Ocean Freight · Chennai → Seattle
Ocean Freight from Chennai to Seattle
Chennai (INMAA), India to Seattle (USSEA), United States is a 8,767-nautical-mile ocean lane (16,236 km). Vessels on this routing transit the Strait of Malacca. Port-to-port transit runs about 21–31 days, depending on whether the service is direct or transships at a hub.
- Distance
- 8,767 nm
- Transit
- 21–31 days
- Service
- FCL & LCL
Lane at a glance
Route facts
GoForwarder books full-container (FCL) and consolidated (LCL) space on this lane, coordinates pickup and export in India, and hands the cargo to import clearance and final delivery in United States.
- Origin
- Chennai (INMAA), India
- Destination
- Seattle (USSEA), United States
- Distance
- 8,767 nm (16,236 km)
- Estimated transit
- 21–31 days
- Routing via
- Strait of Malacca
- Equipment
- FCL 20', 40', 40' HC · reefer · LCL
- Incoterms
- EXW · FCA · FOB · CIF · DAP · DDP
How it works
From quote to delivery
- 01
Quote and booking
Send cargo details on WhatsApp; we confirm the rate and book vessel space from Chennai.
- 02
Pickup and export clearance
We coordinate container release, pickup and export customs in India.
- 03
Ocean transit
Sailing Chennai → Seattle: about 21–31 days port to port, with tracking until arrival.
- 04
Import clearance
Customs clearance in United States, coordinated with our customs broker partners.
- 05
Final delivery
Drayage from the terminal to your warehouse, with proof of delivery.
Checklist
Documents and cost drivers
Documents to import into United States
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading (B/L)
- ISF 10+2, filed 24 h before loading at origin
- CBP entry (Form 7501) through a U.S. customs broker, with customs bond
- USMCA certification of origin when applicable
- FDA / USDA prior notice for regulated goods
What drives the price on this lane
- Base ocean freight (per container for FCL, per CBM for LCL)
- Bunker / fuel surcharges (BAF) and peak-season surcharges
- Terminal handling at origin and destination (THC)
- Documentation and B/L fees
- Customs clearance at both ends
- Drayage from the port to the final address
- Cargo insurance
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How long does ocean freight from Chennai to Seattle take?+
Estimated transit is 21–31 days port to port. Direct services sit at the low end; transshipment, peak season or inspections push it to the high end.
How far is Chennai from Seattle?+
About 8,767 nm (16,236 km) by sea via the Strait of Malacca.
How much does ocean freight from Chennai to Seattle cost?+
It depends on container size or volume (CBM), the season and surcharges. Send your cargo details on WhatsApp and we reply with a written quote.
FCL or LCL — which one do I need?+
Below roughly 15 m³, consolidated LCL is usually cheaper. Above that, a 20-foot container starts to pay off; a 40-foot container fits about 67 m³.
What documents do I need to import into United States?+
Commercial invoice; Packing list; Bill of lading (B/L); ISF 10+2, filed 24 h before loading at origin; CBP entry (Form 7501) through a U.S. customs broker, with customs bond.
From Chennai to other destinations in United States
Other origins in India to Seattle
Ready to move your cargo?
Send origin, destination and cargo details — we reply with a written quote.