Shipping and freight FAQ from Airlift LogisticsShipping questions, answered simply.

A freight forwarder arranges the movement of your cargo from origin to destination. It books space with airlines, shipping lines or truck companies, and coordinates documents, customs and delivery. Most forwarders do not own the planes or ships. Think of one as a travel agent and project manager for your goods, working across every stage.

• Forwarders can usually compare several carriers on one route.
• Many also offer customs clearance and warehousing.
• Airlift Logistics is a freight forwarder based in Dubai.

A freight forwarder moves your cargo, while a customs broker clears it. The forwarder arranges transport and coordinates the journey. The broker prepares declarations, checks documents and works with customs authorities. Some companies do both, which means fewer handovers. Ask each provider which steps it handles itself, and which it passes to someone else.

• Brokers are also called clearing agents.
• In Dubai, declarations go through Dubai Customs' Mirsal 2 system.
• See our customs clearance service.

No, an NVOCC and a freight forwarder play different roles. An NVOCC is a non-vessel operating common carrier, which issues its own bill of lading and acts as a carrier without owning ships. A forwarder usually arranges transport on your behalf. Some companies hold both roles, so check whose bill of lading you will receive.

• NVOCCs often buy container space from shipping lines.
• A house bill of lading is often issued by the NVOCC or forwarder.
• A master bill of lading comes from the shipping line.

No, a 3PL and a freight forwarder focus on different work. A third-party logistics provider usually handles warehousing, inventory and order fulfilment. A freight forwarder focuses on moving cargo between countries, along with documents and customs. Some companies offer both. Choose based on whether your main need is transport, storage, or a combination of the two.

• 3PL stands for third-party logistics.
• E-commerce sellers often use a 3PL for orders.
• See our warehousing service.

You are not always required to use one, but it usually helps. Small parcels can go through a courier. Larger commercial shipments involve carrier bookings, customs declarations, duty and documents, which a forwarder can coordinate. A forwarder is especially useful for a first import, for dangerous goods, or when you need several transport modes to work together.

• Couriers suit small, simple parcels.
• Sellers may offer delivery terms that include freight.
• Check your Incoterm before choosing who arranges transport.

Check its licence, address, track record and paperwork before paying. A genuine forwarder can show a trade licence and a physical office, and it gives written quotes and clear terms. Search for reviews, ask for references, and check memberships or certificates it claims. Be careful with very low prices and pressure to pay immediately.

• Check that the bank account matches the company name.
• Ask for dangerous goods certificates if you ship hazardous cargo.
• Get all charges in writing.

The main red flags are vague quotes, poor communication and missing paperwork. Be careful if a provider will not itemise charges, gives no written terms, or asks for payment to a personal account. A price far below others can also be a warning sign, because extra charges may appear later. Slow answers before booking rarely improve afterwards.

• Ask what is excluded from the quote.
• Ask who will be your contact during transit.
• Confirm who handles customs at destination.

Start by checking your trade licence and getting a customs client code. Then confirm your product's HS code and any permits, agree an Incoterm with your supplier, and get a freight quote. Prepare the commercial invoice, packing list and certificate of origin. Your forwarder or broker then files the declaration, and you pay duty and VAT.

• Duty is generally 5% of the CIF value.
• Import VAT is usually 5% on taxable goods.
• Some products need approval before they arrive.

Importing from China to Dubai usually means choosing air or sea freight. First agree your Incoterm with the supplier, then confirm your HS code and any permits. Your forwarder books the cargo, while you prepare the invoice, packing list and certificate of origin. Customs clearance at the Dubai end follows, along with duty, VAT and final delivery.

• Sea freight commonly arrives through Jebel Ali Port.
• Check whether your supplier quotes EXW or FOB.
• Compare FCL and LCL using your total CBM.

Yes, used household goods can usually be shipped from Dubai. You will typically need an inventory, passport copy and details of the destination address. Each destination has its own rules on personal effects, and some items are restricted. Used goods may qualify for duty relief in some countries. Check the requirements before you pack and book anything.

• Dubai Customs exempts used personal effects under conditions, for residents moving to Dubai.
• New items are not exempt under that rule.
• Ask us whether your shipment suits our services.

