Ocean & Air Freight Shipping From the United States to Egypt

The United States and Egypt have been engaged in bilateral trade for decades, which helps both nations foster economic growth and diplomatic alliances. As a significant player in the Middle East, Egypt proves to be a pivotal partner for the United States. 

In 2022, the United States exported $6.4 billion worth of goods to Egypt, 8.8% more than the previous year. Should you be thinking of taking advantage of the U.S. and Egypt’s dynamic trade relationship, you’ve come to the right place. This article covers your ocean and air freight shipping options to help you achieve a successful shipment. 

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

You can ship goods from the United States to Egypt using ocean or air freight. 

Ocean Freight From the United States to Egypt

Ocean freight allows budget-conscious shippers to transport cargo from the United States to Egypt at an affordable cost. Shippers also like it because of its flexibility, enabling them to ship all cargo types. There are two modes of container shipping: less-than-container load (LCL) and full-container load (FCL). 

LCL is used by those transporting small volumes of cargo. Here, goods are consolidated with shipments belonging to other sellers. That way, each shipper only pays for the space their goods occupy. It’s cost-effective for smaller shipments. 

FCL, on the other hand, is where the shipper rents the space in an entire container for their goods alone. This gives them more control and security for their shipment. While generally more expensive than LCL, you can get your money’s worth with FCL if you transport larger cargo or bigger volumes of goods. 

Air Freight from the United States to Egypt

Another way to ship goods from the United States to Egypt is air freight. This is the fastest way to ship goods internationally, preferred by shippers for time-sensitive and perishable goods. It’s also great for high-value shipments, considering that air freight has strict airport regulations that can guarantee cargo security. 

One drawback is the cost. Air freight is also the most expensive way to ship goods from the United States to Egypt. Moreover, it has a stringent list of restricted and prohibited goods, which limits what you can ship by air. 

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

When it comes to the cost of shipping cargo from the United States to Egypt, 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

If you need an estimate of your shipping cost, use our freight costs calculator online. You will also find the current cost of shipping a standard 20-foot container from the US to Egypt in the table below:

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

Shipping goods from the United States to Egypt varies in transit time, primarily based on the international shipping mode you choose. 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 Egypt?

Ocean freight from the United States to Egypt takes an average of 50 days.

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

On the contrary, air freight from the United States to Egupy will take only 2 to 8 business days, depending on the season.

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

Customs Clearance in the United States and Egypt

Another thing that you should know about the shipping process is customs clearance. When your goods arrive in Egypt, they will need to go through the customs clearance process, which requires that you prepare and turn over the following paperwork: 

• 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

Check out our full documents list for examples of these customs clearance requirements. 

Should You Choose Ocean Freight or Air Freight?

The first step to a successful shipment is choosing the suitable international shipping mode for your needs, priorities, and cargo. Here are some pointers to help you decide between ocean and air freight. 

Ocean Freight

Consider ocean freight if you want a budget-friendly way to ship goods from the United States to Egypt. Not only does it cost less than shipping by air, but it’s also more flexible, allowing you to transport any cargo you need. 

When you decide on ocean freight, you must choose whether to ship via LCL and FCL. To get the most value for your money, consider these tips. 

Considerations for LCL Freight Shipping

LCL is best for cargo that 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

On the other hand, you might consider FCL as the better option 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 you want your cargo to arrive in Egypt quickly, air freight is your best option. It only takes a few days for an air freight shipment from the United States to Egypt to complete, making it ideal for time-sensitive and perishable goods. 

If you ship high-value cargo, air freight is also a top contender. Airports have stringent rules and processes that guarantee your goods' security while in transit. 

It pays to note, however, that air freight is not ideal if you’re on a budget. While it has many benefits, air freight can get expensive. It’s also unable to accommodate all cargo types and may limit the size, weight, and volume of goods you can ship by air. 

Ocean Cargo Port Guide

Cargo ports of origin in the United States

Port of Virginia

The Port of Virginia is located along the U.S.’ eastern coast. It is the 6th biggest port in the United States, and it can welcome the largest container vessels in the world. It is particularly popular for its efficient cargo handling procedures thanks to its modern infrastructure. 

The Northwest Seaport Alliance (Seattle-Tacoma)

The Northwest Seaport Alliance results from the merger of the ports of Seattle and Tacoma. Together, these ports serve as an important gateway connecting the United States to the rest of the world and contribute significantly to the Pacific Northwest economy. 

Port of Charleston

The Port of Charleston is a popular port because it’s one of the few with an environmental commitment. It is also renowned for its efficient operations, which help support strong economic growth and infrastructure development in its area. 

Cargo ports of arrival in Egypt

Port of Alexandria 

The Port of Alexandria is the largest in Egypt. It is located west of the Nile Delta, between the Mariut Lake and the Mediterranean Sea. It has two harbors, the West and East. The former is used for commercial shipping, while the latter is more shallow and unable to accommodate large vessels. 

Port of Safaga 

The Port of Safaga is 53 kilometers from Hurghada city. It is known for its phosphate mines, which contribute to its status as a phosphate export center. The port is one of the most famous in Egypt, particularly for its tourist amenities. 

Port Said 

Port Said is located at the intersection of the Suez Canal and the Mediterranean Sea. Its operations began in 1859 and have solidified its status as a gateway to Asia. The port is a hotspot for shippers and travelers alike. 

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

Airports of origin in the United States

Memphis International Airport

The Memphis International Airport is the largest cargo airport in the United States by landed weight. It handles over 25 million pounds of cargo every year, posting an 11% growth in the last couple of years. It is home to FedEx’s second-largest hub. 

Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport

The Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport is the third-largest cargo airport in the United States by landed weight. Every year, it handles over 17 billion pounds of cargo, with a growth right of 39% in the last couple of years. It is home to the UPS Woldport hub. 

Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport

The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport is an important cargo airport in the Midwest. It ranks 6th in the United States and has seen a 104% growth in landed cargo weight in the last couple of years. The airport houses DHL’s North American and Amazon’s central Prime Air hub. 

Airports of arrival in Egypt

Cairo International Airport

The Cairo International Airport is the primary international airport serving Cairo and the largest and busiest airport in Egypt. It is a primary hub for Egyptair, Air Cairo, Nile Air, Nesma Airlines, FlyEgypt, and more. 

Hurghada International Airport

The Hurghada International Airport is in Hurghada, Egypt, 5 kilometers southwest of El Dahar. It is Egypt’s second-largest airport after the Cario International Airport. It is a hub for Nesma Airlines, AlMasria Universal Airlines, Ukraine International Airlines, AMC Airlines, Lotus Air, and KoralBlue Airlines.

Borg El Arab Airport

The Borg El Arab Airport is an international airport located in Alexandria, Egypt, approximately 40 kilometers southwest of Alexandria. The airport serves Borg El Arab and nearby communities of the Nile Delta.