Top Ocean Freight Companies & Brokers In India 2025

India's booming export and import industry is heavily reliant on ocean freight companies. These companies facilitate the transport of goods across international waters, making them a critical part of global trade.

For businesses that need to move large quantities of goods or operate on a worldwide scale, selecting the right ocean freight broker is crucial. Whether you're a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) or a larger company, this blog will help you select the right partner for your ocean freight needs.

Let's explore the top ocean freight companies in India, providing insights into their services, strengths, and how they can support your business needs. 

TL;DR (Key Takeaways)

• Top Ocean Freight Providers: Leading ocean freight companies in India, like Pazago, Maersk, and MSC, offer diverse solutions for SMEs, focusing on reliability, global reach, and competitive pricing.
• FCL vs. LCL: Choosing between Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL) depends on shipment size, cost, and timing.

• Freight Forwarders vs. Direct Liners: Freight forwarders offer flexibility and multiple carriers, while direct liners provide more control and better pricing for regular, large shipments.

• Key Factors for SMEs: When selecting a provider, SMEs should prioritise service range, technology, global network, and customer support to streamline their ocean freight operations.

• Operational Pitfalls: SMEs often overlook critical aspects, such as transparent pricing, the importance of proper documentation, and the value of customer support, when selecting a freight provider.

Also Read: Introduction To Ocean Freight Management Software And Its Services

1. Pazago

Pazago is a leading platform that simplifies ocean freight logistics for Indian SMEs, making global trade more efficient. As an all-in-one export management platform, Pazago offers centralised processes, including documentation, order management, logistics, and financial transactions.

Key Strengths

• Tech-Driven Freight Booking: Pazago provides a digital platform that streamlines freight booking, reducing time and effort in the process.
• Real-Time Tracking: Businesses can track their shipments 24/7, ensuring complete visibility and proactive management of potential delays.
• Transparent Pricing: Pazago offers clear and upfront pricing, enabling businesses to avoid hidden fees and control costs more effectively.
• Streamlined Documentation: With Pazago, businesses can manage all export documents in one centralised location, reducing paperwork and enhancing compliance.

By integrating Pazago's platform with ocean freight services, businesses can make more informed decisions and gain greater control over their supply chain.

2. Maersk Line India

Maersk Line India has become a major player in the Indian Ocean freight industry. The company provides comprehensive container shipping services to both small and large businesses, connecting India with ports around the world.

Key Strengths

• Global Network: Maersk’s extensive global network enables businesses to reach virtually any market worldwide, thereby enhancing global trade opportunities.
• Sustainability: Maersk has made strides in adopting sustainable practises, including eco-friendly vessels, to reduce its carbon footprint.
• Reliability: Known for its consistent service and on-time delivery, Maersk offers businesses peace of mind regarding their shipment timelines.
• Advanced Technology: Maersk utilises advanced tracking systems and digital tools to improve operational efficiency and offer better visibility into the shipping process.

With its global reach and innovative solutions, Maersk Line India is a trusted choice for companies looking to optimise their ocean freight operations.

3. MSC – Mediterranean Shipping Company

MSC – Mediterranean Shipping Company is one of the largest ocean freight companies in India. Known for its extensive fleet and global presence, MSC is a top choice for businesses looking to streamline their international logistics operations. The company provides containerised cargo services, focusing on efficient, safe, and timely delivery across multiple trade lanes.

Key Strengths

• Global Fleet: MSC operates one of the largest container fleets in the world, ensuring capacity and flexibility for businesses of all sizes.
• Efficient Logistics Solutions: MSC offers end-to-end logistics services, from shipping to warehousing, making it a one-stop solution for international trade.
• Customer-Focused Service: Known for excellent customer service, MSC provides businesses with real-time tracking, timely updates, and personalised support.
• Strategic Port Connections: MSC connects Indian ports with key global destinations, enhancing trade routes and enabling faster shipping times.

