Logistics Knowledge Centre & FAQs

Look for a licensed operator with MTO/NVOCC registration, transparent pricing, experience in your specific trade lane, and responsive customer support. Ask for references, check customs clearance turnaround times, and confirm they handle your cargo type (FCL, LCL, or air) before signing a contract.

Cost depends on cargo volume, weight, shipping mode (sea vs. air), destination, and current fuel surcharges. Sea freight is generally more cost-effective for large volumes, while air freight suits smaller, time-sensitive shipments. Request a tailored quote based on your specific cargo details and destination.

Once your shipment is booked, you'll receive a tracking reference number by email. You can use this to check real-time status, including vessel/flight departure, customs clearance stage, and expected delivery date, either through the Logistics Hub portal or by contacting your dedicated account manager.

FCL (Full Container Load) means your cargo occupies an entire container, ideal for larger shipments above roughly 15 CBM. LCL (Less than Container Load) lets you share container space with other shippers, making it more cost-effective for smaller shipments, typically under 15 CBM.

Ocean transit time from major Indian ports to the US West Coast typically takes 25-35 days, and to Europe around 20-28 days, depending on the shipping line, port congestion, and whether it's a direct or transshipment route. Add a few extra days for origin and destination customs clearance.

Standard documents include a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, and export licenses where applicable (e.g., for restricted goods). Additional certificates may be required depending on the destination country and product category.

FCL (Full Container Load) dedicates an entire 20ft or 40ft shipping container exclusively to your cargo. It is sealed at your premises and opened only at the destination port/warehouse, making it faster and most cost-effective for shipments exceeding 15 CBM. LCL (Less than Container Load) consolidates multiple shippers' goods into a single container. You pay strictly for the volume (CBM) your cargo occupies, making it ideal for smaller shipments between 1 to 14 CBM.

Under FOB (Free on Board), the seller's responsibility ends once cargo passes the ship's rail at the origin port; the overseas buyer pays international freight. Under CIF (Cost, Insurance & Freight), the seller pays international ocean freight and marine insurance to the destination port, while the buyer handles import clearance. Under DDP (Delivered Duty Paid), Logistics Hub manages end-to-end transport including destination customs duties and taxes, delivering cargo directly to the buyer's door.

With our direct EDI filing and on-dock presence at Chennai Harbour and Air Cargo Complex (MAA), standard export air cargo clearance is executed within 4 to 6 hours of cargo gate-in. Ocean container clearance at CCTPL/CITPL terminals is completed within 12 to 24 hours of vessel discharge, preventing demurrage and dwell charges.

We prevent demurrage and detention through: (1) Advance pre-arrival document audit before vessel berthing, (2) Pre-filing of Bill of Entry (BOE) under the Indian Customs advance clearance system, (3) Direct Port Delivery (DPD) facility for accredited importers, and (4) Our fleet of contracted container trailers ensuring immediate evacuation to designated off-dock CFS yards.

Air freight is significantly faster than sea freight — typically 2-5 days to most major international destinations, including customs processing at both ends. It's best suited for time-sensitive, high-value, or perishable cargo where speed outweighs cost.

Choose air freight for urgent shipments, perishable goods, high-value items, or when inventory holding costs outweigh the higher freight cost. Sea freight remains the better choice for large-volume, non-urgent cargo where cost efficiency matters more than speed.

For standard cargo with complete documentation, customs clearance typically takes 1-3 working days. Delays can occur due to incomplete paperwork, physical inspection requirements, or restricted/regulated goods needing additional approvals from other government agencies.

You'll typically need a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, import export code (IEC), and a bill of entry for imports. Certain goods also require additional certificates such as BIS, FSSAI, or phytosanitary certification depending on the product category.

A CHA is a licensed professional authorized to handle customs documentation and clearance on behalf of importers/exporters. Using a licensed CHA like Logistics Hub reduces clearance delays, ensures regulatory compliance, and avoids penalties from incorrect or incomplete filings.

Indian export compliance requires: (1) Commercial Invoice with HS Code, (2) Detailed Packing List, (3) Importer Exporter Code (IEC), (4) GST Export Invoice (LUT/IGST), (5) Shipping Bill filed via ICEGATE EDI portal, (6) Certificate of Origin, and (7) Regulatory clearances (such as MSDS for chemicals or Plant Quarantine certificates for agro goods). Our in-house Customs Broker team manages this entire paperless filing.

Multimodal transportation combines two or more shipping methods (e.g., sea + road, or air + rail) under a single contract and provider, reducing handoffs, paperwork, and delays. It's ideal for businesses needing door-to-door delivery across multiple regions or countries.

Yes — warehousing solutions are typically available for both short-term storage (during transit or seasonal demand spikes) and long-term distribution needs, including inventory management and pick-and-pack fulfillment for e-commerce and B2B clients.