Sea freight is usually cheaper than air freight per kilogram. The gap is widest for large and heavy shipments, which is why bulk cargo normally moves by sea. For small, light or urgent cargo, air can be competitive once you include inventory and delay costs. Compare the door-to-door cost for your own shipment, not only the freight rate.

• Air is billed on chargeable weight.
• Sea FCL is billed per container.
• Sea-air can sit between the two on some routes.

Sea freight charges depend on whether you ship FCL or LCL. FCL is usually priced per container, while LCL is priced on the higher of cubic metres or weight, using 1 CBM or 1,000 kg. Origin charges, destination charges, surcharges and customs costs are then added. Ask for a full door-to-door breakdown before you confirm the booking.

• CBM is length × width × height in metres.
• Terminal handling charges are often separate.
• Use the calculator on our sea freight page.

Freight rates change because capacity, demand and fuel costs keep moving. Peak seasons, disruptions on trade routes and limited aircraft or vessel space can push prices up quickly. Surcharges for fuel and security can also change. This is why most quotes have a validity date. Confirm that your quote is still valid before you book your shipment.

• Quotes usually state a validity period.
• Planning early can give you more options.
• Ask which charges are fixed and which may change.

Shipping from China to the UAE has no single price. The cost depends on air or sea, FCL or LCL, weight, volume, origin port and season. Customs duty, VAT and delivery are added on arrival. For a useful figure, send your supplier's address or port, your cargo dimensions and your preferred mode for a current quote.

• Sea freight generally suits larger shipments.
• Air freight generally suits urgent or lighter cargo.
• Ask whether the quote includes destination charges.

The cheapest option depends on your cargo size and deadline. For larger, non-urgent commercial shipments, sea freight usually costs less per kilogram. Small, urgent consignments may suit air cargo or a courier. Indian customs rules and duty also affect the final cost, so include them when comparing. Send your weight, dimensions and destination to compare options.

• India is one of our regular air cargo lanes.
• Check Indian import rules for your specific goods.
• Compare door-to-door prices, not only freight rates.

Terminal handling charges pay for moving containers within a port. Often called THC, they cover work such as lifting containers on and off ships and moving them around the terminal. Charges normally apply at both origin and destination. Your Incoterm usually decides who pays each side, so check this line carefully when you compare freight quotes.

• Air cargo has its own airport handling fees.
• THC is often listed separately from the ocean rate.
• Ask whether destination THC is included.

Air freight is better for speed, and sea freight for large volumes. Choose air when your deadline is tight or the cargo is high value, perishable or light. Choose sea when you have heavy or bulky goods and more time. Many businesses use both, moving main stock by sea and keeping air for urgent top-ups.

• Air usually takes days door to door.
• Sea usually takes weeks door to door.
• See our air, sea and land comparison.

Air freight from China to Dubai usually takes days, and sea takes weeks. The actual time depends on the origin city, schedules, peak season, customs and final delivery. Express services are generally quicker than consolidated air. LCL often takes longer than FCL because of the extra handling. Ask for a current estimate for your exact route.

• Allow time for export and import clearance.
• Holidays in the origin country can affect schedules.
• Consider booking early during peak season.

Sea-air combines an ocean leg with a flight from a transfer hub. Cargo travels by ship to a port such as Jebel Ali, then moves to an airport for its onward flight. This often costs less than pure air, and arrives sooner than pure sea. It can suit routes from Asia to Europe and Africa.

• Availability depends on your route and cargo.
• Some cargo may need extra checks between modes.
• Ask us whether sea-air suits your deadline.

An air waybill is the main transport document for air cargo. Known as an AWB, it acts as a contract between shipper and carrier, and a receipt for the goods. Each one has an 11-digit number, starting with the airline's 3-digit prefix. Unlike some bills of lading, an air waybill is not a document of title.

• MAWB means master air waybill, issued by the airline.
• HAWB means house air waybill, issued by the forwarder.
• The number can usually be used for tracking.

A ULD is a unit load device used to load cargo on aircraft. It is either a pallet or a container that fits the aircraft's hold and locks into place. ULDs let many pieces move together, which speeds up handling. Your cargo's size and shape can affect which ULD it fits, and which aircraft can carry it.

