Kolkata is a major seaport in India and a hub for international trade, with a thriving shipping industry. Choosing the right shipping partner for your business is essential to ensure timely and cost-effective deliveries. In this article, we have compiled a list of the 10 best shipping companies in Kolkata that your business should consider partnering with.
Top 10 Shipping Companies in Kolkata You Need to Know About
Maersk Line India Pvt. Ltd.
This is a leading global container shipping company with a strong operations base in many countries. The company offers a range of shipping services, including container tracking, cargo insurance, and customs clearance. It has a strong presence in Kolkata, with a dedicated team of professionals providing efficient and reliable shipping services.
DTDC
It is a leading courier and logistics company in India that offers a range of services, including domestic and international shipping, express delivery, and warehousing solutions.
GATI
A logistics and supply chain company that provides end-to-end logistics solutions, including eCommerce logistics, cold chain logistics, and express distribution, Gati has a reputed service network.
Blue Dart One
It is one of the leading logistics companies in India, Blue Dart offers door-to-door express delivery services, supply chain solutions, and e-commerce logistics.
FedEx
This worldwide courier delivery services company has city-wide operations in Kolkata. They offer a range of shipping solutions for businesses of all sizes.
Shree Balaji Shipping & Projects Pvt. Ltd
The Kolkata-based shipping company provides a range of shipping services, including freight forwarding, customs clearance, and cargo handling. The company has a team of experienced professionals who ensure timely deliveries. Shree Balaji Shipping & Projects Pvt. Ltd. is known for its customer service and competitive pricing.
TCI Freight
This leading logistics and supply chain management company offers a range of shipping services, including sea freight, air freight, and road transport. The company has a strong presence in Kolkata and is known for its reliable and cost-effective shipping solutions. TCI Freight has a team of experts who ensure smooth and hassle-free shipments, making it a popular choice among businesses in Kolkata.
ABC India Limited
This is a leading integrated logistics company that offers a range of shipping services, including sea freight, air freight, and customs clearance. The company has a strong presence in Kolkata and is known for its efficient and reliable shipping solutions. This shipping company has a team of experienced professionals who ensure timely and cost-effective deliveries.
J.M. Baxi & Co.
A leading shipping company with a historical presence in Kolkata, it offers a range of shipping services, including container handling, cargo handling, and customs clearance. The force behind the top-performing company is its team of experienced professionals who ensure smooth and efficient shipments, making it a trusted name in the shipping industry.
Eshopbox eCommerce
It is an all-in-one distribution platform that provides fast, affordable and reliable fulfilment for all ecommerce sales channels. Eshopbox stores, packs, picks and ships your products. With its extensive shipping network and lower shipping costs, your business can reach more customers faster.
These shipping companies are known for their reliable and efficient services and have a strong presence in Kolkata. By partnering with them, you can ensure that your products are delivered to your customers on time and in good condition. Now let’s look at some industries in Kolkata that rely on such shipping services for their business needs.
Businesses Using Shipping Services in Kolkata
Many types of businesses in Kolkata use shipping services to transport goods both domestically and internationally. Some of them are listed below:
- Textile and Apparel Industry: The textile and apparel industry is one of the major industries in Kolkata, with many manufacturers and exporters relying on shipping services to transport their products to customers around the world. According to a report by the Indian Brand Equity Foundation, Kolkata is the third-largest exporter of textiles and garments in India, with exports reaching US$ 44.4 billion at a CAGR of 41% over FY21 and 26% over FY20.
- Leather Industry: The leather industry is another major industry in Kolkata, with many tanneries and manufacturers relying on shipping services to export their products to markets around the world. According to the Leather Export Council of India, India exported $3.68 billion worth of leather and leather products in 2020-21, with Kolkata being one of the major export hubs.
- Steel Industry: The steel industry is also a significant user of shipping services in Kolkata, with many steel manufacturers relying on seaborne transportation to export their products to markets around the world. According to a report by the Ministry of Steel, India exported 12.799 million tonnes of finished steel in 2020-21, with Kolkata being one of the major ports for steel exports.
- Electronics Industry: The electronics industry in Kolkata is also a significant user of shipping services, with many manufacturers relying on seaborne transportation to export their products to markets around the world. According to a report by the Electronics and Computer Software Export Promotion Council, the electronics industry in West Bengal (which includes Kolkata) exported goods worth Rs 7,500 crore in 2021-22,
Common SLAs the Shipping Companies in Kolkata Are Using
The Service Level Agreement (SLA) between businesses and shipping service providers can vary depending on the specific terms of the agreement. However, some common SLAs that businesses should use when they partner with shipping service providers in Kolkata are as follows –
- Delivery time: The shipping service provider guarantees a specific delivery time for the goods being shipped. This could be a same-day, next-day, or standard delivery timeframe, and the SLA may include penalties or compensation for delayed deliveries.
- Transit time: The shipping service provider guarantees a specific transit time for the goods being shipped, which includes the time it takes for the goods to be picked up, transported, and delivered. The SLA may also include penalties or compensation for delayed transit times.
- Package handling: The shipping service provider guarantees that the goods will be handled with care and packaged securely to prevent damage during transit. The SLA may include compensation for damaged goods or penalties for inadequate packaging.
- Tracking and visibility: The shipping service provider guarantees real-time tracking and visibility of the shipment so that the business can monitor the progress of the delivery. The SLA may include penalties or compensation for lost or delayed shipments or inadequate tracking information.
- Customer service: The shipping service provider guarantees responsive and helpful customer service to assist with any issues or questions related to the shipment. The SLA may include penalties or compensation for poor customer service or lack of responsiveness.
It’s worth noting that SLAs can vary widely between different shipping service providers, and businesses should carefully review and negotiate the terms of the agreement to ensure they meet their specific needs and requirements.
Shiprocket
It is a well-established shipping company in India that specialises in eCommerce shipping solutions. They offer various services, including automated shipping, cash on delivery, and easy returns management. Over 100k+ brands and entrepreneurs trust Shiprocket. It offers low shipping rates, a wide customer reach and unparalleled customer service to its customers. It has integrated with the top 17 courier partners in the country and delivers to 24000 serviceable pin codes in India & over 220 countries.
Takeaway
The shipping industry continues to evolve and includes advanced technologies to help businesses achieve their goals, gain competitive advantage and ensure customer satisfaction. When choosing the perfect shipping companies in Kolkata for your business, the SLAs should be the guiding line, followed by the pricing plans offered by providers such as Shiprocket, which have budget-driven shipping options.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Businesses should consider factors such as the shipping company’s reliability, pricing, experience, and range of services offered.
Partnering with a shipping company in Kolkata can help businesses save time and money, improve delivery times, and enhance customer satisfaction.
Businesses can ensure timely and cost-effective deliveries by partnering with a reliable and experienced shipping company, tracking shipments, and optimising their supply chain management.
Some common challenges businesses face when shipping goods in Kolkata include traffic congestion, lack of infrastructure, and strict customs regulations.
