The 5 Best Freight Forwarders in Dubai
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The 5 Best Freight Forwarders in Dubai

Whether you’ve got a small business to run or you work for a company in need of arranging cargo for your products, freight forwarders can hugely help in the planning of it all.

So we scoured the industry to give you the best freight forwarders in Dubai.

We’re also sharing with you the factors we considered in choosing, and also answered some FAQs about freight forwarders.

How much does hiring a freight forwarder in Dubai cost?

The cost of hiring a freight forwarder depends on several factors, including the air/ocean freight pricing of the export — which is dependent on its dimensions and quantity — the fees of picking up the export from the warehouse, the handling fee, and many more.

On top of that, if you have a good freight forwarder, they can negotiate the shipping fees to save you some money.

There is no average cost of hiring freight forwarders because it is the freight forwarders who usually bid for export projects, and the firm that can give the cheapest budget wins the project.

The Best Freight Forwarders in Dubai

Before we get right into our top picks for the best freight forwarders in Dubai, here are the factors we considered for our entries on this list:

Lead time – First and foremost, we need to consider how much freight forwarders can shorten the time it takes to trim down the process, including organizing the documents and the length of the shipping time itself.
Cargo type – We also took into consideration the types of exports these freight forwarders know how to organize logistics for.
Extra services – It was also important for us to see what other services these firms offer that can complete the process of shipping products to other countries.
Benefits – Lastly, we considered the added pros that come with working with these firms.

1. Alsi For Marin Services LLC

Alsi For Marin Services LLC Homepage
TestInfo
SERVICESOcean Freight Forwarding, Customs Clearance, Project Cargo Services, Event Logistics, Ship Spares Logistics, Warehousing and Distribution
WEBSITEhttps://www.alsioman.com/
ADDRESS3409, Churchill Tower - Al Amal St - Business Bay - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
CONTACT DETAILS+971 4 585 0934

[email protected]

OPERATING HOURSSaturday to Thursday: 8 am - 5 pm
CriteriaRating
Lead Time★★★★★ (5/5)
Cargo Type★★★★☆ (4/5)
Extra Services★★★★☆ (4/5)
Benefits★★★★★ (5/5)

Alsi has been providing customs clearance and logistics services for exporters in UAE and Oman since 2008.

With 6,000 customs declarations processed per month and flexible sailing schedules, it was no surprise to us to find out that its lead time for exports between UAE and Oman is shorter than any other freight forwarding firm.

The firm’s choice to only deal with ocean freight forwarding helps exporters be more cost-effective with the shipping. However, we do wish that it offered road and air freight forwarding, as well.

We do think that by having these two options, Alsi would be a more flexible choice for many exporters looking for a quicker way to ship goods.

And speaking of goods, Alsi can handle general goods, dangerous goods, and perishable and temperature-controlled products.

It’s great that this firm covers the majority of exported goods as this allows them to accommodate all kinds of exporters.

And while we wish that it would also look into offering freight forwarding services for more niche exports, covering the basics is such a strong foundation.

Needless to say, Alsi offers a lot more than just freight forwarding. Its capability to also strategize the logistics for other industries and provide the freight really completes the whole shipping process.

Pros

  • Short processing and exporting time for ocean fright forwarding
  • Deals with a wide range of exported goods
  • Has a wide range of logistical services

Cons

  • No air and road freight forwarding services
  • Unable to accommodate niche goods

2. UKR Shipping

UKR Shipping Homepage
TestInfo
SERVICESFreight Forwarding, Air Freight, Road Freight, Sea Freight, Warehousing, Door-To-Door Shipment
WEBSITEhttps://www.ukrshipping.com/#1450333393575-560e10ae-d671
ADDRESS62 Sheikh Zayed Rd - Trade Centre - Trade CentreTrade Centre 1 - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
CONTACT DETAILS+971 4 388 8014

[email protected]

OPERATING HOURSSaturday to Thursday: 9 am - 6 pm
CriteriaRatings
Lead Time★★★★★ (5/5)
Cargo Type★★★★★ (5/5)
Extra Services★★★★☆ (4/5)
Benefits★★★★★ (5/5)

Covering both the logistical planning and the shipping itself, UKR Shipping is one of the best freight forwarding services because it offers end-to-end shipping solutions.

