Ocean & Air Freight Shipping From the United States to Uganda

The United States and Uganda have a trade relationship that has steadily evolved over the years. The partnership continues to thrive, with the United States emerging as one of Uganda’s key trading partners. In 2022, the US exported $167 million worth of goods, accounting for a 67% increase from the last decade. 

If you are looking to ship from the US to Uganda, here’s your complete guide to the entire process, including your ocean and air freight shipping options, costs, transit times, customs clearance, and more. 

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

You can ship freight from the US to Uganda in two ways: ocean freight and air freight. 

Ocean Freight From the United States to Uganda

Ocean freight is the most affordable and flexible way to ship goods from the US to Uganda. It can accommodate any type of cargo you need to transport and even offers shippers two options for container shipping: less than container load and full container load. 

LCL is the most budget-friendly way to ship small volumes of goods via ocean freight. It involves the consolidation process, where goods belonging to different sellers are consolidated in one container. This means each shipper only needs to pay for the space their goods occupy. 

FCL is where a shipper rents the space in an entire container for their goods alone. It’s best for larger shipments where a shipper needs more space, control, and security over their shipment. 

Air Freight from the United States to Uganda

Air freight is another way to ship goods from the US to Uganda. It’s the fastest mode of international transport as it only takes a few days to complete. It’s best for time-sensitive or perishable goods. 

Shippers of high-value goods will also appreciate air freight for its security. Because of stricter airport regulations and processes, cargo security can much better be guaranteed. 

There are drawbacks, however. First, air freight is expensive, significantly more than ocean freight. Second, it’s not as flexible, and it cannot accommodate all cargo types, sizes, weights, and volumes.  

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

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

• 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

For an accurate estimate of your shipping costs, utilize our freight costs calculator. Below, you'll find the current cost for shipping a standard 20-foot container from the US to Uganda:

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

Shipping goods from the US to Uganda vary 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 Uganda?

Ocean freight from the US to Uganda will take between 15 to 50 days.

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

Air freight will be much faster, averaging 2 to 8 days.

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

Customs Clearance in the United States and Uganda

Once your goods arrive in Uganda, they will go through the customs clearance process. For this, you will need 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

Refer to our full documents list for examples of each customs clearance requirement. 

Should You Choose Ocean Freight or Air Freight?

The choice between ocean and air freight can be difficult. Here are some pointers to help you make the best decision for your shipping needs. 

Ocean Freight

Ocean freight is best for those who value cost-efficiency and flexibility in their shipment. It can accommodate any type of cargo, ideal for unique shipping needs. It even offers you two container shipping options, allowing you to optimize your shipment. 

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

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 shipping speed is your priority, you should go for air freight. Faster than any other shipping option, air freight can get your cargo from the US to Uganda in 2 to 8 days. It’s also the most secure, guaranteeing the security of high-value goods. 

Before settling for air freight, however, consider its cost, as it can be significantly more expensive than ocean freight. It’s also not as flexible, unable to ship all types of cargo and setting limits on your shipment’s size, weight, and volume. 

Ocean Cargo Port Guide

Cargo ports of origin in the United States

Port of Houston

The Port of Houston is an important hub for American maritime commerce. It boasts eight public facilities spread across the 52-mile Houston Ship Channel. The port welcomes the largest trade vessels in the world. 

Port of Los Angeles

The Port of Los Angeles is located in San Pedro Bay. Combining it with its neighboring port of Long Beach, it’s one of the world’s most extensive and active port areas. The port is popular for its eco-friendly initiatives. 

Port of Charleston

The Port of Charleston is located on the US southeastern coast. It’s one of the country’s most vital trade hubs, handling over 2.7 million TEUs annually. With a harbor depth of 52 feet, it can accommodate the largest vessels. 

Cargo ports of arrival in Uganda

Port Bell

Port Bell is located at the end of Lake Victoria. It’s the main inland port in Uganda, handling most of the nation’s import and export trade. The area around the port has grown into an industrial region adjacent to Uganda’s commercial center. 

Port of Jinja

The Port of Jinja is located on Lake Victoria in Uganda’s southeastern part. It is 1000 meters above sea level. The port is the country’s second-most important port after Port Bell. It is an important trade center, connected to other areas through rail and road. 

Port of Butiaba

The Port of Butiaba is located on the eastern coastline of Lake Albert in Uganda’s northwestern region. It is an important maritime port, mainly transporting petroleum and oil. However, the port's railway connections have become defunct due to a lack of maintenance. 

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

Airports of origin in the United States

Memphis International Airport

The Memphis International Airport processes more than 25 billion pounds of cargo annually, accounting for an 11% growth in the last decade. It is home to the second-largest FedEx Express World Hub. 

Chicago/Rockford International Airport

The Chicago/Rockford International Airport is the 17th largest airport in the US. Its cargo handling grew 244% in the last decade. The airport is home to the second-largest UPS North American facility and is a major hub for Amazon Air. 

Tampa International Airport

The Tampa International Airport is the second-largest cargo airport in Florida, ranking 26th in the entire US. The airport has seen explosive growth, boasting a 231% increase in cargo handling in the last decade. 

Airports of arrival in Uganda

Entebbe International Airport

The Entebbe International Airport is Uganda's only international airport. It is located 6 kilometers southwest of the town of Entebbe, on the northern shores of Lake Victoria. The airport is a hub for Uganda Airlines, Air Uganda, BAR Aviation Uganda, and more.