Introduction
Luckystar’s Shipping Service provides seamless and reliable shipping solutions for sending packages from India to the United States. Whether you’re a business owner importing products or an individual shipping personal belongings from India to the USA, Luckystar offers fast, efficient, and competitively priced options to meet your international shipping needs.
Our services encompass the following:
Reliable and Efficient Shipping: International shipping options such as air and sea freight ensure timely delivery.
Convenient Door-to-Door Service: Reliable door-to-door shipping services that pick up your international shipments from your location in India and send parcel directly to your desired destination in the USA as per the delivery time.
Customs Clearance Expertise: Experienced team well-versed in customs regulations and requirements for shipping from India to the USA.
Competitive Pricing: Competitive pricing options help you save on shipping costs without compromising on the quality of services.
Optional Insurance Coverage: For added peace of mind, optional shipment insurance coverage protects your shipments against loss or damage during transit, providing an extra layer of protection for your valuable goods.
Expert Customer Service: A responsive and knowledgeable customer service team is available to assist you at every step of the shipping process, providing exceptional support and guidance.
Handling a Wide Range of Shipments: From small packages to larger shipments, including personal belongings, household goods, commercial goods, and more, Luckystar can handle a diverse range of packages.
Key Players Involved In Shipping From India To The USA
When shipping goods from India to USA, you may need help handling the shipping process.You must rely on various parties to ensure its success. Here are the key stakeholders involved in the shipping of goods from India to the United States of America:
Shipper: The shipper is responsible for providing ship items from India, and you will need to pay them a fee for their services.
Consignee: You, as the consignee, are the person who will receive and handle the shipment that comes from India to the USA. You’ll choose the types of goods you need from the shipper in India and agree to the terms.
Freight Forwarder: The freight forwarder, also known as the logistics provider, manages the transportation of goods by air or sea from India to the USA. They assist with the movement and coordination of the entire shipping process.
Shipping Line: The shipping line is responsible for physically transporting the goods from India to the USA. Depending on your shipping requirements, you can choose between sea transport shipping lines or air transport shipping lines.
Process of Shipping Cargo from India to USA
When shipping goods from India to USA, there are several steps involved in the process:
Step One: Haulage of Exports:Coordinate with the shipper to move the products from the factory or warehouse. The freight forwarder’s location determines whether the goods can be transported by road or railway.
Step Two: Customs Clearance of Exports:Once your chosen freight forwarder receives the cargo, they will initiate the export clearance process and fill the necessary documentations.It also involves organizing the necessary documents for shipping and submitting them to the relevant authorities for customs clearance.
Step Three: Origin Handling:You’ll need to handle the goods at the origin, which may include inspection processes to verify the type of goods .
Step Four: Ocean or Air Freight: This step involves transporting the cargo from India to the United States of America. You will rely on your freight forwarder to organize the mode of transportation, which can be either air transport for faster delivery but higher cost, or ocean freight for cheaper but slower delivery.
Step Five: Customs Clearance of Imports: This involves providing relevant details to the customs authorities in the USA through a customs broker. Once your customs broker completes the customs clearance including shipping charges, you’ll wait for the goods to arrive. Upon arrival, the relevant authorities will unload and inspect the cargo before loading it from the port.
Step Six: Receiving the Cargo: Finally, you’ll receive the cargo at your chosen address and unload and inspect it. It’s important to take note of any damages and report them to the relevant authorities for inspection.
Importance Of Compliance And Regulation In Shipping Process
- Safety and Security: Helps maintain safety and security in the shipping process.
- Environmental Protection: Compliance and regulation in shipping also focus on environmental protection.
- Trade Facilitation: Compliance with trade-related regulations, such as customs procedures, tariffs, and documentation requirements, is essential for the smooth and efficient movement of goods across borders.
- Reputation and Brand Image: Compliance and regulation are critical for maintaining shipping companies’ reputation and brand image.
Prohibited products to ship from India to the USA
You can select any goods for shipment from India to the USA. However, it’s crucial to be aware that not all goods are permitted for import into the United States.In simpler terms, specific goods are prohibited from entering the USA from India.
Below is a list of goods prohibited from being imported from India to the USA:
- Aerosols
- Dairy products
- Fur
- Ivory
- Fresh Foods
- Animals
- Cash
- Nail Varnish
- Perfume
- Plants
- Tobacco
- Seed among other products
Top Courier Services to use when Shipping Cargo from India to USA
Here is a list of popular international courier services that are often used for shipping cargo from India to the USA:
Freight Forwarders: Freight forwarders are specialized logistics providers that can negotiate competitive shipping rates with carriers on behalf of shippers.