MSC stands out as a reliable and efficient ocean freight broker in India, offering businesses the tools they need to expand their reach in global markets.

4. CMA CGM

CMA CGM is a globally recognised French shipping company with a strong presence in India. As one of the top ocean freight companies in India, CMA CGM offers comprehensive maritime logistics solutions, helping businesses efficiently manage their shipments across the globe.

Key Strengths

• Global Network: CMA CGM’s vast network connects India to key global ports, ensuring timely and reliable delivery for international shipments.
• Comprehensive Services: Offering both container shipping and end-to-end logistics, CMA CGM supports businesses throughout the entire shipping process, from booking to delivery.
• Innovation and Technology: The company invests heavily in technology, offering digital platforms for booking, tracking, and managing shipments.
• Sustainability Initiatives: CMA CGM is committed to environmental sustainability, implementing measures like eco-friendly vessels and carbon reduction strategies.

For businesses looking to optimise their ocean freight and expand their reach globally, CMA CGM is a trusted provider offering flexibility, reliability, and innovative logistics solutions.

5. The Great Eastern Shipping Co. Ltd (GE Shipping)

The Great Eastern Shipping Co. Ltd. (GE Shipping), based in Mumbai, is one of India's largest private-sector shipping companies. They operate a diverse fleet and offer a wide range of services, including dry bulk shipping, tankers, and offshore services.

Key Strengths

• Extensive Fleet: GE Shipping operates a large fleet of tankers and bulk carriers, offering flexibility for various types of shipments.
• Offshore Expertise: In addition to ocean freight, GE Shipping specialises in offshore services, making it a versatile logistics partner.
• Custom Shipping Solutions: The company provides tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of its clients, including specialised cargo handling.
• Experience and Reliability: With over 70 years in the industry, GE Shipping has built a reputation for reliability and consistent service.

For businesses looking for a well-established ocean freight broker in India, GE Shipping offers extensive experience and a broad service offering that ensures efficient handling of both bulk and containerised shipments.

6. The Shipping Corporation of India (SCI)

The Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) is India’s largest government-owned shipping company, playing a crucial role in the country’s maritime transport. With its long history and extensive fleet, SCI is one of the most trusted ocean freight companies in India, offering both national and international shipping solutions.

Key Strengths

• Large Vessel Portfolio: SCI operates a large and diverse fleet of vessels, providing businesses with a variety of shipping options, including bulk carriers and container ships.
• National & International Reach: SCI's services cover both domestic and international trade routes, enhancing global connectivity for Indian businesses.
• Government Backing: Being a government-owned company, SCI benefits from strong regulatory support and financial stability.
• Expertise in Bulk and Liquid Cargo: SCI has extensive experience in handling both bulk cargo and liquid shipments, making it a go-to choice for businesses with specific shipping needs.

With its extensive fleet, government backing, and years of expertise, The Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) remains one of the top choices for businesses seeking reliable and cost-effective ocean freight services in India.

7. Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation

Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation, based in Taiwan, is a leading global shipping company with a strong presence in India. Known for its reliable services and vast shipping network, Yang Ming offers businesses effective ocean freight solutions for international trade.

Key Strengths

• Global Reach: Yang Ming operates a vast network of shipping routes, linking India to major international markets in Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
• Efficient Container Services: Specialising in containerised cargo, Yang Ming provides timely, reliable services that help businesses manage large shipments effectively.
• Commitment to Service Excellence: Known for customer-focused service, Yang Ming ensures smooth operations and consistent shipping schedules.
• Sustainability Focus: The company has taken steps to improve its environmental impact, implementing eco-friendly practises in its operations.

For businesses looking for a reliable ocean freight company in India with extensive global connections and a focus on customer satisfaction, Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation offers efficient and sustainable shipping solutions.

8.  OOCL (Orient Overseas Container Line)

OOCL (Orient Overseas Container Line), a Hong Kong-based multinational, has been active in the Indian market since 1947. As one of the most reliable ocean freight companies in India, OOCL provides comprehensive container shipping services for businesses involved in global trade.