Freight forwarders work with businesses of all sizes. Many offer LCL shipping, consolidated cargo options, and simplified documentation support specifically so SMEs can access the same international shipping capabilities as larger companies, without needing to manage logistics in-house.

There's typically no strict minimum — LCL (Less than Container Load) sea freight and air freight both accommodate small shipments, from a few boxes to partial pallets, making freight forwarding accessible even for first-time exporters or small order volumes.

We handle IMO Classes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 9 under certified IMDG and IATA-DGR regulations, including flammable liquids, toxic substances, corrosives, and temperature-sensitive chemicals with UN-approved packaging and complete MSDS vetting.

Shippers must provide a valid Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS - 16 sections), Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD), UN packaging certificate, and container packing certificate prior to port gate-in.

As a licensed Multimodal Transport Operator (MTO) under DG Shipping, Logistics Hub issues a single MTD covering origin inland haulage, ocean/air legs, and destination delivery, providing single-point carrier liability and reducing banking LC documentation overhead.

We operate scheduled bonded trucking and rail rake shuttles connecting Bangalore ICD, Coimbatore ICD, Delhi-NCR ICDs, and Hyderabad to Chennai Port, Ennore, Kattupalli, and JNPT.

As a licensed Multimodal Transport Operator certified under the Director General of Shipping (Govt. of India), Logistics Hub issues a single legally recognized Multimodal Transport Document (MTD). This single document covers the entire journey across road, rail, and sea legs under unified carrier liability, eliminates intermediate transfer liabilities, and is accepted by international banks under Letter of Credit (UCP 600) terms.

We manage end-to-end return authorizations, defect inspection, repacking, customs re-import clearance under warranty exemption notifications (preventing duplicate customs duty), and reverse air/ocean transit.

Yes, we implement closed-loop barcode tracking and customs temporary export-import bonds for specialized automotive stillages, skids, and collapsible IBC containers.

Any consignment exceeding standard container dimensions (20ft/40ft) or requiring specialized heavy-lift cranes, hydraulic multi-axle trailers, flat-racks, or open-top equipment qualifies as project cargo.

Yes, our heavy-lift engineers conduct comprehensive physical route surveys, checking bridge load limits, overhead electric cable clearances, toll plaza lane widths, and obtain state police and highway authority transit permits.

We handle ATA Carnet documentation for duty-free temporary admission, direct tarmac delivery to expo venue booths, on-site unpacking and stand positioning, followed by repackaging and re-export.

We recommend booking sea freight exhibition consignments at least 45–60 days before the event, and air freight at least 15–20 days before stand construction begins.

Sea-Air combines the cost advantages of ocean shipping with the transit speed of air cargo. Goods sail by ocean from India to transit hubs like Dubai (DXB) or Singapore (SIN), where they are rapidly transferred to scheduled freighter flights to Europe or North America, cutting transit time by 50% compared to pure sea freight and saving up to 40% compared to pure air freight.

Yes, it is the preferred solution for retail apparel, consumer electronics, and automotive spares needing faster time-to-market without incurring full air charter costs.

We facilitate comprehensive All-Risk Marine Insurance under Institute Cargo Clauses (A), covering perils from port of origin to final destination warehouse, including general average, transit damage, and theft.

Yes, we provide heat-treated ISPM-15 certified wooden pallets, shrink wrapping, moisture barrier desiccants, heavy-duty container lashing, and official phytosanitary certification.

Multimodal transportation combines two or more shipping methods (e.g., sea + road, or air + rail) under a single contract and provider, reducing handoffs, paperwork, and delays. It's ideal for businesses needing door-to-door delivery across multiple regions or countries.

Yes — warehousing solutions are typically available for both short-term storage (during transit or seasonal demand spikes) and long-term distribution needs, including inventory management and pick-and-pack fulfillment for e-commerce and B2B clients.

For standard cargo with complete documentation, customs clearance typically takes 1-3 working days. Delays can occur due to incomplete paperwork, physical inspection requirements, or restricted/regulated goods needing additional approvals from other government agencies.

You'll typically need a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, import export code (IEC), and a bill of entry for imports. Certain goods also require additional certificates such as BIS, FSSAI, or phytosanitary certification depending on the product category.

A CHA is a licensed professional authorized to handle customs documentation and clearance on behalf of importers/exporters. Using a licensed CHA like Logistics Hub reduces clearance delays, ensures regulatory compliance, and avoids penalties from incorrect or incomplete filings.

Indian export compliance requires: (1) Commercial Invoice with HS Code, (2) Detailed Packing List, (3) Importer Exporter Code (IEC), (4) GST Export Invoice (LUT/IGST), (5) Shipping Bill filed via ICEGATE EDI portal, (6) Certificate of Origin, and (7) Regulatory clearances (such as MSDS for chemicals or Plant Quarantine certificates for agro goods). Our in-house Customs Broker team manages this entire paperless filing.