FAQs – Import Export, LCL/FCL Cargo, CBM Calculation & RoDTEP Services by ONS Logistics India
1. What is LCL Cargo in Export and Import?
LCL (Less than Container Load) cargo means your shipment does not require a full container. Multiple exporters’ cargo is consolidated into one container to reduce freight cost. LCL is ideal for small and medium businesses exporting low-volume goods internationally. LCL (Less than Container Load) cargo refers to shipping goods that do not fill an entire ocean container. Instead, multiple shippers’ smaller cargo loads are consolidated into one container, allowing them to share space and costs. It is ideal for smaller shipments (typically under 13–15 cubic meters) and is priced by volume
Benefits of LCL Cargo
Flexibility: Ideal for small businesses, startups, samples, or smaller inventory orders.
Slower Transit: LCL shipping can take longer than full containers (FCL) due to extra time needed for packing, unpacking, and handling at ports.
Increased Handling: Because goods are consolidated with other freight, there is a higher risk of minor damage, though this is minimized by professional freight forwarders.
At ONS Logistics India, we help businesses move smaller cargo shipments efficiently through reliable LCL (Less than Container Load) solutions. LCL shipping is the perfect option for exporters and importers who do not require an entire container but still want secure and cost-effective international logistics support.
Flexible Shipping for Small Cargo
LCL cargo offers excellent flexibility for businesses that ship smaller volumes. It is an ideal choice for:
Lower shipping cost
Ideal for small export orders
Flexible shipment planning
Worldwide cargo movement support
Suitable for startups and new exporters
At ONS Logistics India, we help exporters understand LCL cargo planning, packing, freight calculation, and customs documentation professionally.
2. What is FCL Cargo?
In Full Container Load (FCL) shipping, the entire container is exclusively reserved for a single shipper. Your cargo does not share space with goods from other businesses, ensuring maximum privacy, security, and operational efficiency throughout the shipping journey.
Once the container is loaded and sealed at the point of origin, it remains sealed until it reaches its final destination. This minimizes cargo handling during transit and significantly reduces the risk of damage, contamination, or shipment mix-ups.
At ONS Logistics India, we provide reliable FCL shipping solutions designed for businesses that require dedicated container space for large-volume shipments, sensitive cargo, or high-value goods.
Advantages of FCL Shipping
Faster transit time
Better cargo safety
Lower risk of cargo mixing
Cost-effective for bulk shipments
Ideal for industrial exports
We provide professional guidance for 20FT, 40FT, and High Cube container exports with complete documentation support.
3. How to Calculate CBM in Export Cargo?
CBM (Cubic Meter) is used to calculate cargo volume for sea and air freight.
CBM Formula
CBM=Length (m)×Width (m)×Height (m)\text{CBM} = \text{Length (m)} \times \text{Width (m)} \times \text{Height (m)}CBM=Length (m)×Width (m)×Height (m)
Example:
If cargo dimensions are:
Length = 2 meters
Width = 1.5 meters
Height = 1 meter
Then:
CBM=2×1.5×1=3 m3\text{CBM} = 2 \times 1.5 \times 1 = 3\ m^3CBM=2×1.5×1=3 m3
Why CBM is Important?
Freight cost calculation
LCL shipment charges
Container planning
Weight-to-volume ratio analysis
Export quotation accuracy
Our professional team at ONS Logistics India helps exporters calculate CBM accurately for international shipping.
4. How is Cargo Weight Calculated for Export?
Cargo weight is calculated using:
Gross Weight
Net Weight
Volumetric Weight
Chargeable Weight
Volumetric Weight Formula (Air Cargo)
Volumetric Weight=L×W×H6000\text{Volumetric Weight} = \frac{L \times W \times H}{6000}Volumetric Weight=6000L×W×H
Correct cargo weight calculation helps avoid:
Excess freight charges
Customs issues
Airline disputes
Shipping delays
5. What Export Documentation is Required?
Export documentation is essential for customs clearance and international trade.
Common Export Documents
Commercial Invoice
Packing List
Shipping Bill
Bill of Lading
Certificate of Origin
LUT/Bond
eBRC
IEC Code
AD Code Registration
Our export professionals assist from documentation preparation to DGFT compliance and banking formalities.
6. What is RoDTEP Incentive in Export?
RoDTEP (Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products) is a government export incentive scheme that refunds embedded taxes and duties to exporters.