Key Strengths

• Global Container Network: OOCL offers an extensive containerised shipping network that connects India to major ports worldwide, ensuring businesses can access international markets.
• Service Quality: OOCL is known for its high standards in customer service, ensuring timely deliveries and transparent communication throughout the shipping process.
• Innovative Technology: The company integrates advanced tracking and booking systems, allowing businesses to monitor their shipments in real time for better control.
• Sustainability Initiatives: OOCL is committed to reducing its environmental impact by adopting eco-friendly practices in its shipping operations.

For businesses seeking an established, reliable ocean freight broker in India, OOCL stands out with its global presence, commitment to service quality, and innovative shipping solutions.

9.  LORDS Freight Solutions

LORDS Freight Solutions is a prominent Indian freight forwarding company known for its expertise in both air and ocean freight services. With an established network of partners and a customer-centric approach, LORDS Freight offers comprehensive logistics solutions for businesses involved in global trade.

Key Strengths

• Comprehensive Customs Brokerage: LORDS Freight provides expert customs clearance services, ensuring smooth entry and exit for goods while maintaining compliance with international regulations.
• Cargo Insurance: The company offers cargo insurance, helping businesses mitigate risks such as damage, theft, or loss during transit.
• Project Cargo Handling: LORDS Freight specialises in handling complex project cargo, ensuring safe and efficient transport for large or specialised shipments.
• Global Network Partnerships: With partnerships across over 100 countries, LORDS Freight connects Indian businesses with a wide range of international markets, offering reliable shipping services.

For Indian SMEs seeking an experienced ocean freight broker, LORDS Freight offers flexible and reliable logistics solutions to meet a variety of global trade needs.

10. Ocean Sky Logistics

Ocean Sky Logistics is a well-established freight forwarding company in India with over 20 years of experience in the logistics industry. Known for its tailored solutions and reliable services, including ocean freight, air freight, and international road and rail freight.

Key Strengths

• Full Suite of Services: Ocean Sky offers comprehensive services, including ocean freight, air freight, road/rail transport, and customs clearance, making it a one-stop solution for businesses.
• Tailored Solutions: The company is known for its ability to create customised solutions to meet the specific needs of its clients, ensuring the most efficient and cost-effective shipping options.
• Operational Reliability: With over two decades of experience, Ocean Sky has built a reputation for providing reliable logistics services, ensuring timely deliveries.
• Global Network: The company has strong connections with international partners, providing businesses with access to a wide range of markets around the world.

Ocean Sky Logistics is an ideal choice, thanks to its experience and commitment to customer service, which makes it a top contender for businesses involved in international trade.

Also Read: Top Shipping Software Platforms for Small Business Delivery

Choosing the Right Ocean Freight Service for SMEs

SMEs should consider several factors when choosing an ocean freight broker or company. These include the size and weight of the goods, shipping routes, and the need for specialised services such as temperature-controlled storage or handling of fragile items. 

FCL vs LCL: Know When to Book What

Understanding when to book FCL (Full Container Load) or LCL (Less than Container Load) is essential for optimising shipping costs and ensuring efficient logistics. Let's find the option that suits your business needs best:

FCL (Full Container Load)

• Ideal for large shipments that fill an entire container.
• Greater control over your goods, with minimal handling.
• Often results in lower per-unit shipping costs for bulk shipments.
• Faster transit times are possible as the container is sealed and shipped directly to the destination.
• Best for businesses with high-volume or frequent shipments.

LCL (Less than Container Load)

• Perfect for smaller shipments that don't fill a full container.
• Cost-effective for SMEs with less frequent shipments.
• Shared container space can sometimes lead to longer transit times.
• Handling goods more frequently may increase the risk of damage.
• Great for businesses needing flexibility with irregular shipment sizes.

