Ocean & Air Freight Shipping From the United States to Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is one of the US’s most vital trade partners. In 2022, the US exported $337 million worth of goods to Sri Lanka and made a $234 million foreign direct investment in Sri Lanka stock. 

If you are looking to ship goods from the United States to Sri Lanka, here’s everything you need to know about the process and your ocean and air freight shipping options. 

What Are the Options for Shipping Freight From the United States to Sri Lanka?

Goods from the United States can be shipped to Sri Lanka via ocean or air freight. 

Ocean Freight From the United States to Sri Lanka

Ocean freight is the most common shipping option, preferred by shippers because of its flexibility and affordability. It can accommodate any type of cargo you need to get to Sri Lanka without putting a dent in your budget. 

Ocean freight offers shippers two options: less-than-container load (LCL) or full (FCL) shipping. 

LCL is best for shippers shipping small volumes of goods. Your goods will be consolidated with cargo from other shippers and shipped in one container. That way, you only pay for the space your cargo occupies. 

This option contrasts with FCL, which is more suitable for large and heavy cargo shippers. They rent the space in an entire container for their goods alone, allowing more control and security for their shipment. 

Air Freight from the United States to Sri Lanka

Air freight is another popular shipping option because of its speed. It can get goods from the United States to Sri Lanka in the shortest time possible. Because of stricter airport regulations, it’s also the most secure. 

Perhaps one disadvantage of air freight is its cost. It’s more expensive to ship by air, and there are limits on what you can ship in air freight. 

How Much Does it Cost to Ship Cargo From the United States to Sri Lanka?

The cost of shipping cargo from the United States to Sri Lanka will depend on the following factors: 

• Your choice of ocean or air shipping
• Your preference for door-to-door, port-to-port, port-to-door, or door-to-port shipment
• Your consignment’s weight, volume, and size
• Weight and size limits

Use our online freight costs calculator to get an estimate of your shipping costs. The table below provides the current cost for shipping a standard 20-foot container from the United States to Sri Lanka:

How long does it take to ship cargo from the United States to Sri Lanka?

The time it takes to ship goods from the United States to Sri Lanka is largely dependent on the international shipping mode selected. However, the following factors also play a role:

• The season (peak or low) during which you ship
• Whether the shipment route is direct
• The popularity of the trade lane
• Geopolitical instability
• Incidents that might occur at ports

How long does it take to ship cargo by sea from the United States to Sri Lanka?

Sea freight from the United States to Sri Lanka will take about 15 to 50 days.

How long does it take to ship cargo by air from the United States to Sri Lanka?

Air freight is much faster. It can get your goods from the United States to Sri Lanka in 2 to 8 business days.

For the most accurate estimate, we recommend using our transit time calculator.

Customs Clearance in the United States and Sri Lanka

Customs clearance is a necessary process that your goods will have to go through when they arrive in Sri Lanka. For this, you’ll need the following documents: 

• A commercial invoice
• A packing list
• A certificate of origin
• A letter of credit or other payment terms (depending on the contract between the parties involved)
• A bill of lading for ocean freight or an Airway Bill for air freight

You can view examples of these customs clearance requirements in our full documents list. 

Should You Choose Ocean Freight or Air Freight?

Choosing between ocean freight and air freight should consider your needs and priorities as a shipper and the requirements of your cargo. Here are some pointers to help you make the right decision. 

Ocean Freight

Ocean freight may be the best shipping option if you prioritize cost savings. It’s way cheaper than air freight, not to mention it offers more flexibility for your cargo. It can accommodate almost any type of goods you need to ship. When choosing ocean freight, you must also decide whether to ship with LCL or FCL. 

Considerations for LCL Freight Shipping

LCL may be ideal for you if your cargo is: 

• Small in size and quantity 
• Lightweight
• Suitable for consolidation with cargo belonging to other shippers 
• Not delicate, fragile, or high-value 
• Not requiring special handling or movement 

Considerations for FCL Freight Shipping

On the other hand, you might be better off shipping via FCL if your cargo is: 

• Large in size and quantity 
• Heavy or overweight
• Not suitable for consolidation with cargo belonging to other shippers 
• Delicate, fragile, or high-value 
• Requiring special handling or movement 

Air Freight

If you’re looking for speed in your shipping endeavor, you should consider air freight. Your air freight shipment will arrive in Sri Lanka in 2-8 business days, making this shipping option ideal for time-sensitive and perishable goods. 

Air freight also provides cargo security because of stricter airport regulations, making it perfect for high-value shipments. Keep in mind, however, that air freight regulates or restricts certain goods, so do your research to determine if it can accommodate the nature of your cargo. 

Air freight is also the most expensive way to get your goods from the United States to Sri Lanka. 

Ocean Cargo Port Guide

Cargo ports of origin in the United States

Port of Los Angeles

The Port of Los Angeles is the biggest in North America, spanning 7,500 acres. It’s affectionately known as America’s Port, handling 20% of incoming cargo for the United States and around 10 million TEUs per year. 

Port of Long Beach

The Port of Long Beach is the second largest port in America, serving as a gateway for trade and container shipping between Asia and North America. Notably, the Port of Long Beach is an eco-friendly port, having policies that help reduce its environmental impact. 

Port of Seattle-Tacoma

The Port of Seattle-Tacoma is one of the United States’ busiest ports, handling a large amount of container traffic. In fact, in 2015, it was ranked the third-largest port in the U.S. in terms of cargo handling. The port sees 3.7 million TEUs annually. 

Cargo ports of arrival in Sri Lanka

Port of Colombo

The Port of Colombo is Sri Lanka's biggest seaport. It ranks among the top 25 ports in the world and is one of the busiest container ports. The port can handle more than 7 million TEUs per year. 

Port of Hambantota

The Port of Hambantota, also known as the Magampura Mahinda Rajapaksha port, is in Sri Lanka’s southern region. It’s a bustling port, passed through by 39,000 ships and 5,000 oil tankers. It’s also considered as Sri Lanka’s most diverse deepwater facility. 

Port of Galle

The Port of Galle is the oldest port in Sri Lanka, but it’s still an important facility. It operates 24/7 and handles shipments of rice, flour, gypsum, clinker, cement, and fertilizers. The port has a natural harbor that spans 320 hectares. 

Air Freight from the United States to Sri Lanka: An airport guide

Airports of origin in the United States

Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport

The Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is the main airport serving the U.S. state of Alaska. It is located 5 miles southwest of downtown Anchorage and handles 25 billion pounds of freight per year. 

Memphis International Airport 

The Memphis International Airport is a civil-military airport in Tennessee. It is located 7 miles southeast of downtown Memphis. The airport spans 3,900 acres and has four runways. Every year, it handles 24 billion pounds of freight. 

Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport

The Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport is a civil-military airport in Kentucky. It is located in Louisville, Jefferson County, and spans 1,500 acres. With three runways and serving as a hub for UPS Airlines, Republic Airways, Chautauqua Airlines, and Vision Airlines, it handles 17 billion pounds of freight annually. 

Airports of arrival in Sri Lanka

Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport

The Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport, simply known as the Colombo Airport, is 35 km from the city center. It has two terminals and one dedicated cargo terminal for air freight shipments. The airport serves as a hub for several airlines, including IndiGo. 

Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport

The Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport serves the northeastern part of Sri Lanka. It was inaugurated in 2013 and is the first greenfield airport in the country. The airport’s relatively small demand gave it its nickname of “the World’s emptiest international airport.”