• Pallets are often secured with nets.
• Oversized cargo may need a freighter aircraft.
• Tell us the dimensions of your largest piece.

Verified gross mass is the confirmed total weight of a packed container. Under the SOLAS convention, shippers must declare it before the container is loaded on a ship. The requirement has applied since 1 July 2016, and helps prevent accidents caused by wrongly declared weights. Without a VGM, a shipping line should not load the container.

• VGM includes cargo, packing and the container itself.
• The shipper is responsible for providing it.
• SOLAS comes from the International Maritime Organization.

A telex release lets cargo be released without original paper bills of lading. The shipper surrenders the originals at origin, and the carrier electronically tells its destination office to release the goods. This avoids waiting for documents by courier, which can help prevent delays and storage charges. Agree it with your supplier and bank before shipping.

• It is sometimes called a surrendered bill of lading.
• Check payment terms first, as it affects control of the cargo.
• A sea waybill is a different option.

Incoterms are standard trade terms that divide costs and risks between buyer and seller. Published by the International Chamber of Commerce, the current set is Incoterms 2020, with 11 rules. They state who arranges transport, insurance and clearance, and where risk passes. They do not decide who owns the goods, which your sales contract covers.

• Common rules include EXW, FCA, FOB, CIF, DAP and DDP.
• FOB and CIF are designed for sea and inland waterway.
• State the rule, place and year on your documents.

Neither is always better, because they give opposite levels of control. Under EXW, the buyer handles nearly everything from the seller's premises, including export steps. Under DDP, the seller handles delivery, import clearance and duty. DDP is simpler for buyers, but the seller must be able to act as importer in your country.

• EXW can be difficult for overseas buyers on export clearance.
• FCA is often a practical alternative to EXW.
• Check who pays duty and VAT.

The main difference is who pays import duty and clears customs. Under DAP, the seller delivers to your destination, and you handle import clearance and duty. Under DDP, the seller handles those too. DAP gives buyers more control over customs. DDP is simpler for the buyer, though the price usually includes the seller's added cost and risk.

• Both place delivery at the named destination.
• Ask whether VAT is included under DDP.
• Confirm the importer of record.

Under FOB, the buyer pays the main freight, and under CIF the seller does. With FOB, risk passes once goods are on board the ship at origin. With CIF, the seller also pays freight and minimum insurance to the destination port, but risk still passes at origin. FOB gives buyers more control of the shipping.

• Both rules are designed for sea freight.
• CIF insurance is usually minimum cover.
• UAE duty is generally based on the CIF value.

Shipments usually get held for document, classification or permit problems. Common causes include a mismatched invoice, a wrong HS code, a missing permit, unpaid duty or a selected inspection. Some goods also need approval from another authority. Ask your forwarder or broker for the exact reason and reference number, because the solution depends on it.

• Reply to customs requests quickly, as storage costs can build up.
• Keep your invoice and packing list consistent.
• Send us your documents if you need help.

First, find out the exact reason for the hold. Ask your broker, forwarder or carrier for the customs reference and what is required. Then provide the missing documents, permit or payment as soon as you can. If the goods are restricted, ask which authority must approve them. Storage and demurrage charges may build while cargo waits.

• Keep written records of all requests.
• Check free time on sea containers.
• A customs broker can deal with authorities on your behalf.

Yes, Dubai raised its cross-border e-commerce exemption to AED 1,000 in 2026. Reports say goods with a CIF value up to AED 1,000 are exempt from customs duty, up from AED 300, taking effect on 3 August 2026. Exclusions apply, including tobacco products. Check the current Dubai Customs rules for your goods, and whether VAT applies.

• This concerns cross-border e-commerce shipments.
• It may not apply to regular commercial cargo.
• Restricted goods may still need permits.

Used personal effects can be duty-free when moving to Dubai, under conditions. Dubai Customs lists requirements such as proof of residence abroad, or of work and residence in the UAE, for used items. New personal effects and household items are not exempt, and duty applies. Check the current Dubai Customs exemption rules before you ship your belongings.

• Goods may be inspected before exemption is confirmed.
• Keep an inventory of your items.
• Dubai Customs publishes the current requirements.