Choosing the right option between FCL and LCL helps optimise your shipping costs and efficiency, ensuring your business's logistics run smoothly. Now, let's examine the differences between FCL and LCL shipping to help you make the best choice for your business.

Freight Forwarders vs. Direct Liners: Who Should You Trust?

Both play essential roles in the shipping process; however, understanding their differences is crucial for selecting the best partner to meet your logistics needs.

Freight Forwarders

Role: Freight forwarders act as intermediaries between the shipper and the carriers. They handle the entire logistics process, from booking cargo space to arranging for transport, customs clearance, and delivery.

Advantages:

• Expertise in managing complex international shipments.
• Ability to provide a tailored solution, including multimodal transport (sea, air, land).
• Can work with multiple carriers to get the best price and service for your specific needs.
• Provide value-added services like cargo insurance, warehousing, and tracking.

Direct Liners

Role: Direct liners are shipping companies that own and operate their own vessels, offering direct ocean freight services from one port to another.

Advantages:

More control over the entire shipping process since you're working directly with the company that owns the ships.

Often, better pricing is available for large, regular shipments due to direct service and the absence of intermediaries.

Reliable and predictable schedules, as you are working with a single provider.

Which One Should You Choose?

For businesses that require a more flexible, customised solution, freight forwarders are often the better choice. They offer a broader range of services and can tailor shipping plans based on specific needs. However, if you have regular shipments and want more control over your cargo, a direct liner may be a more cost-effective and predictable option.

Ultimately, the choice depends on your shipment volume, service requirements, and the complexity of your logistics.

Now that you have a clear idea about freight forwarders and direct liners, it's time to compare ocean freight providers and understand what matters when selecting the right provider for your business.

Comparing Ocean Freight Providers: What Matters Most

When selecting an ocean freight company in India, it’s important to consider several key factors that will impact your shipping experience. While each provider offers a unique set of services, certain elements are essential for making an informed choice.

Considering these factors, businesses can ensure they select the best ocean freight broker or ocean freight company in India for their unique needs.

With these key factors in mind, let's examine what most SMEs overlook when selecting a service.

Also Read: Logistics Tracking for Ocean Freight: A Guide for New EXIM

What Most SMEs Miss When Choosing a Service

When selecting an ocean freight broker or ocean freight company in India, SMEs often overlook critical factors that can impact their operations.

1. Comprehensive Service Offering

Many SMEs focus only on price but overlook the range of services offered. A full-service provider ensures smooth shipping and reduces the need for multiple vendors.

2. Transparency in Pricing

Hidden fees can add up quickly. Choose a provider with transparent pricing to avoid unexpected charges that could negatively affect your bottom line.

3. Technology Integration

Technology plays a significant role in modern logistics. Look for providers offering real-time tracking and digital documentation for better efficiency and fewer errors.

4. Customer Support and Communication

Reliable customer support is crucial. Select a freight provider that provides responsive and clear communication to address any issues that may arise during the shipping process.

By focusing on these key aspects, SMEs can make more informed decisions and optimise their ocean freight operations. Next, let's examine some of the operational pitfalls businesses often encounter and how to mitigate them for smoother logistics.

Operational Pitfalls to Avoid in Ocean Freight

While ocean freight offers numerous benefits, businesses often encounter operational pitfalls that can delay shipments, increase costs, or lead to lost goods. Understanding these challenges and how to avoid them is crucial for smooth logistics operations.

1. Inadequate Planning and Scheduling

Poor planning can lead to missed shipping deadlines or unnecessary delays. Ensure that you book shipments in advance, account for transit times, and confirm schedules with the ocean freight broker or company.

2. Incorrect Documentation

Documentation errors are one of the most common causes of delays in ocean freight. Always double-check export documents such as bills of lading, invoices, and packing lists to ensure they are accurate and comply with customs regulations.

3. Lack of Communication with Stakeholders

Inconsistent communication between ocean freight companies, customers, and customs authorities can lead to misunderstandings and errors. Regular updates and clear communication are key to avoiding bottlenecks.

