Plan the container around the packed load
FCL means a full-container-load service; your shipment uses the container rather than sharing consolidated space with unrelated shipments. The container does not need to be completely full.
Quote a 20-foot dry, 40-foot dry or 40-foot high-cube requirement against the actual packing. Nominal capacity alone does not establish whether a load will fit or comply with road and equipment limits.
- Package count and outside dimensions, including pallets and protective packing.
- Gross weight per package and total, with uneven or concentrated loads identified.
- Stackability, loading method, lifting equipment and any fragile or oversized pieces.
- Collection address, ready date and site access at origin.
Use photographs or a loading sketch for cargo that is difficult to describe. For the broader shipment and import scope, return to shipping from China to India.
Define the port pair and service endpoints
Compare a suitable Chinese loading gateway with Nhava Sheva/JNPA, Mundra or Chennai and the final Indian delivery address. Confirm the actual offered service, connection points, cut-offs and estimated arrival.
State whether the offer begins at the supplier’s premises or at an origin terminal, and whether it ends at an Indian terminal or a delivery address. Identify export handling, customs clearance and final delivery responsibility separately.
Check charges after the ocean movement
Compare arrival handling and release charges, customs brokerage, inland transport and empty return alongside the ocean freight. Confirm who arranges and pays for each item.
Ask for the applicable demurrage and detention free time, when the charging clocks start, the rate basis and any separate terminal storage. Carrier and terminal terms can differ. Identify who monitors release, pickup and container return deadlines.
For delivery, specify access restrictions, opening hours, unloading equipment, waiting arrangements and the return depot. Confirm whether unloading happens while the vehicle waits or whether another arrangement is required.
Prepare the documents before loading
Reconcile package counts, weights, goods descriptions and commercial details before issuing shipping documents. The importer or its customs broker should confirm the Bill of Entry and product-specific file. Read the China–India cost and document checklist.
Product requirements can affect the shipment even when the container and vessel space are available. Check the actual commodity and applicable standards before dispatch, including BIS compulsory certification where required.
Request the container offer
Send the goods, origin and Indian destination, approximate packed weight or volume, ready date and preferred equipment. Add loading and unloading restrictions and the required service boundary. Confirmed packing details can follow by email.
Use the form for an FCL freight quote, or request an import-cost breakdown if you are still comparing the supplier’s offer and the full shipment budget.