Ocean & Air Freight Shipping From the United States to Pakistan

The trade relationship between the United States and Pakistan can be described as intricate and dynamic. Over the years, their economic ties have continually evolved, enhancing their multifaceted trade relationship. 

In 2022, the United States exported $3.2 billion worth of goods to Pakistan. As one of the largest economies, the United States offers Pakistan a vast market. On the other hand, Pakistan’s strategic location presents perfect opportunities for American businesses. 

The United States and Pakistan have quite a diverse trade portfolio, from textiles to technology. If you want to take advantage of this trade relationship, here’s your complete ocean and air freight guide. 

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

Your options for shipping freight from the United States to Pakistan are ocean freight and air freight. 

Ocean Freight From the United States to Pakistan

Ocean freight is the most flexible way to ship goods from the United States to Pakistan. It can accommodate any type of goods you need to transport, plus it offers you two methods for containerized shipping: less than container load (LCL) and full container load (FCL). 

LCL is best for small shipments. The consolidation process involves consolidating goods from different sellers and shipping them together in one container. That way, each shipper only pays for the space their goods occupy, resulting in a more economical shipment. 

FCL, on the other hand, is where a shipper rents the space in an entire container. This may be because they are shipping large, heavy goods or large volumes. FCL gives shippers more control over their shipments and allows them to ensure cargo security. 

Air Freight from the United States to Pakistan

Air freight is another option for shipping goods from the United States to Pakistan. It’s considered the fastest mode of international shipping but also the most expensive. Thanks to more stringent airport security, air freight is generally best for time-sensitive and perishable items and high-value shipments. 

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

The cost of shipping cargo from the United States to Pakistan will depend on factors like: 

• 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 determine your shipping costs, use our online freight costs calculator. Additionally, you can find the current cost of shipping a standard 20-foot container from the US to Pakistan in the table below:

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

The duration for shipping goods from the United States to Pakistan is primarily influenced by the international shipping mode chosen. Other factors that can affect this include:

• The season (whether it's peak or low season)
• The directness of the shipment route
• How popular the trade lane is
• Geopolitical instability
• Potential incidents at the ports

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

Ocean freight from the United States to Pakistan will take roughly 90 to 120 business days. This can change depending on the season.

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

Air freight from the United States to Pakistan takes 6 to 21 days.

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

Customs Clearance in the United States and Pakistan

Once your goods arrive in Pakistan, they will need to go through the customs clearance process. This would require you to prepare and submit 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

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

Should You Choose Ocean Freight or Air Freight?

Whether you should ship by sea or air will ultimately depend on your needs, priorities, and the requirements of your cargo. Here are some things to consider to help you make the right choice. 

Ocean Freight

Ocean freight is best if you’re looking for an economical and flexible way to transport your goods from the United States to Pakistan. It can accommodate almost any cargo type and even offers two modes of container shipping. 

Considerations for LCL Freight Shipping

LCL is suitable 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

You may be better off choosing FCL if your cargo is: 

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

Air Freight

If your main priority is getting your cargo to Pakistan fast, you should choose air freight. When shipped by air, your shipment can be completed in up to 3 weeks, making it ideal for time-sensitive and perishable shipments. It’s also a good choice for high-value cargo because of stricter airport regulations that can guarantee the security of your goods. 

Before choosing air freight, you must know this is the most expensive international shipping mode. You should also check air freight’s restricted and prohibited goods list to determine if it can accommodate your cargo type. 

Ocean Cargo Port Guide

Cargo ports of origin in the United States

Port of New Orleans

The Port of New Orleans handles vessel traffic across the Mississippi River. It has connections to 14,500 miles of trading waterways to the coast of America. The port is one of the busiest in the United States, handling over 36,000 vessel calls per year. 

Port of Long Beach

The Port of Long Beach is the second-largest container handling terminal in the United States. It handles 80-85 million metric tonnes of goods per year. The port continues to grow, showing a 25% growth in the last decade. 

Port of Beaumont 

The Port of Beaumont was opened in 1908, with its primary operations being military in nature. However, it also accommodates commercial shipments, generating $2.2 in annual revenue through commercial shipping. 

Cargo ports of arrival in Pakistan

Port Qasim

Port Qasim is located in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan, on the Arabian Sea coastline. It is the second-busiest port in Pakistan, handling 35% of the country’s cargo and over 90% of its external trade. 

Port of Karachi

The Port of Karachi is one of South Asia's largest and busiest deep-water seaports. It handles 60% of Pakistan’s cargo and is located in Karachi Harbour. 

Port of Gwadar

The Port of Gwadar is located on the Arabian Sea in Gwadar, Balochistan, Pakistan. It is under the administrative control of the Maritime Secretary of Pakistan and the operational control of the China Overseas Port Holding Company. 

Air Freight from the United States to Pakistan: An Airport Guide

Airports of origin in the United States

Miami International Airport

The Miami International Airport is the gateway from the United States to Latin America and the Caribbean. It handles 85% of Miami’s imports and 80% of its exports, making it the number one international freight airport in the United States. 

Los Angeles International Airport

Los Angeles International Airport is the fourth largest airport in the United States in terms of landed cargo weight. Its cargo handling record has doubled in the last five years, and it’s a top hub for U.S. trade with Asia. 

Tampa International Airport 

The Tampa International Airport is Florida’s second-largest airport. It has seen significant growth in recent years, with its cargo handling record increasing by 231% in the last five years. The airport is undergoing development, with $69 million worth of investments made to improve its cargo facilities. 

Airports of arrival in Pakistan

Islamabad International Airport

The Islamabad International Airport serves the capital city of Pakistan, Islamabad and Rawalpindi. It is located 25 kilometers from the city’s southwest region and is a hub for Pakistan International Airlines. 

Multan International Airport

The Multan International Airport is located 4 kilometers west of Multan, Pakistan. It is the largest and busiest airport in South Punjab. The airport serves the Multan area and has direct flights to Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. 

Faisalabad International Airport

The Faisalabad International Airport is also a standby Pakistan Air Force military base. It is located on Jhang Road, 10 kilometers southwest of the Faisalabad city center in Punjab, Pakistan.