DHL: DHL is a worldwide logistics company that provides international shipping services, including cargo shipments, from India to the USA.
FedEx: FedEx is another globally recognized courier and logistics company that offers cargo shipping services from India to the USA.
UPS: UPS is a prominent global logistics company that provides cargo shipping services from India to the USA.
TNT: TNT is a global courier and logistics company that provides cargo shipping services from India to the USA.
Maersk: Maersk is a worldwide shipping and logistics company offering shipping services from India to the USA.
Benefits of using courier services for shipping from India to the USA
Here are the advantages of using courier services:
Door-to-Door Services: Courier services offer door pick up services,by delivering your goods directly to your doorstep, eliminating the need to arrange local transportation upon arrival.
Hassle-Free Customs Clearance Process: Dealing with customs clearance processes can be complex and time-consuming. However, with courier services, you can enjoy a smooth and hassle-free clearance process, since service providers handle the paperwork and procedures on your behalf.
Shipment Tracking: Courier services provide shipment tracking details and services, allowing you to monitor movement of your cargo from India to the USA. You’ll receive updates on the location and status of your shipment as it moves from one point to another.
Flexible Payment Option: Courier services often offer online payment options, making it easy and convenient for you to pay courier rates and transportation of your cargo.
Shipment of Different Goods: Courier services transport various types of cargo, ranging from small documents to large manufacturing machines, making them a versatile option for your shipping needs.
Competitive Pricing: Courier services offer competitive pricing, and the cost of shipping depends on the type of goods being transported from India to the USA. The pricing is usually flexible and can be tailored to suit your specific requirements and budget.
Insurance Provision: Courier services often include insurance coverage in their total shipping cost, eliminating the need for you to pay separately for insurance services.
How to calculate the cost of shipping from India to the USA
Calculating the cost of shipping from India to the USA when using courier services is straightforward. Here are the main details to consider when determining the total cost:
Enter the pickup area pin code: Provide the 6-digit pin code of the pickup location in India where the courier service provider will collect the cargo.
Enter the delivery area pin code: Provide the 5-digit ZIP code of the destination in the USA where the cargo will be delivered.
Enter the weight of the cargo: Specify the weight of the cargo that you intend to ship from India to the USA.
Calculate the overall cost: Once you have entered the necessary details, the cost calculator will automatically calculate the total cost of shipping, which may include charges for transportation, customs clearance, insurance, and any other applicable fees.
Pay for the shipment: Pay for the shipment through the payment options provided by the courier service provider, such as online payment ,bank transfer, or credit card.
Transit Time and Shipping Options
Here are the typical transit times for shipping from India to the USA in a tabular format:
Sea Freight Transit Times:
| Origin Port in India | Port of Destination in USA | Estimated Transit Time |
| Chennai | New Orleans | 41 days |
| Kolkata | Atlanta | 44 days |
| Nhava Sheva | Mobile | 42 days |
| Visakhapatnam | Jacksonville | 37 days |
| Nhava Sheva | Savannah | 25 days |
| Chennai | Atlanta | 38 days |
| Nhava Sheva | Houston | 35 days |
| Kolkata | Seattle | 59 days |
| Chennai | Boston | 55 days |
| Kolkata | Jacksonville | 39 days |
| Chennai | Jacksonville | 55 days |
| Nhava Sheva | Detroit | 25 days |
| Visakhapatnam | New York | 31 days |
| Nhava Sheva | New Orleans | 45 days |
| Chennai | New York | 33 days |
| Visakhapatnam | Seattle | 43 days |
| Chennai | Long Beach | 44 days |
| Kolkata | Chicago | 48 days |
Air Freight Transit Times:
| Airport of Origin | Destination Airport | Estimated Transit Time |
| Delhi | Chicago | 15 hours |
| Mumbai | New York | 16 hours |
| Delhi | New York | 15 hours |
| Delhi | San Francisco | 15 hours |
Ocean freight shipping from India to the USA
Ocean freight is a cost-effective option for shipping cargo from India to the USA, as it involves transportation by sea.
However, it is slower compared to air freight, as you’ll need to pack your cargo in LCL (Less than Container Load) or FCL (Full Container Load) shipping containers before shipment.
