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Freight Shipping From India to the UAE: Costs, Transit Time & Complete Guide (Arc Worldwide)

 

Freight Shipping From India to the UAE: Costs, Transit Time & Complete Guide (Arc Worldwide)

India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) share one of the strongest trade corridors in the world. With millions of tonnes of cargo moving annually between major Indian ports and UAE gateways, choosing the right freight method—and a reliable logistics partner—is crucial for importers and exporters.

This Arc Worldwide guide explains shipping options, freight rates, transit times, customs procedures, airport/port guides, and why companies choose Arc Worldwide for India–UAE cargo movement.


1. What Are Your Options for Shipping Freight From India to the UAE?

Businesses shipping from India to the UAE typically choose between:

✔ Ocean Freight

Best for:

  • Heavy cargo

  • Large quantities

  • Full container loads (FCL)

  • LCL shipments

  • Non-urgent goods

Common commodities: textiles, machinery, chemicals, auto parts, construction materials, electronics, food items, and household goods.

✔ Air Freight

Best for:

  • Urgent deliveries

  • Perishable or high-value goods

  • Fragile shipments

  • Small and medium cargo volumes

Perfect for: pharmaceuticals, electronics, documents, fashion items, medical equipment.

✔ Multimodal Freight

Combines air, sea, and road transport to optimize time and cost.

✔ Door-to-Door Logistics

Arc Worldwide handles pickup, packaging, customs clearance, freight movement, and final delivery in the UAE.


2. How Much Does it Cost to Ship Cargo From India to the UAE?

(Estimated Arc Worldwide market ranges for 2025—prices vary by route, weight, season, and type of cargo)

Ocean Freight Rates (FCL & LCL)

  • 20 ft Container: $350 – $675

  • 40 ft Container: $550 – $900

  • LCL: $25 – $45 per CBM

UAE sea routes are among the cheapest due to short distances and frequent sailing schedules.


Air Freight Rates (India → UAE)

  • General Cargo: $2.50 – $4.50 per kg

  • Express / Priority: $6 – $10 per kg

Air cargo rates remain competitive because of high flight frequency between India and Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.


3. How Long Does it Take to Ship Cargo From India to the UAE?

✔ Ocean Freight Transit Time

Depends on port pair and vessel schedule.

RouteEstimated Time
Nhava Sheva → Jebel Ali6–9 days
Mundra → Dubai4–7 days
Chennai → Dubai8–12 days
Kochi → Jebel Ali5–7 days
Kolkata → UAE12–16 days

India to UAE ocean transit is one of the fastest in Asia.


✔ Air Freight Transit Time

RouteEstimated Time
Delhi → Dubai1 day
Mumbai → DubaiSame day – 1 day
Chennai → Abu Dhabi1–2 days
Bengaluru → Sharjah1–2 days

Air freight is ideal for just-in-time deliveries and e-commerce shipments.


4. Customs Clearance in India and the UAE

Smooth customs clearance ensures your cargo reaches the UAE without delays.
Arc Worldwide handles all documentation, HS code classification, and compliance support.

India Export Customs Requirements

  • Invoice & Packing List

  • Shipping Bill

  • Export License (if applicable)

  • IEC (Importer Exporter Code)

  • Bill of Lading / Air Waybill

  • Certificates required for specific products (FSSAI, DGFT, plant/animal certificates, etc.)

UAE Import Customs Requirements

  • Commercial Invoice

  • Packaging List

  • Certificate of Origin

  • BL / AWB

  • Emirates ID or TRN number (for import clearance)

  • HS Code declaration

  • Product-specific approvals (MoHAP, ESMA, Dubai Municipality, etc.)

Arc Worldwide provides end-to-end support, including duties calculation, inspection handling, and DG cargo compliance. https://www.arc-worldwide.com/city/sea-freight-forwarding-delhi.html


5. Should You Choose Ocean Freight or Air Freight?

Choose Ocean Freight if you need:

  • Lower shipping costs

  • Large volumes (FCL or LCL)

  • Non-urgent delivery

  • Heavy machinery or bulk cargo

Choose Air Freight if you need:

  • Fast delivery

  • High-value goods

  • Less than 300–500 kg shipments

  • Time-sensitive cargo

Arc Worldwide Recommendation:

Ocean freight for bulk + air freight for urgent deliveries = Best hybrid strategy.


6. Ocean Cargo Port Guide (India → UAE)

Major Indian Ports

  • Nhava Sheva (JNPT), Mumbai – India’s busiest container gateway

  • Mundra Port, Gujarat – Fastest growing private port

  • Chennai Port & Ennore Port – South India’s export hubs

  • Kochi Port – Ideal for perishables & food exports

  • Visakhapatnam Port – Preferred for east-coast cargo

  • Kolkata / Haldia Port – Eastern regional shipments

Major UAE Ports

  • Jebel Ali Port (Dubai) – Middle East’s largest port

  • Khor Fakkan Port – East-coast UAE and transshipment cargo

  • Port Khalifa (Abu Dhabi) – Modern container terminal

  • Sharjah Port – Suitable for LCL & mixed cargo shipments

Arc Worldwide offers weekly sailings on all major routes.


7. Flying Your Freight: Airport Guide

Major Indian Airports

  • Delhi IGI Airport – Best for North India exports

  • Mumbai Airport – Largest cargo movement

  • Chennai Airport – Electronics & pharma shipments

  • Bengaluru Airport – High-tech exports

  • Hyderabad Airport – Pharma & biotech hub

Major UAE Airports

  • Dubai International Airport (DXB) – Highest cargo traffic

  • Dubai World Central (DWC) – Dedicated cargo handling

  • Abu Dhabi Airport – Major customs hub

  • Sharjah Airport – Cost-friendly for SMEs

Arc Worldwide partners with leading airlines to ensure priority cargo handling and fast transit.


8. Why Ship From India to the UAE With Arc Worldwide?

Arc Worldwide is a trusted logistics partner for exporters, importers, SMEs, manufacturers, and e-commerce brands moving goods between India and the UAE.

What Makes Us Different

Door-to-door shipping (factory pickup to warehouse delivery)
Competitive ocean & air freight rates
Real-time tracking and proactive updates
Dedicated customer managers
Weekly sailings & daily flights
Expert customs brokerage in India & UAE
FCL, LCL, air cargo, and consolidated shipping
Packaging, warehousing & distribution support

Whether you’re shipping commercial cargo, household goods, machinery, perishable items, or retail shipments, Arc Worldwide provides reliable, transparent, and cost-effective logistics solutions.

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