Ocean Freight · United States → Chennai
Ocean Freight from United States to Chennai
11 port combinations connect United States and Chennai in our network. The shortest, Seattle → Chennai, is 8,767 nautical miles; transit across the lane ranges 21–37 days port to port.
- Distance
- 8,767 nm
- Transit
- 21–37 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 United States, and hands the cargo to import clearance and final delivery in India.
- Origin
- United States
- Destination
- Chennai (INMAA), India
- Distance
- from 8,767 nm (16,236 km)
- Estimated transit
- 21–37 days
- Routing via
- Strait of Malacca, Suez Canal, Strait of Gibraltar and Bab-el-Mandeb
- Equipment
- FCL 20', 40', 40' HC · reefer · LCL
- Incoterms
- EXW · FCA · FOB · CIF · DAP · DDP
Network
Main port pairs
| Origin | Destination | Distance | Transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle | Chennai | 8,767 nm | 21–31 days |
| Oakland | Chennai | 9,048 nm | 22–32 days |
| New York / New Jersey | Chennai | 9,234 nm | 22–32 days |
| Los Angeles | Chennai | 9,387 nm | 23–33 days |
| Long Beach | Chennai | 9,387 nm | 23–33 days |
| Norfolk | Chennai | 9,401 nm | 23–33 days |
| Charleston | Chennai | 9,677 nm | 24–34 days |
| Savannah | Chennai | 9,732 nm | 24–34 days |
| Miami | Chennai | 9,884 nm | 24–34 days |
| New Orleans | Chennai | 10,595 nm | 26–37 days |
| Houston | Chennai | 10,808 nm | 26–37 days |
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 United States.
- 02
Pickup and export clearance
We coordinate container release, pickup and export customs in United States.
- 03
Ocean transit
Sailing United States → Chennai: about 21–37 days port to port, with tracking until arrival.
- 04
Import clearance
Customs clearance in India, 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 India
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading (B/L)
- Certificate of origin
- Import declaration under India customs rules
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 United States to Chennai take?+
Estimated transit is 21–37 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 United States from Chennai?+
The shortest pair is 8,767 nm (16,236 km) by sea via the Strait of Malacca, Suez Canal, Strait of Gibraltar and Bab-el-Mandeb.
How much does ocean freight from United States to Chennai 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 India?+
Commercial invoice; Packing list; Bill of lading (B/L); Certificate of origin; Import declaration under India customs rules.
From United States to other destinations in India
Other origins in United States to Chennai
Ready to move your cargo?
Send origin, destination and cargo details — we reply with a written quote.