Additionally, it’s important to consider the insurance cost when calculating the overall ocean freight cost.
Air freight shipping from India to the USA
You may choose to go for air freight shipping, which is the quickest method for transporting your cargo. However, be prepared to incur higher costs as it’s relatively expensive. Additionally, you can select from various types of air freights when moving your cargo from India.
For instance, express shipping allows you to charter a plane exclusively for your goods. This ensures that you won’t have to wait for other items to be loaded.It’s one of the fastest modes of air freight transportation.
Benefits of using a freight forwarder for shipping from India to the USA
You can choose to engage a freight forwarder to manage the transportation of your cargo from India to the USA. There are several compelling reasons to consider hiring a freight forwarder for this task, including:
- Prompt pickup and delivery of your cargo from India to the USA.
- Efficient utilization of tracking systems to monitor the movement of your cargo.
- Ensured security for your cargo throughout the shipping process.
- Cost-effective and hassle-free shipping option.
- Ensured accuracy and completeness in documentation processes.
- Effective management of shipping inventories.
- Provision of warehousing and storage solutions for your goods.
Comparison of using LCL shipping from India to the USA to FCL shipping from India to the USA
When opting for ocean freight, you can choose between FCL (Full Container Load) or LCL (Less than Container Load) shipping, depending on the number of goods you import from India to the United States of America. Here are some considerations that may influence your decision:
LCL Ocean Freight Services -LCL shipping is appropriate for small consignments of goods from India to the United States of America that do not occupy more than half of a 20 ft container. However, it may take longer due to the complexity of handling cargo under LCL, and flexibility in arrival times is necessary as LCL arrival schedules can change.
FCL Ocean Freight Services – In the case of FCL shipping, you do not need to be concerned about dimensions and weight as you will be utilizing an entire container.
You should be prepared to cover the costs of renting or purchasing the entire container, as well as transportation expenses. FCL shipping is most suitable for isolated goods that do not require delays and minimal handling to prevent damages. It is also ideal if you have enough space and capacity to accommodate a whole container.
Documents and Certifications
Preparing and submitting several vital documents to the customs departments is essential when transporting your cargo from India to the USA.
The following is a comprehensive list of documents that you must be prepared to present:
- Proforma Invoice
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Certificates of Origin
- Shipper’s Letter of Instructions
- Dangerous Goods Form
- Bank Draft
Incoterms to use when shipping from India to the USA
When shipping cargo from India to the USA, selecting the appropriate Incoterms (International Commercial Terms) for your specific freight is essential. Here are the main Incoterms to consider when shipping from India to the USA:
Group E Incoterms:These Incoterms are used during the departure of goods from ports in India to the USA. The primary Incoterm in this category is Ex Works (EXW), where the seller is responsible for transporting the goods to the agreed-upon location.
Group F Incoterms:You can also choose from different Incoterms in Group F, which involve main carriage unpaid terms. Options include:
i. Free Carrier (FCA)
ii. Free Alongside Ship (FAS)
iii. Free on Board (FOB)
Group C Incoterms:Under Group C Incoterms, you can select from the main carriage paid options, which include:
i. Cost and Freight (CFR) to the main port of destination
ii. Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) to the main port of destination
iii. Carriage Paid To (CPT) to the port of destination
iv. Carriage Insurance Paid (CIP) to the port of destination
Group D Incoterms:These are also referred to as arrival Incoterms and offer several options to choose from, including:
i. Delivery at Frontier (DAF) at a location of your choice
ii. Delivered Ex Ship (DES) to the port of destination
iii. Delivery Ex-Quay (DEQ) delivered at the port of destination
iv. Delivery Duty Unpaid (DDU) to the port of destination
v. Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) to the port of destination
Quality certifications needed when shipping from India to the USA
It’s crucial to exercise caution when shipping from India to the USA by ensuring that your products are of top-notch quality. You can verify the quality of your products by checking for relevant certifications. Here are the main certifications to look for:
International Standards Organization (ISO) Quality Certifications
UKAS Quality Certifications
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Quality Certifications
Customer Satisfaction Quality Certifications
ACM Quality Certifications
Risk-Free Guarantee Satisfaction
Ports and Airports
It’s essential to be knowledgeable about the various seaports in India that can serve as points of origin for shipping cargo to the USA.
