Shipping and customs FAQs – answers to the questions importers and exporters ask us most often about freight, containers, customs clearance and transport in Pakistan.
Shipping and customs FAQs
What services does Ibrahim Logistics offer?
Sea freight (FCL / LCL), air freight, customs clearance, import and export handling, bonded and domestic container transport, warehousing, project cargo and Afghan transit trade.
Which ports do you work at?
Karachi Port, Port Qasim and Gwadar, and the dry ports of Lahore, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Multan, Islamabad, Peshawar, Quetta and Hyderabad, plus the airports and the Torkham and Chaman borders.
Do you work with all shipping lines?
Yes – we book with all major container lines calling Pakistan and choose the best one for each shipment.
Where are your offices?
Head office in S.I.T.E. Karachi, plus offices in Lahore and Islamabad.
How do I get a freight quote?
Call or WhatsApp 0300 3364422 or use the quote form with commodity, weight or volume, origin and destination.
What is the difference between FCL and LCL?
FCL means you book the whole container. LCL means your cargo shares a container with other shippers and you pay by volume (CBM). Above roughly 13–15 CBM a full 20ft container is usually cheaper.
Which ports do you ship from?
Karachi Port (KICT, PICT, SAPT terminals) and Port Qasim (QICT). Cargo from Lahore, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Multan and Islamabad moves by road or rail under bond to the port, or is cleared at the dry port.
How long does customs clearance take in Pakistan?
A green-channel GD can be cleared within a day of arrival. If customs selects the GD for examination it usually takes 2–4 working days. Correct documents are the biggest factor.
Can you calculate duties before my cargo is shipped?
Yes – send the invoice and product details and we give you the HS code and an estimate of customs duty, sales tax and other levies.
How many tonnes of rice fit in a 20ft container?
Usually around 25–26 tonnes in 25 or 50 kg bags, within the line's weight limit. We confirm the limit for your destination when booking.
Is a 20ft cheaper than a 40ft?
Per container yes, but per CBM a 40ft is usually cheaper. Heavy cargo goes in 20ft; light, bulky cargo in 40ft.
How is air freight charged?
By chargeable weight: actual weight or volumetric weight (length × width × height in cm ÷ 6000), whichever is higher.
Which airports do you ship from?
Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad and Sialkot, and other airports on request.
What is a bonded carrier?
A transporter licensed by Pakistan Customs to move goods on which duty has not yet been paid, under seal and tracking.
Why clear at a dry port instead of Karachi?
It can save time and inland costs for factories in Punjab and KP, and the cargo is inspected closer to you.
Where do I find my container number?
On the bill of lading, the booking confirmation or the arrival notice from the shipping line.
What does "held" mean at the terminal?
Customs, the line or the terminal has a hold – often pending duties, documents or examination. We find and clear the reason.