In today’s global economy, reliable international shipping from Saudi Arabia to the USA is more important than ever. Whether you are a business expanding overseas, an emigrant starting a new chapter, or someone sending personal items or shipping furniture to the USA, understanding how international cargo shipping works is key.
The shipping route from Saudi Arabia to the USA is a major trade link, connecting the Kingdom’s industries with a wide range of American markets. Covering more than 7,000 miles, this journey crosses multiple time zones and involves customs checks, port handling, and coordination across complex logistics networks that require expertise and careful coordination.
With a strong economy fueled by oil exports, industrial growth, and ongoing diversification, there is a growing need for reliable cargo shipping from SA to the USA. In the United States, a vast and well-developed port system makes receiving goods from abroad efficient and flexible.
At Riyadh Warehouse Solutions, we help in providing comprehensive shipping solutions between Saudi Arabia and USA efficiently and cost-effectively.
Table of Contents
- Shipping Options Comparison: Size, Time And Budget
- Shipping Transit Times
- Customs Clearance And Border Procedures
- Ocean Freight Or Air Freight: What To Choose
- Pros And Cons Of Shipping From Saudi Arabia To The USA
- Service Types: Port-to-Port Vs Door-to-Door
- How RWS Movers Helps Minimize Costs?
- Why Choose RWS Cargo Shipping?
- What You Cannot Ship?
- Conclusion
Shipping Options Comparison: Size, Time And Budget
When planning your shipment from Saudi Arabia to the USA, you have several transportation options to choose from, each with varied advantages:
Ocean freight (FCL & LCL)
Ocean freight is the most cost-effective method for shipping large volumes of cargo, offering two primary options based on your shipment size and budget requirements. The choice between FCL and LCL isn’t only about volume but also depends on the cost, speed, cargo safety, customs clearance, and overall logistics efficiency.
Full Container Load (FCL) shipping
FCL shipping is when a shipping container is entirely booked and loaded by one shipper, even if the container isn’t 100% filled. You pay a flat rate for exclusive use of the container space, and your goods remain sealed from origin to destination, providing maximum security and control over your cargo.
When to choose FCL
- High-volume shipments (typically 15-20+ CBM)
- Sensitive or fragile cargo requiring minimal handling
- High-value goods needing maximum security
- Time-sensitive shipments where speed is a priority
- Complete household relocations and furniture shipping to USA
- Commercial inventory requiring direct routing
- Vehicles and heavy machinery
FCL time: FCL shipments typically transit 32-45 days from Saudi Arabia to USA ports. The dedicated container means faster, direct routing with fewer touchpoints and no consolidation delays, making FCL more predictable for scheduling and less susceptible to delays.
FCL budget: While FCL requires higher upfront investment, it becomes economical at scale with lower cost per unit. You pay a flat rate regardless of whether you fill the entire container completely. Depending on your cargo volume, it’s sometimes more economical to use FCL even if your goods don’t fill the entire container.
FCL security: FCL offers superior security as the cargo stays sealed throughout the journey from Saudi Arabia to USA, with fewer handling points and reduced risk exposure compared to shared container options.
Less than Container Load (LCL) shipping
LCL shipping allows multiple shippers to share space in a single container. You pay only for the container space you use, measured in cubic meters (CBM). The logistics service provider handles consolidation (grouping your shipment with others to fill a container) and deconsolidation (unpacking and separating the cargo for delivery at the destination).
When to choose LCL
- Small or irregular shipment volumes (typically less than 15 CBM or 2-3 pallets)
- Cost-sensitive cargo where budget is the primary concern
- Flexible delivery needs and multi-destination shipments
- Non-perishable goods that can handle additional transit time
- Small business inventory and personal belongings
- Individual furniture pieces and sample shipments
- Businesses scaling up shipments gradually
LCL time: LCL shipments generally take 35-42 days from Saudi Arabia to USA due to additional consolidation processes:
- Consolidation at origin: 3-5 days for cargo grouping
- Ocean transit: 25-35 days (same as FCL)
- Deconsolidation at destination: 2-4 days for cargo separation
- Final delivery coordination: 1-3 days
LCL involves more handling and is more susceptible to delays due to the consolidation process, but frequent departures make it easier to ship on demand.
