International trucking is a method of transporting goods via road. Heavy truck trailers are used to transport cargo over long distances. These trailers carry up to 45 pallets, hold up to 43,000 pounds of merchandise and are 48-53 feet long. In Saudi Arabia, international and national shipping is common. There is also a long history of trade there. The country has direct land connections and trade routes to Europe, Asia and Africa. This gives them a significant advantage when it comes to truckload shipping. In Saudi Arabia most roads are in good shape, especially in Riyadh while others haven’t been paved yet (mostly those connecting to the coasts). This means you need to inform yourself on how international shipping to and from Saudi Arabia works. Hiring logistics companies in Saudi Arabia can help make this process easier for you.
What you need to know about international truckload shipping to and from Saudi Arabia: The Basics
From documentation and customs to restrictions and regulations, there is much useful information on shipping internationally. So, knowing what to expect will surely minimize any stress or potential problems. Here are the basics you need to know beforehand.
1. Import and Export of goods
Oil and petroleum reserves are most common in Saudi Arabia. This is why most exports will be petroleum and petroleum products while imports mostly entail food, chemicals, textiles, machinery, equipment and motor vehicles. If you are shipping something else, you are in luck because cargo transport company can help you save time on logistics.
2. Busiest roads and routes in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has many well-developed roads, but there is still approximately 65% of unpaved roads. However, Saudi Arabia’s government and General Investment Authority (SAGIA) has set a plan in motion to invest more in road, metro and rail projects. Logistics companies such as logistics company in Dammam will know the ins and outs of these routes and can help you save money and time.
Some of the busiest roads include:
- Khaybar to Al Ola Highway
- Mecca to Madinah Al Munawarah Highway
- Mecca to Dammam Highway.
- Dammam to Abu Hadriya
- Dammam to Ras Tanura Highway
3. Types of truckload shipping
There are three types of freight shipping by truck in Saudi Arabia, these include:
- Less than truckload (LTL): This type of shipping is usually used for shipments between 150 and 15,000 pounds and these shipments need to be larger than a parcel but not as big as needing a whole truck.
- Full truckload: This is usually used to move bulk or pallet loads weighing more than 15,000 pounds. For these shipments they use semi-trailers. This method is most cost effective for full shipments.
- Partial truckload: This is usually applied for shipments of 5,000 pounds or more. You can split the cost of the truck with other shippers.
4. Customs
A really important thing when shipping internationally is regulations. You need to check carefully what kind of paperwork you will need. Otherwise, your shipment won’t clear customs so in order to avoid this, you can read up on all of the rules and restrictions or even hire a company. Logistics companies in Riyadh have experience in handling customs and the appropriate paperwork and can help you though the process or even do it for you.
5. Tracking
Once your freight has gone through customs, tracking is another very useful tool to ensure a safe arrival of your goods. Choosing a company you trust will keep you in the loop and make sure your shipment is on time. You can also use a tracking service to help you save time.