Here are the critical seaports in India that can efficiently transport your cargo to the USA:
Hazira Sea Port: Located in the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, this port has a UN/LOCODE of INHZR and can handle 500,000 TEUs of containers annually. It is suitable for transporting cargo such as automobiles and liquid chemicals.
Kolkata Sea Port: As the oldest operational port in India, Kolkata Sea Port handles 650,000 containers per year. It has 40 berths and 86 piers, making it conducive for exporting cotton and leather to the USA. Its UN/LOCODE is INCCU and is owned by the Kolkata Port Trust or the Indian Ministry of Shipping.
Tuticorin Sea Port: Also known as V.O. Chidambaranar, this port has India’s 4th largest container handling capacity. It has a UN/LOCODE of INTUT and an annual container volume of 560,000 TEUs, with 13 berths, seven wharves, and three piers.
Port Pipavav: Located closer to the busiest seaport in India, Port Pipavav has a UN/LOCODE of INPAV and an annual capability of handling 880,000 TEUs. It offers access to the busiest route in India.
Cochin Sea Port: Spread over two islands in India, Cochin Sea Port has a UN/LOCODE of INCOK and can handle 400,000 TEUs. It is the largest trans-shipment facility in India.
In addition to these ports, there are other options in India, such as Kattupalli Sea Port, Krishanapatnam Sea Port, Kandla Sea Port, Nhava Sheva Sea Port, Mundra Sea Port, Chennai Sea Port, Haldia Sea Port, Visakhapatnam Sea Port.
Ports of Arrival in USA for Shipping from India to the USA
When using sea or ocean freight for shipping from India to the USA, you can receive your goods at various destinations in the USA.
Here are the main ports of arrival where you can have your goods delivered from India:
Houston Sea Port: Known as the busiest seaport in the USA, Houston Sea Port has a UN/LOCODE of USHOU. It can handle 1.6 million TEUs annually, with 15% of cargo coming from Asia.
Detroit Sea Ports: Detroit Sea Ports, with a UN/LOCODE of USDET, handle liquid, general, and bulk cargo, and have the capability of handling a significant number of containers annually from various locations, including India.
New Orleans Sea Port: Generating over 100 million dollars annually and handling over 500,000 TEUs of containers, New Orleans Sea Port has a UN/LOCODE of USMSY and can be a suitable location for picking up cargo from India.
Chicago Sea Port: With a UN/LOCODE of USCHI, Chicago Sea Port consists of several ports that collectively handle 36 million TEUs annually. It is a world-class port with numerous warehouses for cargo storage.
Jacksonville Sea Port: Known as the newest port in the USA, Jacksonville Sea Port (UN/LOCODE: USJAX) is suitable for importing vehicles and other products from India, with a capability of handling about 1.3 million TEUs annually.
Other ports in the USA where you can receive your cargo from India include New York Sea Ports and San Francisco Sea Ports.
Main airports of origin in India and destination airports when shipping from India to the USA
Once you have obtained the goods from India, you can opt for air freight transportation to the USA.Here are the main airports in India that you can utilize for dispatching cargo to the USA:
DELHI International Airport: Located on over 5100 acres, Delhi international airport is the busiest cargo airport in India. It has brownfield and greenfield cargo terminals, making it suitable for sending cargo to the USA. It serves various airports in the USA, including JFK in New York, Chicago-O’Hare, and San Francisco International Airport. The IATA code for Delhi International Airport is DEL.
MUMBAI International Airport: Also known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai International Airport is India’s second-largest cargo airport. It has three terminals with city-side and air-side access, enhancing your shipped cargo’s speed.
You can import shipments from Mumbai International Airport to New York – JFK International Airport. The IATA code for Mumbai International Airport is BOM.
Some of the main airports for receiving cargo from India in the USA include:
CHICAGO – O’HARE International Airport: Located in the Northeast or South of the airport, this airport has a large capacity of 2 million square feet. It has rail and road links that facilitate the distribution of products throughout the United States. You can load your products at Delhi International Airport in India. The IATA code for Chicago – O’Hare International Airport is ORD.
NEW YORK – JFK International Airport: With four runways and six terminals spread across a 5200-acre site, JFK International Airport is the third largest airport that receives most of the cargo imported from India. It has offices for multiple cargo companies and connects with Mumbai and Delhi International Airports. The IATA code for JFK International Airport is JFK.
SAN FRANCISCO International Airport: Located 21 km south of downtown in the California Bay Area, this is the largest airport in the region. It has four freight ways and nine cargo facilities, with an IATA code of SFO. You can import your cargo from Delhi International Airport in India.
