As organisations diversify into online commerce, shipping has become a key differentiator for gaining a competitive advantage. However, with numerous shipping companies in the market, finding the best shipping partner can take time and effort. In this article, let us take a look at the key factors to consider when choosing the best shipping company in India.
We have also shortlisted the top-8 shipping companies and their main features to help you decide on the best shipping company in India that you should choose as your business partner.
Top 8 Shipping Companies in India
Since shipping companies continue to be the life-line of eCommerce companies in India, let us look at the top 8 service providers in this category –
1. Maersk Line
It is one of the largest shipping companies in the world, and it operates in India as well. It stands out with its advanced logistics technology and vast network of shipping routes. However, it may not be the best option for smaller businesses due to its high costs compared to other providers.
- Advanced cargo tracking technology for real-time monitoring
- Offers specialised logistics solutions for industries such as pharmaceuticals and perishables
- Provides sustainability reports to promote transparency
2. MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company
It is another major player in the shipping industry that operates in India. It focuses on customer service and offers a range of container types to suit different cargo requirements. However, it may not offer the fastest transit times compared to other providers.
- Offers door-to-door delivery services
- Provides online booking and tracking services for the convenience
- Has a dedicated team for handling oversized and project cargo
- MSC operates a vast network of shipping routes and inland connections.
- They offer a variety of value-added services, such as customs clearance, warehousing and cargo insurance.
- MSC actively invests in environmental sustainability initiatives.
3. CMA CGM
CMA CGM a global shipping company in India, has a vast network of shipping routes and a wide range of container types and sizes. CMA CGM serves 420 of the world’s 521 commercial ports and operates 257 shipping lines.
- Offers a range of value-added services such as customs clearance and cargo insurance
- Provides real-time vessel tracking and sailing schedules
- Has a mobile app for easy access to the shipping information
4. Evergreen Line
It is a major shipping company that operates in India, focusing on sustainability and offering a wide range of container types and fast transit times. However, it may have limited shipping routes compared to other providers.
- Offers eco-friendly container options made from sustainable materials
- Provides dedicated customer service teams for different regions
- Offers online payment options for convenience
5. Hapag-Lloyd
It is a German shipping company that operates in India, focusing on sustainability and various container types and sizes. However, it may have a smaller network of shipping routes than other providers.
- Provides a carbon calculator to estimate emissions for each shipment
- Offers customisable logistics solutions for different cargo needs
- Has a dedicated team for handling dangerous goods
6. ONE Ocean Network Express
It is a global shipping company in India, focusing on customer service and advanced logistics technology. It also offers a range of container types and sizes but may not have the best reputation for sustainability.
- Offers a digital platform for booking and managing shipments
- Provides container tracking and real-time vessel schedules
- Offers flexible cargo solutions such as temperature-controlled containers
7. Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation
It is a Taiwan-based shipping company in India. It focuses on customer service and offers a range of container types and sizes.
- Offers e-commerce solutions for online sellers and small businesses
- Provides container tracking and sailing schedules for transparency
- Has a sustainability policy to reduce emissions and promote eco-friendly practices
8. OOCL
It is a global shipping company that operates in India, focusing on sustainability and fast transit times. It also offers a wide range of container types and sizes, but it may not have the best reputation for customer service.
- Offers an online quotation system for quick price estimates
- Provides a customer portal for managing shipments and documentation
- Has a dedicated team for handling reefer containers for temperature-sensitive cargo
The above list reflects the top 8 shipping companies in India, with each service provider’s unique strengths and weaknesses. Consider your business needs, including shipping routes, container types and sizes, transit times, customer service, and sustainability, when comparing these providers to determine which is best for you. As a thumb rule, use the following world-class shipping services to compare and evaluate these top 10 providers
5 Steps to Choose the Best Shipping Company in India
Choosing the best shipping company in India can significantly impact your business’s profitability. Here are some ways in which it can help your business make profits:
- Faster Delivery: They have a vast network of delivery partners and use advanced logistics technology.
- Cost Savings: They offer competitive pricing and discounts, which can help you save money on shipping costs. Moreover, you can increase profit margins on each sale by reducing shipping costs.
- Increased Sales: Offering a wide range of shipping options can help you reach more customers in different parts of India. The best shipping companies in India offer multiple shipping options, like express, standard, and international shipping. By offering flexible shipping options, you can increase sales and profits.
- Streamlined Operations: The best shipping companies in India use advanced technology and streamlined processes to improve efficiency and reduce errors. This means your shipments are less likely to get lost or delayed, leading to fewer complaints and returns. By minimising operational inefficiencies, you can reduce costs and increase profits.
- Strong Partnerships: They have strong partnerships with local carriers and logistics providers. This can help you expand your business to new markets and regions, leading to increased sales and profits.
Thus, choosing the best shipping company in India is simplified when you use these five steps.
Shiprocket’s World-Class Shipping Services That Make The Difference
Shiprocket is a technology-driven logistics aggregator in India offering small and medium-sized businesses a broad range of shipping services. Some of the services that Shiprocket offers include:
Shipping: Shiprocket provides shipping services for small and medium-sized businesses across India. They offer a range of shipping options, including standard, express, and cash-on-delivery.
Logistics management: Shiprocket offers various logistics management services to help businesses optimise their supply chain. They provide real-time tracking and management of shipments, as well as inventory management and order fulfillment services.
International shipping: Shiprocket also offers international shipping services, allowing businesses to expand their reach beyond India. They have partnerships with leading global logistics providers, allowing them to provide cost-effective international shipping options.
Returns management: Shiprocket provides a hassle-free returns management service for businesses, allowing them to efficiently manage returns and refunds for their customers.
Packaging solutions: Shiprocket offers a range of packaging solutions to help businesses optimise their shipping operations. They provide customised packaging options and can also help companies design their branded packaging.
Hence, Shiprocket is a comprehensive logistics provider for small and medium-sized businesses in India, offering services to optimise their shipping and supply chain operations. Their focus on technology and customer service makes them a popular choice for businesses looking for a reliable logistics partner.
Therefore, Shiprocket’s services easily rank as the best shipping services in India, given the limited service platforms of other players.
Takeaway
Not all of the top-8 best shipping companies in India can ship goods accurately or without delays. Their biggest woe is the lack of a deep-level logistics network across the country. Leading providers, such as Shiprocket, use cutting-edge technology-driven solutions and partner with intra-city and pan-India partners and have become one of the best shipping companies in India. They hold an edge over other providers, whether it is servicing metro areas or local markets. Businesses like yours can be assured of reaching the remotest customer destination when you choose a provider offering all-in-one solutions!
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
To optimise your shipping strategy with a shipping company in India, you can work with them to analyse your shipping data and identify areas for improvement. You can also explore new shipping options and technologies to enhance your shipping strategy.
Common challenges associated with shipping in India include complex regulations, unreliable transportation infrastructure, and limited coverage in certain regions. A good shipping company in India can help you overcome these challenges by offering expertise in navigating regulations, leveraging its logistics network, and offering customised solutions to suit your business needs.
To ensure that your shipments are safe and secure with a shipping company in India, you can look for a company that offers insurance, package tracking, and secure packaging options. You can also check their security protocols and ask about their delivery procedures to ensure that your shipments are handled with care.
The best shipping companies in India can improve customer satisfaction by offering faster delivery, package tracking, and reliable customer service. This leads to increased loyalty and repeats business, as customers are more likely to trust your business when they receive their shipments on time and in good condition.
