When shipping goods from Pakistan to the US, businesses must choose the best method to balance costs, delivery times, and logistics. Key factors include the type of goods, budget, and urgency. This article will help you understand the main shipping options and how to decide what’s best for your business needs.

Air Freight

Air freight is the fastest method to transport goods internationally. Ideal for perishable products and high-value items, it ensures quick delivery, typically within 4-8 days from Pakistan to the US. The reliability of air freight is high due to strict schedules and minimal handling, which reduces the risk of damage or theft. However, this speed and efficiency come at a premium cost, making it significantly more expensive than sea freight.

Rate: Approximately $8 per KG 

Delivery Time: 4-8 days

Major Cargo Airports in Pakistan:

• Jinnah International Airport (Karachi)
• Islamabad International Airport
• Allama Iqbal International Airport (Lahore)

Major Cargo Airports in the US:

• Memphis International Airport
• Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport
• Louisville International Airport
• Miami International Airport
• Los Angeles International Airport

Benefits of Air Freight:

Speed: Air freight is the fastest method, ideal for emergency orders taking 2-4 days from Pakistan to the US.

Reliability: High reliability with strict schedules and less handling, reducing the risk of damage or theft.

Flexibility: Wide network of airports allowing access to most destinations.

Drawbacks:

Cost: Significantly more expensive than sea freight, less cost-effective for large or heavy shipments.

Environmental Impact: Higher carbon footprint compared to sea freight.

Custom Inspections for Air Freight

Customs inspections can also affect delivery timelines. Customs clearance for air freight involves several steps: preparation of necessary documents, inspection upon arrival, assessment of taxes and duties, and final release. Documents like commercial invoices, air waybills, and certificates of origin are essential. Customs authorities inspect shipments to verify compliance with import regulations, and duties must be paid before goods are released. These inspections are compulsory to ensure compliance with international trade regulations and prevent illegal goods from entering the country, which can sometimes lead to delays.

Sea Freight

Sea freight is a cost-effective option for shipping large volumes of goods. It allows for both Less than Container Load (LCL) and Full Container Load (FCL) shipments, making it flexible for various cargo sizes. While it is much slower than air freight, taking around 44 days for shipments from Pakistan to the US, its economical pricing makes it popular for bulk shipments. Sea freight can handle significant volumes of goods, but it is more susceptible to delays due to weather, port congestion, and customs procedures. 

Container Size: 20 Feet

Estimated Cost: $5800 to $8000, excluding custom duties and additional costs which vary from port to port.

Cost Considerations:

FOB (Free on Board): Buyer bears all costs from origin to destination.

CFR (Cost and Freight): Seller covers costs up to the destination port.

Custom Duties: Vary according to the type of goods.

Additional Costs: Vary from port to port.

Major Cargo Seaports in Pakistan:

• Port of Karachi
• Port Qasim

Major Cargo Seaports in the US:

• Port of Los Angeles
• Port of Long Beach
• Port of New Jersey and New York\
• Port of Savannah

Benefits of Sea Freight:

Cost-Effective: Economical for large and bulky shipments, with costs based on container size rather than weight.

Capacity: Can handle large volumes of goods, suitable for bulk orders.

Environmental Impact: Lower carbon footprint compared to air freight.

Drawbacks:

Speed: Much slower, taking around 44 days for shipments from Pakistan to the US.

Reliability: More susceptible to delays due to weather, port congestion, and customs procedures.

Custom Inspections for Sea Freight

For sea freight, inspections are crucial and involve steps like document verification, container examinations, and compliance checks. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) may impose a Container Eligibility Test (CET). This test includes a series of examinations on arriving containers to determine their eligibility for release. If a container fails the CET, it is placed on hold by regulatory authorities until cleared by CBP. The main purpose is to identify and stop illegal contraband, ensuring compliance with US regulations. Your container goes through various steps before it reaches the destination. These custom inspections depending on the size and nature of the container can cause delays in delivery timelines. 

Importing into the US from Pakistan

The United States is one of Pakistan’s largest trading partners, importing over $6 billion worth of goods in 2022. Major imports include house linens, sweaters, leather goods, and agricultural products like rice and spices. Understanding the import process, including costs and delivery times, is crucial for businesses to make informed shipping decisions.

Shipping from Pakistan to the US

By evaluating your budget, time constraints, and the nature of the goods being shipped, you can choose the most suitable method for your needs. For businesses navigating international shipping complexities, platforms like Studio East can provide valuable support by comparing different shippers and helping you find the best options for your logistics strategy.

Whether you’re a buyer or seller, register with Studio East to access competitive shipping rates and receive a personalized quote. Don’t miss out on efficient and cost-effective shipping solutions –  join Studio East today!