In addition to these three main airports, you can also receive your cargo at other airports in the USA, such as
- Atlanta International Airport
- Denver International Airport
- El Paso International Airport
- Houston International Airport
- Miami International Airport
- Philadelphia International Airport
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
- Cleveland International Airport
- Los Angeles International Airport
- Charlotte International Airport
- Cincinnati International Airport
- Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport
- San Diego-Lindbergh Field International Airport
- Boston International Airport
- Detroit-Wayne County International Airport
- Sacramento International Airport
Duty and Landed Cost
The amount of duty you must pay for importing goods from India to the USA is determined by the type of goods and their commodity code.
To calculate the duty, first identify the commodity code of the imported goods. Then, you can apply the corresponding import duty rates based on the products’ Harmonized System (HS) principles.For example, if you are importing umbrellas from India to the USA and the duty classification for umbrellas is 6.5%, you would apply this rate to the total value, say, $28,000.
To calculate the duty cost, you would multiply 6.5% by $28,000, resulting in a total duty of $1,820 that you will need to pay for the umbrellas.
How to calculate landed cost when shipping from India to the USA
You can calculate the landed cost using a simple formula to determine the total cost of importing goods from India to the USA. This formula includes the product price, shipping price, customs duties, risk cost, and overhead cost.
The formula for calculating the landed cost is:
Landed Cost = Product Price + Shipping Price + Customs Duties + Risk Cost + Overhead Cost
This formula helps you account for all the costs of importing the products, making the process clear and straightforward.
There are various tools and resources available that can assist you in calculating the landed cost. These include international shipping calculators, Tac and Duty Calculator Shopify Apps, duty calculators, currency calculators, and online VAT calculators.
Additionally, some inventory management software can automatically calculate the total landed cost for you, simplifying the process further.
Shipping to Amazon FBA and Role of Customs Broker
Setting up your shipment from India to Amazon FBA may initially be challenging, but you can become proficient in the process with practice. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:
Step One: Finding the Goods: Log in to the Amazon website and go to seller central.
Under seller central, access “Manage Inventory” and locate the goods you want to ship.
Proceed to send or replenish the inventory of goods you wish to purchase.
Step Two: Detailing the Addresses: Provide all the necessary details of the addresses, including the address from where the goods are coming (in this case, India) and the type of products.
Confirm all details by clicking the “Continue to Shipping Plan” button.
Step Three: Additional Details: Provide details about the number of goods you will be shipping from India.
Specify if the supplier should prepare the goods before sending them to Amazon, such as placing them in bubble wrap or boxes and entering other relevant details.
Detail how you want to label the products and provide all necessary information.
Step Four: Confirmation Stage: Provide details of the Amazon FBA destination point(s) where you want the goods to go.
You can specify different destination points or just one
Allow the website to calculate your total cost, and then let Amazon complete the process.With practice and following these steps, you can become proficient in setting up your shipment from India to Amazon FBA.
The role of a customs broker when shipping from India to the USA
- Clearing Shipment: Customs brokers assist in clearing shipments from India to the USA by coordinating with relevant officials and ensuring that legal goods pass through inspections.
- Preparation of Documentation: Customs brokers help prepare all the documents required for shipping from India, ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
- Customs Valuation: Customs brokers determine the value of goods imported to the USA and inform the importer about the applicable duties and taxes.
- Tariff Classification: Customs brokers assist in classifying goods under the correct tariff codes, helping importers determine the appropriate tariffs and taxes for their products.
- Trade Consultations and Facilitation: Customs brokers can facilitate trade consultations between importers and other traders in India, helping negotiate prices and agreements.
- Warehousing Services: Customs brokers can arrange for warehousing services in India and the USA, ensuring proper storage of goods during shipping.
- Purchase Order Management: Customs brokers can manage purchase orders for import goods, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and proper contract signing.
Conclusion
Luckystar’s India to the USA shipping service offers a range of benefits for importers as mentioned above. By leveraging Luckystar’s expertise and service, you can streamline shipping operations, ensure smooth customs clearance, and establish a reliable and cost-effective transportation process for their goods from India to the USA.
Ship India to USA cargo smoothly with us.
Contact us now to get started, and let us handle your shipping needs with professionalism and expertise. Book your shipment with Luckystar and enjoy a seamless shipping experience from our expert team.