LCL budget: LCL offers significant cost savings for smaller shipments. It provides lower upfront costs and offers savings on smaller volumes, though costs may scale quickly as cargo volume grows. You pay only for the space your cargo occupies, making it highly economical for shipments under 15 cubic meters.
LCL security: LCL offers high flexibility, making it good for multi-location delivery and businesses with varying shipment sizes. It serves as an accessible entry point for small and mid-sized businesses, especially when scaling up shipments gradually.
Full Container Load (FCL) | Less Than Container Load (LCL) | Air Freight | |
Shipping size | Large shipments; entire container (20ft to 40ft); holds up to 28 to 68 cubic meters load | Smaller to medium shipments; sharing container; holds 1 to 15 cubic meters load | Smaller shipments; priority, standard and high-value items |
Shipping time | 15 – 20 days | 35 – 45 days | Fastest delivery; 7-10 days |
Shipping budget | Medium to higher | Low to medium | Low |
Shipping Transit Times
How long does it take to ship cargo by sea from SA to the USA?
Ocean freight takes around four to six weeks for cargo to reach the USA from Saudi Arabia. The transit time depends on several factors including ocean voyage, port handling and customs clearance.
- East Coast USA Ports: 25-40 days
- West Coast USA Ports: 35-50 days
- Gulf Coast Ports: 30-45 days
Shipments from Saudi Arabia’s main ports (Jeddah, Dammam, and Jubail) to major US ports follow established shipping routes.
How long does it take to ship cargo by air from SA to the USA?
Air freight takes around two to eight days whereas direct flights take approximately 11 to 15 hours. The transit time depends on the air service method chosen.
- Express Air Service: 2-4 days
- Standard Air Service: 5-8 days
- Economy Air Service: 7-14 days
Customs Clearance And Border Procedures
Customs clearance plays a vital role in international shipping, impacting delivery timelines and overall costs. Compliance with both Saudi Arabian export regulations and US import requirements is essential for a smooth process.
Essential documentation
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading or airway bill
- Certificate of origin
- Applicable export/import permits
- Insurance documents
US customs procedures
Your cargo will undergo inspection and processing at the US port of entry. This process takes around 1-5 business days, depending on cargo type and customs workload. Having proper documentation and working with experienced customs brokers significantly reduces clearance time.
Ocean Freight Or Air Freight: What To Choose
It depends on your specific needs, and here is how it is:
You may choose ocean freight when:
- Budget is a primary concern (ocean freight costs 4 to 6 times lesser than air freight)
- Shipments are of larger volumes (vehicles, furniture and substantial cargo)
- There is no urgency and you can wait
- There are relatively heavy items
You may choose air freight when:
- You need delivery within a week
- Items are of high value and need better tracking
- Shipments are small and lighter
- There are perishable goods as there is reduced risk of damage
Pros And Cons Of Shipping From Saudi Arabia To The USA
Ocean freight
Pros | Cons |
Significantly lower cost per kilogram Can handle unlimited weight and size Environmentally friendly option Suitable for all types of cargo | Longer transit times Less frequent departures Weather-dependent schedules More complex logistics |
Air freight
Pros | Cons |
Fastest delivery option Frequent departures Better security and tracking Less packaging required | Higher cost per kilogram Weight and size restrictions Limited to specific cargo types Weather-sensitive schedules |
Service Types: Port-to-Port Vs Door-to-Door
You will be handling the transportation to/from ports. This option offers:
- Greater control over local logistics
- Maximum cost savings
- Requires local transportation arrangements
- Suitable for experienced shippers
You will receive the complete service from pickup to delivery:
- Single point of contact
- Maximum convenience
- Ideal for first-time international shippers
- Comprehensive insurance coverage
How RWS Movers Helps Minimize Costs?
At Riyadh Warehouse Solutions, we understand that international shipping can be a significant expense. That’s why we focus on helping you reduce costs without compromising on service quality.
- Recommends the most cost-effective shipping method based on your needs
- Negotiates competitive rates with carriers
- Ensures customs compliance to prevent delays and fines
- Packs efficiently to save space and avoid extra fees
- Provides clear, upfront pricing with no hidden costs
We help you save money while ensuring safe, reliable cargo shipping.