Restricted goods can be imported only with approval from a relevant authority. Examples include pharmaceuticals, which need Emirates Drug Establishment permits, and radioactive material, which involves the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation. Other products can also need specific approvals, while some goods are prohibited altogether. Check your exact product and HS code before you buy or ship it.

• Food, cosmetics and chemicals may need approvals.
• Dubai Customs publishes lists of prohibited and restricted goods.
• Ask us to check before you buy.

Undeclared dangerous goods can create serious safety and legal risks. Hidden hazards can cause fires or injuries, and carriers may refuse, hold or return the cargo. Shippers can face penalties and be held liable for resulting damage. Declaring correctly protects people and your business. If you are unsure about a product, check its safety data sheet before booking.

• Many everyday products are regulated.
• Batteries inside devices can still be regulated.
• Ask us to check your data sheet.

Yes, power banks are generally treated as lithium batteries for shipping. They usually ship as UN3480, with rules on watt-hour rating, packaging, labels and state of charge. Commercial shipments have different rules from a power bank carried by a passenger. Check the battery specification and test summary with your forwarder before you book a commercial air shipment.

• Lithium ion batteries shipped alone are generally limited to 30% state of charge.
• Cells need UN 38.3 testing.
• See our dangerous goods service.

Alcohol-based hand sanitiser is often regulated as a flammable liquid. It usually falls under Class 3, with the exact UN number depending on its ingredients and formula. Packaging, quantity limits and labels can vary by mode and airline. Non-alcohol products may be treated differently. Check section 14 of the safety data sheet to confirm the classification.

• Small pack sizes may qualify for limited quantity rules.
• Send one data sheet for each formula.
• Class 3 covers flammable liquids.

The right choice depends on where your customers and goods are. Free zone warehouses often suit re-export and regional trade, because duty is generally suspended while goods remain inside. Mainland warehouses can suit businesses selling mainly within the UAE. Compare customs steps, licence rules and delivery needs, and ask for advice on your specific trade flow.

• Moving goods from a free zone to the mainland is generally an import.
• Check what your trade licence allows.
• See our customs clearance service.

Cargo insurance is not always compulsory, but it is usually worth considering. A carrier's legal liability is limited, and it may pay far less than your goods are worth. Insurance helps cover loss or damage in transit, depending on the policy. It is especially useful for valuable, fragile or long-distance shipments. Check your Incoterm to see who should insure.

• Under CIF and CIP, the seller must arrange some insurance.
• Read the exclusions in your policy.
• Ask us to include insurance options in your quote.

Under the Montreal Convention, the limit is 26 SDR per kilogram. SDR means special drawing rights, a unit set by the International Monetary Fund. This limit, raised from 22 SDR on 28 December 2024, covers destruction, loss, damage or delay on applicable international flights. High-value cargo can be worth far more, so consider separate cargo insurance.

• The limit is based on weight, not the value of goods.
• Shippers may declare a higher value, usually for a fee.
• Report damage promptly, as claim deadlines apply.

Marine cargo insurance covers goods against loss or damage in transit. Coverage depends on the policy, and "all risks" wording generally offers wider protection than basic cover. Common exclusions include poor packing, inherent vice and delay. Despite the name, it can often cover air and land legs too. Always read the exclusions before relying on your policy.

• Institute Cargo Clauses are widely used policy wording.
• Keep photos and packing records.
• Report any damage to the insurer quickly.

Responsibility depends on the cause, your contract and the transport rules. Your Incoterm shows who holds the risk at each stage, while carriers have limited legal liability under transport conventions. Note any damage on delivery documents, take photos and tell your forwarder and insurer immediately. Delays are often harder to claim for, unless your contract specifically covers them.

• Claim time limits can be short.
• Keep the packing list, invoice and photos.
• Cargo insurance is separate from carrier liability.

Airlift Logistics is hiring an Operations Executive in Dubai. The role needs at least 1 year of logistics operations experience, and is based at the office in Dubai Airport Free Zone. See the duties and requirements on the careers page, then prepare your application and send it with your CV by email or WhatsApp.

• See the open position.
• Email: [email protected].