Benefits of RoDTEP
Improves export profitability
Refund on hidden taxes
Digital claim process through customs
Encourages Indian exports globally
We help exporters understand:
RoDTEP eligibility
HSN code benefits
Claim process
Shipping bill declaration
DGFT procedures
7. What is Duty Drawback in Export?
The Duty Drawback Scheme allows exporters to recover duties and taxes paid during the import or manufacturing process of export products. The main objective is to encourage exports by reducing the cost burden on Indian manufacturers and traders.
Under this scheme, exporters receive refunds on:
Customs Duty
Excise Duty
Central Taxes
Certain input taxes used in export production
This refund improves cash flow and increases profitability for exporters across industries.
Duty Drawback Services Include
Claim filing
Customs assistance
Export documentation verification
Shipping bill correction support
Refund tracking
8. What is an IEC Code?
Core Details & Requirements Issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, it serves as your primary business identification for cross-border trade
IEC is: A 10-digit unique alphanumeric number.
Validity: It has lifetime validity (you no longer need to renew it, but it must be updated/verified annually online).
PAN Linkage: The IEC is structurally the same as your business's PAN but must be applied for separately as a distinct registration certificate.
IEC Code Benefits
Start import-export business legally
International payments acceptance
Customs clearance support
Government export incentives eligibility
We provide complete IEC registration assistance under one roof.
9. What is AD Code Registration?
AD Code Registration for Export Business in India
Starting an export business in India requires multiple compliance procedures, and one of the most important is AD Code Registration. The AD Code (Authorized Dealer Code) is a 14-digit numerical code issued by an authorized bank approved by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). This code must be registered with Indian Customs through the ICEGATE portal before exporters can generate shipping bills and clear export consignments from ports, ICDs, airports, or customs stations.
At ONS Logistics India, we help exporters complete the AD Code registration process quickly and professionally for smooth international trade operations. AD Code Registration is the process of linking your exporter bank account with Indian Customs. Without AD Code activation at the customs port, exporters cannot process shipping bills or receive export incentives efficiently.
The Authorized Dealer Code is issued by the exporter’s bank where foreign exchange transactions are maintained. This registration enables customs authorities to track export payments and foreign currency remittances.
Why AD Code is Important?
AD Code registration is mandatory for all exporters involved in international shipping from India. It serves multiple purposes: Without AD Code registration, cargo cannot be cleared for export through Indian Customs.
Required for shipping bill generation
Mandatory for customs clearance
Enables foreign currency realization
Helps claim export incentives like RoDTEP and Duty Drawback
Connects exporter bank account with customs systems
Ensures smooth export documentation processing
10. How to Get IGST Refund in Export?
IGST refund is available to exporters who export goods with payment of GST.
IGST Refund Process
Correct GST filing
Shipping bill matching
EGM filing
Customs processing
Bank account verification
We provide professional support for faster refund processing and export compliance.
11. What is eBRC in Export?
eBRC (Electronic Bank Realisation Certificate) is proof that export payment has been received in India through authorized banking channels.
eBRC is Required For
DGFT benefits
Export incentives
RoDTEP claims
Export promotion schemes
We coordinate with banks and DGFT systems for complete eBRC assistance.
12. How Can Beginners Learn Import Export Professionally?
At ONS Logistics India, we provide professional import-export training for beginners, traders, manufacturers, students, and startups.
Training Includes
Export documentation
Freight understanding
LCL/FCL operations
Customs clearance
DGFT procedures
International payments
Foreign exchange handling
Buyer sourcing
International marketing
Shipping process
Import procedures
13. How to Get Foreign Buyers and Export Orders?
We guide exporters professionally on:
Finding international buyers
B2B export marketing
Product promotion
Export pricing
Email communication
Trade portals
LinkedIn export marketing
International trade fairs
Buyer database development
14. Why Choose ONS Logistics India?
Complete Import Export Solutions Under One Roof
Freight Forwarding
Customs Documentation
DGFT Assistance
Banking & Foreign Exchange Support
RoDTEP & Duty Drawback
IEC & AD Code Registration
IGST Refund Support
eBRC Handling
Professional Export Training
Cargo Planning & Freight Solutions
We have a professional team dedicated to every stage of import-export business — from startup registration to international payments and DGFT compliance.
Contact
Get in touch for personalized logistics solutions.
Support
Toll Free -18008907365
© 2025. All rights reserved. ONS FREIGHT & LOGISTICS
Customs
Dockdesk@onslog.com Export operation Expdoc@onslog.com