Trusted Shipping & Logistics partner since 1952.
About Us
Introduction
Chakiat is a closely held family business group that has been in existence for close to a century. During its initial years, the company was engaged in trading and export of timber. Over the years, products like Iron and Steel, Cement, Sanitary Ware, etc. were added into its profile.
The Group forayed into shipping and related activities in 1952, which has now become the core business. From humble beginnings in Cochin, India, Chakiat has grown into a multi-dimensional company with diverse activities and business interests.
The company has its own offices at Bangalore, Chennai, Cochin, Coimbatore, Gandhidham (Mundra & Kandla), Guntur, Hazira, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai (Nhava Sheva), New Mangalore, Tuticorin, and Vishakhapatnam.
The group employs more than 650 highly motivated employees who are widely experienced in the industry.
Our Mission
To consistently deliver reliable ocean transport services for the global EXIM ecosystem.
Value 1
Built on trust and decades of experience, we deliver reliable and responsive shipping solutions.
Value 2
Our strength lies in process knowledge, local expertise, deep-rooted relationships and global connectivity.
Value 3
We stay agile to meet the evolving demands of EXIM trade with precision and care.
Value 4
Driven by integrity, collaboration, and a passion for service — we move what matters.
Value 1
Built on trust and decades of experience, we deliver reliable and responsive shipping solutions.
Value 2
Our strength lies in process knowledge, local expertise, deep-rooted relationships and global connectivity.
Value 3
We stay agile to meet the evolving demands of EXIM trade with precision and care.
Value 4
Driven by integrity, collaboration, and a passion for service — we move what matters.
Chakiat Milestones
2023
2023
Appointed as the agent for SeaLead Shipping PTE Ltd across South India.
2023
2023
Appointed as the agent for SeaLead Shipping PTE Ltd across South India.
2010s
2010s
Partnered with Gateway Distriparks Ltd to establish a Container Freight Station (CFS) at Cochin (GDKL).Expanded EXIM logistics operations into Mumbai and Mundra including warehousing and management.Launched operations of empty container depots at Cochin and Tuticorin.
2010s
2010s
Partnered with Gateway Distriparks Ltd to establish a Container Freight Station (CFS) at Cochin (GDKL).Expanded EXIM logistics operations into Mumbai and Mundra including warehousing and management.Launched operations of empty container depots at Cochin and Tuticorin.
2000s
2000s
Appointed as agents for The Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) at Tuticorin and RCL Feeder Pte Ltd at Chennai and expanding across the Indian East Coast.Entered ISO tank operations and container leasing.
2000s
2000s
Appointed as agents for The Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) at Tuticorin and RCL Feeder Pte Ltd at Chennai and expanding across the Indian East Coast.Entered ISO tank operations and container leasing.
1990s
1990s
Further expanded with direct offices at Visakhapatnam, Coimbatore, Bangalore and Mumbai.Diversified into logistics and container transportation services.
1990s
1990s
Further expanded with direct offices at Visakhapatnam, Coimbatore, Bangalore and Mumbai.Diversified into logistics and container transportation services.
1980s
1980s
Established operations at Chennai and Tuticorin.
1980s
1980s
Established operations at Chennai and Tuticorin.
1960s - 1970s
1960s - 1970s
Appointed as agents for few prominent shipping lines as port agents like Hansa Line, Alftideman, Gulf Express and SeaLand Services Inc.
1960s - 1970s
1960s - 1970s
Appointed as agents for few prominent shipping lines as port agents like Hansa Line, Alftideman, Gulf Express and SeaLand Services Inc.
1952
1952
Entered the shipping industry as customs brokers at Cochin.
1952
1952
Entered the shipping industry as customs brokers at Cochin.
MeetOurTeam
We are dedicated to provide the best services at the lowest possible cost.
MR. M.JAIRAM
Chairman
M. Jairam has been part of the business since 1950, when the firm was handling iron and steel before foraying into shipping & logistics. He has been Senior Director of Chakiat Agencies P. Ltd., and Chairman & Managing Director of Chakiat Shipping Services Pvt. Ltd. He has also been Chairman of Chakiat Infrastructure and Investments P. Ltd., who are the partners of India Gateway Terminal P. Ltd., the Indian arm of DP World. Additionally, he was also President of The Cochin Chamber of Commerce and Industry, a Promoter Chamber of ASSOCHAM, New Delhi. Mr. Jairam was also President of the Rotary Club of Cochin and has led a team of professionals to U.S where he was given the 'Key of the City' by the Mayor of Anadarko in Oklahoma State, for promoting India-U.S. understanding.
MR. SHANKAR MENON
Whole-Time Director
Shankar Menon joined the Chakiat Group in 1982 and is a third-generation member. He has been heavily involved in the operations of the group and traveled regularly to meet organizations and institutions to present and deliver projects. He has supervised major projects and negotiated with government officials. He has also been instrumental in developing the group's Liner Agency business, Freight Forwarding and Trucking.
MR. RAGHU JAIRAM
Whole-Time Director
Also, a third-generation member of the Chakiat Group, he joined the family business in 1988 and has since played an integral role in building and scaling the Customs Broking, Logistics Services, and Transportation arm of the group across all major Indian ports and inland container depots (ICDs). A Graduate in Commerce from Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala, he is also a licensed Customs Broker (CBLR license holder) and represents the group at various regulatory and industry forums. Beyond his core operational role, he is actively involved in shaping the group's long-term investments, including the strategic foray into asset-based services such as container freight stations (CFS), container depots, and warehousing. Apart from his business responsibilities, he is an active member of several organizations and has held multiple leadership positions.