Ocean & Air Freight Shipping From the United States to Iraq

Trade between the United States and Iraq has blossomed over the years since the 2003 Iraq War. During this time, the US became an important ally for Iraq’s reconstruction, helping it rebuild its infrastructure, public services, and oil production industry. This marked the beginning of abundant economic cooperation between the two nations.

Fast-forward to recent years, and the trade relationship between the two countries has flourished. In 2023, the US exported $2.3 billion worth of goods to Iraq, a 151.3% increase from the previous year. 

This article covers everything you need to know if you need to ship goods from the US to Iraq. 

What Are the Options for Shipping Freight From the United States to Iraq?

You can ship goods from the US to Iraq using ocean freight or air freight. 

Ocean Freight From the United States to Iraq

Ocean freight is the most common way to ship goods from the US to Iraq, and shippers favor it because of its flexibility and affordability. Ocean freight can accommodate any cargo type without raising shipping costs too much. It even offers two options for container shipping to allow shippers to optimize their shipments. These include less-than-container-load (LCL) and full-container-load (FCL) options. 

LCL involves the consolidation process where goods belonging to different shippers are consolidated and shipped together in one container. Each shipper will only have to pay for the space their goods occupy, making it an economical choice. 

FCL does not involve consolidation. Instead, the shipper rents the space in an entire container for their goods alone, giving them more room for larger shipments. They also get the benefits of better control, guaranteed security, and reduced transit times. 

Air Freight from the United States to Iraq

Shippers who need to get cargo from the US to Iraq also have the option to ship by air. Air freight is the fastest mode of international transport, able to get cargo to its destination in a matter of days. This is why it’s well-liked by shippers with time-sensitive or perishable shipments. 

You’ll also appreciate air freight if you’re shipping high-value goods. The strict airport regulations and processes can help guarantee cargo security. 

The only cons of air freight are its cost and lack of flexibility. It’s significantly more expensive than ocean freight but less accommodating of different types of cargo, sizes, weights, and volumes. 

How Much Does it Cost to Ship Cargo From the United States to Iraq?

The cost of shipping cargo from the US to Iraq will differ. The following factors come into play:

• Your choice of ocean or air shipping
• Your preference for door-to-door, port-to-port, port-to-door, or door-to-port shipment
• Your consignment’s weight, volume, and size
• Weight and size limits

To calculate your shipping costs, try our online freight costs calculator. The table below displays the current cost of shipping a standard 20-foot container from the United States to Iraq:

How long does it take to ship cargo from the United States to Iraq?

Shipping goods from the United States to Iraq varies in transit time, primarily based on your international shipping mode. Additional factors impacting this include:

• The shipping season (peak or low)
• The directness of the shipment's route
• The popularity of the trade lane
• Geopolitical issues
• Potential incidents at ports

How long does it take to ship cargo by sea from the United States to Iraq?

It takes 15 to 50 days to ship cargo from the US to Iraq by sea.

How long does it take to ship cargo by air from the United States to Iraq?

Your shipment will take 2 to 8 days to complete its journey from the US to Iraq by air. 

For the most accurate estimate, we recommend using our transit time calculator.

Customs Clearance in the United States and Iraq

When your US goods arrive in Iraq, they will be subject to the customs clearance process. For this, you will need to present the following documents: 

• A commercial invoice
• A packing list
• A certificate of origin
• A letter of credit or other payment terms (depending on the contract between the parties involved)
• A bill of lading for ocean freight or an Airway Bill for air freight

If you need examples of these customs clearance requirements, you can take a look at our full documents list. 

Should You Choose Ocean Freight or Air Freight?

When choosing between ocean and air freight, it’s important to properly weigh your options against your needs, priorities, and cargo requirements. Here are some pointers to consider. 

Ocean Freight

Ocean freight is ideal for you if you value cost efficiency and flexibility. Best for shippers on a budget or those with unique shipping needs, ocean freight can accommodate any type of cargo and even offers shippers two ways to optimize their shipments. 

Considerations for LCL Freight Shipping

LCL is a good choice if your cargo is: 

• Small in size and quantity 
• Lightweight
• Suitable for consolidation with cargo belonging to other shippers 
• Not delicate, fragile, or high-value 
• Not requiring special handling or movement 

Considerations for FCL Freight Shipping

You might find FCL more suitable if your cargo is: 

• Large in size and quantity 
• Heavy or overweight
• Not suitable for consolidation with cargo belonging to other shippers 
• Delicate, fragile, or high-value 
• Requiring special handling or movement 

Air Freight

If speed is your priority, then we recommend shipping by air. It’s the fastest way to get your goods from the US to Iraq, making it ideal for time-sensitive or perishable cargo. If you’re shipping high-value goods, air freight is also a good option for its heightened security measures. 

Worth noting, however, is that air freight can get significantly expensive. It’s also less flexible than ocean freight, unable to accommodate all cargo types, sizes, weights, and volumes. 

Ocean Cargo Port Guide

Cargo ports of origin in the United States

Port of Los Angeles

The Port of Los Angeles is the busiest in the US. It’s also the country’s largest container port and the busiest in the entire North American region. It handles over 10 million TEUs per year. 

Port of Long Beach

The Port of Long Beach is the US’ third busiest port, handling over 8 million TEUs annually. It has a well-developed infrastructure, with ongoing investments to provide it with automation features and sustainable initiatives. 

Port of Houston

The Port of Houston is located along the US Gulf Coast. It is among the busiest ports in the US, handling over 2 million TEUs per year. It’s an essential gateway for trade with Central America, South America, and the rest of the world. 

Cargo ports of arrival in Iraq

Umm Qasr Port

The Umm Qasr Port is Iraq’s main seaport and only deep-water port. It’s located on the country’s Gulf Coast and handles the majority of its export trade. The port is divided into three zones: the Umm Qasr South Port, North Port, and Umm Qasr Mid Port.

Al-Maqal Port

The Al-Maqal Port, also known as the Port of Basra, is located in Basra City near the Persian Gulf. It handles minor cargo and boasts a 10,000-square-meter storage space and warehouses. 

Abu Flous Port

The Abu Flous Port is a commercial port that handles general cargo. It’s located on the western bank of the Shatt al-Arab River near the border of Iran. The port receives small ships and minor cargo-laden boats. 

Air Freight from the United States to Iraq: An airport guide

Airports of origin in the United States

Los Angeles International Airport

The Los Angeles International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world. In the US, it ranks as the 4th busiest cargo airport, handling over 2 million tonnes of cargo per year. It’s a major hub for international trade, with its cargo operations generating billions of dollars each year. 

Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport

The Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport is the US’ third busiest cargo airport, handling over 2 million tonnes of cargo annually. It is home to the UPS Worldport, the world’s largest package sorting facility. 

Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport

The Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is the busiest in the US and one of the busiest in the world. It’s located in the US state of Alaska and is a hub for domestic and international shipments. 

Airports of arrival in Iraq

Baghdad International Airport

The Baghdad International Airport is the largest international airport in Iraq. It is located 16 kilometers west of downtown Baghdad in the Baghdad Governorate. The airport is the home base for Iraqi Airways, the national airline of Iraq. 

Sulaymaniyah International Airport

The Sulaymaniyah International Airport is 14 kilometers from Sulaymaniyah city in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. It covers a land area of 13.5 square kilometers and serves as a hub for Azmar Airlines and Mesopotamia Air.

Erbil International Airport 

The Erbil International Airport is the main airport in Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq. It is one of the two international airports in the KRI. The airport serves as a hub for Iraqi Airways, FlyErbil, UR Airlines, Zagrosjet, Air Kurdistan, and Korek Airlines.