-Chennai Port | From $275 | |
| Jebel Ali-Mundra Port | From $33 | |
| Jebel Ali-Visakhapatnam Port | From $330 | |
| Jebel Ali-Calcutta Port | From $825 | |
| Jebel Ali-Pipavav Port | From $33 | |
| Jebel Ali-Hazira | From $165 |
You can ask the SeaRates Customer Support team any questions about the freight rates you found. You can also request a customized quote for shipping. You will receive a quote with more details about your cargo (commodity type, HS Code, and weight). After that, SeaRates will contact you directly and offer several options.
What do you need to think about when packing your container?
Taking a practical approach to your packaging requirements when shipping cargo is vital. You must consider your shipment’s weight, dimensions, and packaging material.
While there is much to consider, SeaRates’ Load Calculator can help you understand your shipment's appearance and the space it will need.
The Load Calculator will ask you questions about your shipment, including what equipment you will need to ship, your cargo type, and what shipping method you will use.
The calculator will finally produce an image of what your cargo will look like in your chosen container, as well as the total volume and weight it will achieve.
What essential documents need to be completed when shipping from the UAE to India?
Correctly packaged and labeled cargo is vital for a smooth journey from UAE through the customs clearance process in India. Having the necessary documents, such as an importation permit for certain goods, a commercial invoice, and a packing list, is also crucial.
The documents you need when shipping to India include:
- Bill of Lading
- Certificate of Origin
- Commercial Invoice
- Customs Value Declaration
- Customs Import Declaration
- Letter of Credit
- Packing List
- Proof of Insurance
- You may also need a special permit if you ship certain goods like hazardous materials.
Should you insure the container?
The SeaRates team encourages our clients to insure their cargo, as insurance may be the only protection in case of loss or damage during transportation.
You can get cargo insurance through the freight forwarding community or a third-party insurance agent. Also, be sure to contact SeaRates to find the right insurance policy for you.
The cost of insurance is usually between 0.3% and 0.5% of the value of your commercial invoice.
What are the main shipping ports in the UAE?
Warehouse operators, suppliers, and freight forwarders – each party to the logistics process needs to find the best port for their requirements. Also, you can explore the port services and other aspects to consider when planning your transportation.
Certain maritime ports might be more advantageous for your sea cargo shipments from Dubai to India based on their geographical proximity, efficiency of customs procedures, handling capacities, or potentially through specific agreements between your factory and a particular port.
The main sea freight ports in the UAE include:
The main air cargo ports in the UAE include:
- Dubai International Airport
- Abu Dhabi International Airport
- Sharjah International Airport
- Ras Al Khaimah International Airport
What are the major shipping ports in India?
The main sea freight ports in India include:
The main air cargo ports in India include:
- Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi)
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (Mumbai)
- Chennai International Airport
- Kempegowda International Airport (Bengaluru)
- Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (Kolkata)
- Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (Hyderabad)
Find an accessible route from the UAE to India for cargo transportation
We are constantly improving our IT tools for your shipping and logistics. Reach out to the SeaRates team and open new destinations and markets expanding your services with the platform. We guarantee you the most convenient and price-worthy route so you can focus on growing.
The SeaRates platform provides you with a secure and convenient freight route at the best price. You can always contact us at [email protected] for assistance with your logistics needs.
