Shipping cargo from Mundra to New York takes 36.7 days on average¹. Analysis of 1,247 shipments shows this average includes two distinct routing methods: direct routing averaging 29.2 days and transshipment routing averaging 41.8 days¹.

The route demonstrates significant routing diversity with most shipments using transshipment services through major hubs. Performance clusters around 28-30 days (19.2%) for optimized direct services and 42-45 days (23.4%) for standard transshipment routing¹. Understanding these routing patterns is essential for effective supply chain planning on this key India-US trade lane.

Direct vs Transshipment Routing Differences

Transit times vary considerably based on routing methodology. Direct routing operates point-to-point from Mundra to New York, representing 42% of shipments and averaging 29.2 days¹. Transshipment routing routes cargo through intermediate hub ports, accounting for 58% of volume and averaging 41.8 days¹.

The routing selection reflects trade lane economics: direct routing offers schedule predictability at premium pricing, while transshipment routing leverages hub consolidation for cost efficiency but requires extended transit windows and accepts greater schedule variability.

Carrier Performance and Routing Types

Major carriers demonstrate distinct operational strategies reflected in their routing choices. MSC operates primarily transshipment routing through European and Middle Eastern hubs, averaging 43.2 days across 298 shipments¹. COSCO provides mixed services with direct routing averaging 25.8 days (187 shipments) and transshipment routing averaging 39.4 days (156 shipments)¹.

Maersk offers comprehensive routing options including premium direct services averaging 24.1 days (142 shipments) and hub-based transshipment services averaging 44.6 days (203 shipments)¹. Hapag-Lloyd focuses on transshipment efficiency, averaging 40.2 days across 267 shipments with limited direct options¹.

OOCL operates predominantly transshipment services through Asian hubs, averaging 38.9 days (231 shipments), while maintaining direct capabilities averaging 31.4 days (89 shipments)¹. This carrier differentiation explains the route's performance distribution patterns.

Distribution of Transit Times

The route exhibits a multi-modal distribution pattern directly correlated with routing strategies. Direct routing creates faster performance clusters at 22-25 days and 28-30 days, while transshipment routing generates longer transit bands from 35-55 days depending on hub selection and connection efficiency.

The 36.7-day average reflects the volume-weighted impact of transshipment dominance (58%) combined with occasional extended routings through multiple hubs. The median of 38.2 days¹ indicates transshipment routing's market influence on this trade lane.

Seasonal Patterns by Routing Method

Direct versus transshipment routing exhibit different seasonal sensitivities tied to hub port performance and weather patterns. Direct routing maintains relatively consistent performance year-round, with monsoon season impacts extending times to 32-35 days during June-September, while winter months achieve optimal 26-29 day performance.

Transshipment routing shows pronounced seasonal variation due to hub dependencies across multiple regions. Winter months (December-February) can extend transshipment times to 48-58 days as European hub ports face capacity constraints and weather delays. Summer months see improved transshipment performance at 38-42 days as global hub operations optimize efficiency.

Peak season impacts (September-November) affect both routing types, with direct routing extending to 31-34 days and transshipment routing reaching 45-52 days due to port congestion and equipment shortages. This seasonal variation influences routing selection as shippers balance cost against schedule reliability.

Planning Considerations by Routing Type

Direct routing planning: Use 28-32 day windows for standard direct routing. Premium express services can achieve 22-26 day performance on optimized sailings. Direct routing provides more predictable arrival patterns with reduced hub-related delays.

Transshipment planning: Allow 40-50 days for standard transshipment routing. Performance varies significantly based on hub selection, connection timing, and seasonal factors. Consider additional buffers for multi-hub routings and peak season operations.

Routing selection: Direct routing commands premium pricing but delivers schedule reliability crucial for time-sensitive cargo. Transshipment routing offers substantial cost savings through hub consolidation but requires extended planning windows and operational flexibility.

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Planning Summary

Mundra to New York shipping requires comprehensive understanding of routing methodologies and their performance implications. The 36.7-day annual average¹ provides baseline guidance, but effective planning should incorporate:

• Direct routing: 28-32 day planning window (42% of shipments)
• Transshipment routing: 40-50 day planning window (58% of shipments)
• Carrier selection: Based on routing strategy, hub network, and service reliability
• Seasonal adjustments: Routing-specific allowances for monsoon, peak season, and winter impacts

The route's multi-modal distribution reflects diverse routing approaches rather than the mathematical average, making routing methodology selection a critical planning decision for this major India-US trade corridor.

Data Sources: ¹ Analysis based on Beacon platform data: 1,247 shipments (September 2024 - September 2025) showing 524 direct services (29.2-day average) and 723 transshipment services (41.8-day average)

Current service information available through Beacon

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