EXIM Logistics India — Complete Guide to Export Import Freight 2026

India’s merchandise exports crossed $450 billion in FY2023-24 — and the country’s EXIM logistics ecosystem is one of the most complex in the world. For Indian exporters, the supply chain challenge is not just finding a good overseas shipping partner — it’s managing the India-side first mile from factory to port, which is often the most operationally complex and time-sensitive leg of the entire export journey.

The India-Side EXIM Challenge

Indian exporters typically lose time and money in the India-side first mile: delayed factory-to-port pickups miss vessel cut-offs, documentation delays hold cargo at CFS, and lack of inland container depot (ICD) connectivity forces costly road transport to distant ports. A logistics partner with 320+ locations, direct port access, and CFS relationships can compress the India-side first mile significantly.

Key Indian Export Ports and SSL’s Coverage

JNPT/Nhava Sheva (Mumbai): India’s largest container port. SSL manages landside logistics from all Gujarat, Maharashtra, and pan-India origins to JNPT. Mundra (Gujarat): India’s largest port by cargo volume. SSL’s Gujarat-origin network connects directly to Mundra. Chennai: South India’s primary gateway. SSL’s South India network covers factory-to-Chennai port. Kolkata: Eastern India’s primary port. SSL’s Eastern India network connects to Kolkata Port and Haldia.

Ocean Freight — FCL vs LCL

FCL (Full Container Load) means your cargo fills an entire container — faster and more secure. LCL (Less than Container Load) means your cargo shares a container with other exporters — more cost-efficient for smaller consignments. SSL coordinates both FCL and LCL ocean bookings for Indian exporters across all major shipping lines and destination ports.

Land Border EXIM

For neighbouring country exports (Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar), land border freight is often faster and cheaper than ocean. SSL manages land border EXIM through Petrapole-Benapole (Bangladesh), Raxaul-Birgunj (Nepal), Jaigaon-Phuentsholing (Bhutan), and Moreh-Tamu (Myanmar) crossings.

Contact SSL’s EXIM logistics team: corporatesales@sslpl.in | +91-92978 78787