Ocean Freight Service

UB Cargo Nepal offers end-to-end ocean freight and cargo solutions designed for the Kathmandu market. We start with a free consultation at our office, where our logistics experts assess your needs, cargo type, volume, destination, and timeline. From there, we craft a customized plan.

Full Container Load (FCL) Services

For high-volume shipments, FCL is the gold standard. We provide 20ft and 40ft dry containers, high-cube options for taller loads, and refrigerated (reefer) units for perishables like fresh herbs or dairy from Nepal’s hills. Our FCL process begins with pickup from your Kathmandu warehouse using GPS-tracked trucks. We consolidate at our staging facility in Bhaktapur, then truck to the port of choice. Transit times? Expect 15-20 days to Southeast Asia, 25-35 days to Europe, and 30-45 days to the US East Coast.

Security is non-negotiable. Each container is sealed with tamper-evident locks, and we offer optional fumigation for agricultural exports to meet quarantine regulations. Recent clients, including a Kathmandu-based garment exporter, saved 25% on costs by switching to our FCL routes via Mumbai to Rotterdam.

Less-Than-Container Load (LCL) Services

Not every shipment fills a container. Our LCL service is perfect for SMEs in Kathmandu shipping samples, machinery parts, or e-commerce inventory. We consolidate your cargo with compatible loads at our consolidation depot, optimizing space and rates. Weekly departures ensure flexibility, no waiting months for a full load.

With LCL, documentation is streamlined: we handle bills of lading (B/L), commercial invoices, and certificates of origin. For instance, a local jewelry artisan used our LCL to ship to Dubai, arriving in 18 days with zero damage, thanks to our multi-layer packaging protocols.

Import and Export Expertise

Imports to Kathmandu demand precision. We clear customs at Indian ports, then fast-track inland via bonded trucking to avoid demurrage fees. For exports, our team pre-clears Nepali customs at Birgunj or Biratnagar, ensuring smooth handoffs. We specialize in hazardous goods (DG) under IMDG codes and oversized cargo, coordinating with specialized carriers like Maersk or MSC.

Temperature-controlled shipping? Our reefer services maintain chains for pharmaceuticals or floriculture products, vital for Nepal’s budding biotech sector. And for project cargo, like turbines for hydropower projects, we arrange Ro-Ro (roll-on/roll-off) vessels.

Ocean freight remains the backbone of global trade, accounting for over 90% of worldwide merchandise transport by volume. For Kathmandu enterprises, it’s not just a mode of shipping; it’s a strategic advantage. Cost savings are paramount: sea transport is up to 10 times cheaper per ton than air freight for non-perishable goods. This makes it ideal for Nepal’s export-heavy sectors like handicrafts, pashmina, carpets, and spices, which thrive on volume without the premium of urgency.

Moreover, ocean routes offer unmatched capacity. In an era of e-commerce booms and supply chain disruptions, reliability is key. UB Cargo Nepal leverages direct sailings from Indian ports to major hubs in Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific. Imagine exporting Nepali tea to the UK or importing electronics from China. Our ocean freight services minimize transit times while maximizing cargo security.

Sustainability is another compelling reason. With rising carbon taxes and eco-conscious consumers, ocean shipping’s lower emissions per ton-kilometer align with Nepal’s green ambitions. At UB Cargo Nepal, we prioritize vessels compliant with International Maritime Organization (IMO) standards, reducing your environmental footprint without compromising efficiency.