4. Underestimating Shipping Costs

Many SMEs fail to account for hidden costs, such as terminal handling charges, customs duties, or storage fees. It's essential to review the pricing structure to avoid unexpected expenses.

5. Inadequate Insurance Coverage

Shipping goods without adequate insurance can expose businesses to significant risks, such as loss or damage during transit. Ensure that proper cargo insurance is in place to protect your goods throughout the shipping journey.

By being mindful of these operational pitfalls and taking proactive steps to avoid them, businesses can ensure smoother and more reliable ocean freight operations, ultimately saving time and money in the long run. Understand how Pazago can streamline and elevate your ocean freight experience.

Also Read: Pazago Guide: Mastering Global Track and Trace Solutions

How Pazago Enhances Your Ocean Freight Experience

As an all-in-one export management platform, Pazago plays a pivotal role in simplifying the complexities of ocean freight and global trade for Indian SMEs. By integrating key logistics processes, Pazago helps businesses streamline documentation, order management, tracking, and financial transactions, ensuring a seamless shipping experience.

Pazago's Key Features in Ocean Freight

• Digital Documentation: Pazago allows businesses to create, organise, and access all export documents in one secure platform, reducing errors and saving time.
• Real-Time Tracking: With Pazago’s real-time shipment tracking, businesses can monitor their goods throughout the journey, ensuring timely delivery and reducing delays.
• Streamlined Communication: The platform centralises communication between exporters, freight forwarders, and brokers, helping businesses stay in control and collaborate efficiently.
• Logistics & Insurance Integration: Pazago simplifies the coordination of logistics and cargo insurance, ensuring that goods are properly covered and that the shipping process runs smoothly.
• Integrated Finance: The platform supports forex auditing, payments, and risk management, helping businesses manage their finances efficiently across global trade routes.

By utilising Pazago, businesses can complement the services of ocean freight companies in India, enhance operational efficiency, and gain greater control over their export processes. 

Conclusion

Choosing the right ocean freight company in India or ocean freight broker is essential for businesses involved in global trade. With numerous providers offering a range of services, it's necessary to evaluate each one based on its strengths, global reach, and ability to meet your specific logistics needs.

As we've seen, top players like Maersk Line India, MSC, and Pazago offer a variety of solutions that can streamline your ocean freight operations and help you expand your global reach. By leveraging the right ocean freight services, businesses can enhance their supply chain efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure timely deliveries. Whether you're new to ocean freight or looking to optimise your current logistics operations, carefully choosing the right partner is crucial for sustaining growth in international markets.

FAQs

Which shipping service is the best?
The best shipping service depends on your specific needs, including shipment size, destination, and budget. For businesses seeking reliable and global shipping, companies like Maersk, MSC, and Pazago offer excellent services. When selecting the best service for your shipments, it’s essential to consider factors such as service range, pricing transparency, customer support, and technology integration.

Where can I find the best sea freight services?
The best sea freight services in India can be found through leading providers such as Maersk, MSC, and CMA CGM. These companies offer extensive global networks, efficient services, and competitive rates. Additionally, platforms like Pazago provide digital solutions for easier booking, tracking, and managing sea freight shipments, simplifying the process for businesses.

What is the top freight forwarder company in India?
Some of the top freight forwarder companies in India include LORDS Freight India Pvt Ltd, Pazago, and OOCL. These companies are known for their global reach, efficient logistics services, and tailored solutions. They offer comprehensive services, including ocean freight, air freight, customs brokerage, and cargo insurance, helping businesses streamline their shipping and logistics processes.

What is the future of the freight forwarding industry in India?
The future of the freight forwarding industry in India looks promising, with rapid advancements in technology and infrastructure. The rise of digital platforms like Pazago is transforming the industry by automating processes, improving visibility, and enhancing customer service. With the growth of e-commerce and international trade, the demand for efficient, tech-driven logistics solutions will continue to drive the evolution of freight forwarding in India.