Shipping and
Export Logistics
Truly Ceylon ships export orders from Sri Lanka by sea from the Port of Colombo or by air from Bandaranaike International Airport. This page explains the shipping options, the container types, the common shipping terms and the documents to tell us about when you ask for a quote.
Where sea freight orders leave from
Sea and air freight from Colombo
Sea freight orders leave from the Port of Colombo. Tell us your destination port and the quantity you need, and the quotation will state the shipping term and the route for that order.
Air freight orders leave from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). Air freight is normally used for samples, small orders and goods that need to travel quickly. Ask us whether it suits your product.
Sea freight and air freight options
FCL (Full Container Load)
For larger orders. A full container load means the goods of one buyer fill a 20ft or 40ft container. Tell us the product and the quantity, and we will say whether a full container suits the order.
LCL (Less than Container Load)
For smaller and trial orders. A part load shares a container with other cargo going to the same destination. Freight for a part load is normally charged on the volume (CBM) or the weight of the cargo.
Reefer Containers
A reefer is a refrigerated container for goods that must stay cool or frozen during the voyage. If your product needs temperature control, tell us the temperature you require when you ask for a quote.
Air Cargo
Air freight leaves from Bandaranaike International Airport. It is normally used for samples, small orders and goods where time matters. Tell us the weight, the number of cartons and the destination airport when you ask for a quote.
- Documents discussed for each order
- Samples and small orders
- Packing agreed in the quotation
Container Loading Guide
20ft GP Container
Standard- Heavy goods packed in drums
- Dense goods such as whole spices
40ft HC Container
High Cube- Bulky, light goods in sacks or bales
- Lightweight retail packs in cartons
Export Packaging
By order- Palletised: cartons or sacks stacked on pallets for forklift handling. Tell us if your market has rules for wooden packaging.
- Slip sheets: thin sheets used in place of pallets, which leaves more room in the container.
- Floor loaded: sacks or cartons stacked directly on the container floor.
Export Documents
Tell us which documents your market needs when you ask for a quote. Buyers often ask about the documents listed below. Documents and test reports can be discussed for each order.
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- Bill of lading or air waybill
- Certificate of origin
- Phytosanitary certificate
- Fumigation certificate
- Weight or quality inspection report
Incoterms
Under FOB the seller's part ends when the goods are loaded on the vessel at the port of shipment. The buyer arranges the sea freight from there.
Under CIF the seller arranges the sea freight to the destination port the buyer names. The buyer handles import clearance and onward delivery from that port.
Under DDP the seller delivers to the buyer's address and handles import duties and taxes. Ask us whether this term can be quoted for your country.
The shipping term for an order is agreed in the quotation.
Freight cost depends on quantity, packing and destination. Request a quote with your destination port, or see quality control, private label packing and samples.