Why Choose RWS Cargo Shipping?
When it comes to cargo shipping from Saudi Arabia to the USA, selecting the right logistics partner can make the difference between a smooth, hassle-free experience and costly delays or complications. RWS International Cargo Shipping stands out as your trusted partner, offering unmatched expertise and comprehensive solutions tailored to your specific shipping needs.
We understand that your belongings are more than just cargo; they are treasured memories, valuable investments, and pieces of your life story. Whether it’s your grandmother’s antique furniture, your vintage car collection, or the household items, we treat every shipment with the personal care and attention it deserves.
Complete Home Relocation Services
At RWS International, we specialize in full home relocations from Saudi Arabia to the USA. We understand that moving your entire household is a big step, one filled with memories, meaningful belongings, and items that matter deeply to you.
Our home relocation services include:
- Full packing: We carefully pack everything, from fragile dishes to heavy furniture.
- Furniture shipping: We handle all types of furniture, including antiques and custom pieces, with special care.
- Personal items protection: Important items like photo albums, documents, and keepsakes are given extra attention.
- Room-by-room inventory: We make a detailed list of all your belongings to keep track of everything.
- Custom crating: For valuable or delicate items like artwork, we create strong, custom wooden crates.
- Storage solutions: If needed, we offer short-term storage in climate-controlled facilities during your move.
Special Care For Your Valuable Possessions
At RWS International, we know some items are more than just belongings. We, therefore, give extra care and attention to valuable and sentimental items during your move from Saudi Arabia to the USA.
- Vintage cars and classic vehicles: We use enclosed container shipping to protect your vehicle from weather and road damage, ensuring it arrives in the same condition it left.
- Valuable items and collectibles: From Persian rugs and rare books to coin collections and jewelry, we handle your high-value items with special care. We offer extra insurance, secure tracking, and priority handling.
- Family keepsakes: Things like photo albums, children’s drawings, wedding books, and religious items hold deep personal meaning. Our team uses high-quality packing materials and careful methods to keep these items safe.
With RWS, your most valuable possessions are treated with the respect and care they deserve.
We connect major Saudi cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Mecca with key cities across the USA, making deliveries reliable and timely.
Thanks to our long-term partnerships with shipping lines and airlines, we offer competitive rates without cutting corners on service.
Our team knows the ins and outs of Saudi and USA customs rules. We handle the paperwork and processes to avoid delays and make sure everything is done right. As an IAMTrusted Mover certified company, we maintain the highest standards of compliance and regulatory adherence.
With RWS, you get dependable service, clear communication, and peace of mind.
What You Cannot Ship?
Prohibited & Restricted Items
To ensure smooth shipping to the USA from Saudi Arabia, it’s important to know which items are not allowed or require special permits. Shipping restricted or prohibited goods can lead to delays, and fines.
- Illegal drugs and narcotics
- Weapons and ammunition
- Hazardous materials (certain chemicals, flammable liquids)
- Counterfeit goods
- Live animals (special permits required)
- Perishable food items
- Pharmaceutical products
- Electronics and telecommunications equipment
- Alcohol and tobacco
- Agricultural products
- Cultural heritage items
- Religious artifacts
If you are planning to ship restricted items, you will have to provide:
- Health certificates
- Import/export licenses
- Quality control certificates
- Special handling instructions
Conclusion
Shipping from Saudi Arabia to the USA involves more than just picking a carrier; it requires careful planning, knowledge of shipping options, and compliance with customs regulations. From choosing between ocean and air freight to understanding cost factors, transit times, and documentation requirements, each step plays a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and efficient process. Whether you are sending personal belongings or managing regular business shipments, making informed decisions and working with experienced logistics partners helps you avoid delays and unexpected expenses.
At Riyadh Warehouse Solutions, we bring together competitive rates, trusted expertise, and end-to-end services to make your international shipment stress-free and efficient. Our expert team handles everything from customs paperwork to delivery logistics, ensuring your cargo reaches its destination safely and on time.
Contact us today for a personalized quote and let our team handle your cargo shipping from Saudi Arabia to the USA with care and professionalism.