Cross trade shipping and third-country freightNot through Dubai. Managed from Dubai.
Airlift Logistics manages cross trade shipping from Dubai, UAE: cargo moves directly between two other countries, such as the USA to Africa or China to Europe, without entering the UAE. We coordinate freight forwarding, agents, bills of lading and documents for traders, including switch bills of lading where the carrier agrees.
What is cross trade?
Cross trade means a business in one country arranges the sale and shipment of goods between two other countries. The goods go directly from seller to buyer, and do not enter the trader's own country.
- 01
Origin, destination, commodity, Incoterms and required date.
- 02
Export, import and sanctions checks for each country.
- 03
Our network arranges pickup and freight in the origin country.
- 04
Bills of lading, and switch B/L where the carrier agrees.
- 05
Track the move
One point of contact in Dubai while cargo is moving.
- 06
Deliver to the buyer
Destination agent handles arrival, and clearance if agreed.
Who uses cross trade, and where
These are examples, not a fixed list. We confirm carrier options and agents for each shipment.
| Lane | Typical trader | Usual modes |
|---|---|---|
| Trader or parts supplier selling American goods | Sea, or air for urgent parts | |
| Dubai trader serving African buyers | Sea, FCL or LCL | |
| Sourcing company between factory and retailer | Sea, or air for samples | |
| Merchant exporter | Sea and air | |
| Regional distributor | Road and sea | |
| Machinery and project supplier | Sea, including project cargo |
Have a deal between two countries?
Tell us the origin, destination and commodity, and we will confirm the options.
The paperwork behind a cross trade
A cross trade often has two sales: supplier to trader, and trader to buyer. Each document has to match the correct sale and be truthful.
| Document | What it does | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Supplier bills the trader, and the trader bills the buyer | Each set goes only to the right party | |
| Evidence of carriage, and the title document for sea cargo | Agree the shipper and consignee early | |
| A second B/L set that replaces the first | Needs carrier or forwarder agreement | |
| States where the goods were made | Must show the true origin | |
| Declaration in the origin country, such as AES for US exports | Set out who files it under the Incoterm | |
| Bank payment conditions, where used | Check that documents match the credit |
Cross trade moves cargo between two countries, arranged from a third. The goods never enter the country of the company managing the deal. For example, a Dubai trader can buy goods in the USA and sell them to a buyer in Africa, while Airlift Logistics coordinates the freight and documents.
- It is also called a third-country or triangular shipment.
- The trader usually keeps supplier and buyer details separate.
No, cross trade cargo normally does not pass through the UAE. It travels directly from origin to destination, or through a carrier's usual transhipment hub. No UAE customs declaration is normally needed, because the goods do not enter the country. Customs rules at origin and destination still apply to the parties involved.
- Some traders do route goods through a UAE free zone, which is a different process.
- Ask us which structure suits your deal.
Yes, we can arrange cross trade from the USA to other countries. Airlift Logistics coordinates through its agent network, so freight is booked and handled locally. US export rules still apply, including export filings and sanctions checks. Send the commodity, origin, destination and Incoterm, and we will confirm the route.
- US exports may need Electronic Export Information through AES.
- Some goods need a US export licence.
A switch bill of lading replaces the original set issued at loading. Traders often use it to show a different shipper or notify party on the set sent to the buyer, which protects supplier details. It must stay truthful about the cargo and needs agreement from the carrier or forwarder issuing it.
- The first set is surrendered before the second is issued.
- Check any letter of credit terms before you switch.
Yes, cross trade is a normal and legal way to trade. Every shipment must still meet export, import and sanctions rules in the countries involved. Documents must describe the goods, parties and origin truthfully. We review the commodity and the parties before booking, and cannot move cargo that breaks these rules.
- Ask your bank or adviser about payment and tax treatment.
- Keep records for both sales.