Ocean & Air Freight Shipping From Egypt to the United States

The United States is one of Egypt’s most important trade partners, with the latter supplying the former with commodities that cover a range of industries, from agriculture to technology and textiles to energy.

In 2022, Egypt exported $2.8 billion worth of goods to the US. If you’re looking to ship from Egypt to the US, you’ve come to the right place. Here are your ocean and air freight shipping options and everything you need to know about the shipping process. 

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

You have two options for shipping goods from Egypt to the United States: ocean freight and air freight. 

Ocean Freight From Egypt to the United States

Ocean freight is the most popular way to ship goods from Egypt to the US because of its affordability and flexibility. It can ship any type of goods and even offers shippers two options for container shipping, namely less-than-container load (LCL) and full-container load (FCL). 

LCL is used by those with small shipping needs. It involves the consolidation process, where shipments belonging to different sellers are consolidated and transported together in one container. Each shipper only pays for their cargo's space, making it an economical shipping option. 

FCL is for those with larger shipping needs. They rent the space in an entire container for their goods alone, providing them with more space for their cargo. While more expensive than LCL, FCL has faster transit times and can provide good value for money if the space inside the container is maximized. 

Air Freight from Egypt to the United States

Air freight is another way to ship goods from Egypt to the US. It’s the fastest mode of shipping, and cargo can reach its destination in a matter of days. This is particularly why shippers of time-sensitive and perishable cargo like it. 

Air freight is also super secure thanks to stricter airport processes and regulations. This makes it ideal for high-value cargo that needs to guarantee protection during transit. 

However, air freight is expensive, with shipping fees significantly higher than ocean freight. It’s also not as flexible, and it cannot accommodate all types of cargo, sizes, weights, and volumes. 

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

The cost to ship cargo from Egypt to the US will differ based on the following: 

• 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 Egypt to the US:

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

Shipping goods from Egypt to the US 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 Egypt to the United States?

Ocean freight from Egypt to the US will take about 15-50 days. 

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

Air freight from Egypt to the US has a transit time of 2-8 days. 

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

Customs Clearance in Egypt and the United States

When your goods arrive in the US, they will go through the US Customs and Border Protection for the customs clearance process. This will require the following documents from you: 

• 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

For a full list and examples of customs clearance requirements, refer to our full documents list. 

Should You Choose Ocean Freight or Air Freight?

When choosing the right shipping method for you, consider your needs, priorities, and the requirements of your cargo. Below are some pointers to help you decide. 

Ocean Freight

Ocean freight is ideal for those on a budget or transporting cargo with unique requirements. It’s very accommodating of any cargo type and even offers two options for container shipping so you can optimize your shipment. 

Considerations for LCL Freight Shipping

LCL is right for you 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

FCL might be a better option for cargo that 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, you should choose air freight. The fastest international transport mode’s the best option for time-sensitive and perishable shipments. It’s also the most secure, making it suitable for high-value goods. 

But be wary of its cost, as air freight is significantly more expensive than ocean freight. It’s also not as flexible, unable to ship all cargo types, and putting limits on the weight, size, and volume of your shipment. 

Ocean Cargo Port Guide

Cargo ports of origin in Egypt

Port of Alexandria 

The Port of Alexandria is one of the oldest operational ports in the world. Egypt’s principal port is handling three-fourths of the nation’s maritime trade. It handles over 49 million tonnes of cargo per year, including general, dry, and liquid bulk. 

Port Said

Port Said is located at the northern entrance of the Suez Canal. It handles all types of cargo and serves an industrial base that includes textile manufacturing, glass making, and more. The port is one of the busiest facilities in Africa and the Mediterranean. 

Port of Suez

The Port of Suez is located at the southern end of the Suez Canal in northern Egypt. It is connected to other areas of the nation through a complex network of roads and railways. The port handles over 2.5 million TEUs and 2000 vessels per year. 

Cargo ports of arrival in the United States

Port of Los Angeles

The Port of Los Angeles, nicknamed America’s Port, is the biggest port in North America and the busiest in the world. It has 25 cargo terminals, allowing it to handle over 9 million TEUs per year. 

Port of Savannah

The Port of Savannah houses the largest single-terminal container facility in North America. It handles over 4.35 million TEUs per year and is specially equipped to handle heavyweight goods, including automobiles, machinery, and agricultural products. 

Port of Seattle-Tacoma

The Port of Seattle-Tacoma is one of the largest container ports in North America. It handles over 4 million TEUs per year. The port connects the US to Asia, Europe, and beyond. It’s a diverse hub for goods, including containerized cargo, automobiles, and agricultural products. 

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

Airports of origin in Egypt

Cairo International Airport

The Cairo International Airport is the second largest airport in Africa. It serves as an important hub for cargo traffic, featuring extensive cargo handling facilities, three runways, and two main terminals. The airport handles over 400,000 tonnes of cargo per year. 

Alexandria Borg El Arab Airport

The Alexandria Borg El Arab Airport handles over 50,000 tonnes of freight per year. It has one terminal and a runway that can accommodate heavy cargo aircraft. It is located in the Mediterranean Sea and serves as a vital connection for cargo transport. 

Sharm El Sheikh International Airport

The Sharm El Sheikh International Airport handles over 30,000 tonnes of cargo per year. It’s the third busiest airport in Egypt, connecting the nation to major European and Middle Eastern markets. The airport boasts two terminals and modern cargo handling facilities. 

Airports of arrival in the United States

Fort Worth Alliance Airport

The Fort Worth Alliance Airport is the 23rd largest airport in the United States, and its landed cargo weight has grown 63% in recent years. It’s also the world’s first industrial airport, located in the Alliance, Texas, industrial complex. 

Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport

The Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is the second largest cargo airport in the US. It is located 9.5 hours from 90% of the industrialized world, making it an important technical stop for planes to land and refuel. 

Memphis International Airport

The Memphis International Airport processes more than 25 billion pounds of cargo annually, accounting for an 11% growth in cargo traffic. It houses the FedEx Express World Hub, allowing it to process and ship a large amount of cargo in record time.