Compare sea freight (FCL and LCL) and air freight from China to India on cost, speed and suitability, and learn how volumetric weight and CBM are calculated.
The shipping mode changes both your cost and your timeline. The right choice depends on the value, weight and size of the goods and how urgently you need them.
| Sea freight | Air freight | |
|---|---|---|
| Transit time | Weeks, port to port | Days |
| Cost per unit of cargo | Lowest | Several times higher |
| Best for | Bulky, heavy or low-value goods; large orders | High-value, light or urgent goods; samples |
| Charged by | Container, or cubic metre (LCL) | Chargeable weight (kg) |
FCL (full container load) means you use a whole container, typically a 20ft (roughly 28 CBM usable) or 40ft (roughly 58 CBM usable). It is usually the cheapest per unit once you have enough cargo. LCL (less than container load) shares a container with other shippers and is charged per cubic metre (CBM) or per tonne, whichever is greater. LCL suits smaller orders but adds handling and takes longer to consolidate and release.
To calculate CBM, multiply length × width × height of each carton in metres, then multiply by the number of cartons.
Airlines charge on the greater of actual weight and volumetric weight. A common formula is length × width × height in centimetres, divided by 6,000, giving kilograms. Light but bulky goods therefore cost more by air than their weight suggests.
For samples and small parcels, international express couriers are convenient door to door, but they are expensive for anything heavy, and customs treatment of courier shipments has its own rules.
Common Chinese ports include Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Qingdao. In India, goods commonly arrive through ports such as Nhava Sheva (JNPT) and Mundra, and via major airports by air. Which Indian port is best depends on your delivery location.
Timelines also include production time, origin handling and Indian customs clearance. Tell us your product and quantity and we will quote both options.
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