Taking only about 12-20 days for shipments to come in and arrive in China, UKR Shipping has one of the shortest lead times to offer.

This is because it has its own shipping lines that allow it to skip the process of looking for freight providers to ship it for them.

We love how its self-efficiency results in great lead times, but we do think that it is limiting for it to only be working between China and UAE.

As for the cargo types it covers, from small parcels to inventory supplies, UKR Shipping covers a lot of ground when it comes to this.

UKR Shipping also offers door-to-door shipments, warehousing, and air and road freight forwarding. We love how adaptable it is in terms of its freight forwarding services. 

Although, the air and road logistical services are much slower than its ocean freight forwarding services because the company still outsources freight companies for this.

But we do like that one of the great benefits of UKR shipping is that it always applies 110% insurance coverage to all exports.

On top of that, it also allows you to track shipments, which makes it easier for you to really give an estimate and plan ahead of the arrival of goods.

Pros

  • Short processing and exporting time for ocean fright forwarding
  • Deals with a wide range of cargo
  • All exports are 110% insured
  • Allows shipment tracking

Cons

  • Air and road freight forwarding is slow
  • Limited only to China and UAE

Customer Reviews

They delivered products on time 

The products were delivered on time from China to the company’s offices. UKR SHIPPING communicated clearly and provided regular updates to the client, who praised their timeliness. Overall, the project was successfully accomplished. ” —Linto John, Clutch

3. SLR Shipping Services

SLR Shipping Services Homepage
TestInfo
SERVICESFreight Forwarding, Heavy Duty Cargo Service, LCL Services, Liner Services, UAE to Nepal Cargo, Door-To-Door Cargo
WEBSITEhttps://www.slrshipping.com/
ADDRESSOffice no. 203, 2nd Floor, Dubai National Insurance Building, Sheikh, Zayed Road, Dubai - UAE
CONTACT DETAILS+971 4 333 6593

[email protected]

OPERATING HOURSMonday to Friday: 8:30 am - 6 pm
CriteriaRating
Lead Time★★★★☆ (4/5)
Cargo Type★★★★★ (5/5)
Extra Services★★★★☆ (4/5)
Benefits★★★★★ (5/5)

With 25 years of experience in the industry and an extensive international network around the world, SLR Shipping provides freight forwarding services for exporters needing to ship to multiple countries.

Experienced in non-vessel operations and accommodating all kinds of shipments from individuals and corporations, SLR Shipping can provide cost-effective shipping via air and ocean freights.

However, it was kind of disappointing to learn that its ocean freight forwarding services do not accommodate time-bound shipments compared to its air freight forwarding.

We think that there are a lot of missed opportunities here because ocean freight shipments are much more cost-efficient than air freight.

But SLR Shipping shines when it comes to covering all kinds of cargo needing to be exported. 

Its large team of specialized shipping professionals and a massive range of containers allows it to find the perfect solution to ship exports safely and quickly.

On top of that, we also love how SLR Shipping streamlines the shipment process to allow clients to have minimum contact with the team so they can focus on their business instead.

SLR Shipping also specializes in risk assessment, allowing it to effectively strategize to avoid complications and pivot if complications do arise.

It also is great in damage control because of its shipping professionals. SLR Shipping always keeps a contingency plan ready for the worst possible cases.

And this applies to all of its other services, which aren’t that many. We do appreciate its door-to-door service and liner services, but other than that, there isn’t much else.

Pros

  • Offers air and ocean freight forwarding
  • Accommodates all kinds of cargo
  • Wide range of benefits for efficiency and safety

Cons

  • Only air freight forwarding has time-bound shipments
  • Limited extra services

Customer Reviews

Had a very good experience with them

“Best freight forwarding Company in Dubai, UAE. Professional service provider for all your customized shipping & freight forwarding needs.” – Rohit Nigam, Google Reviews

4. Al Mas Cargo LLC

Al Mas Cargo LLC Homepage
TestInfo
SERVICESFreight Forwarding, Air Freight, Sea Freight, Land Cargo, Door-To-Door Cargo Delivery, International Relocation, Domestic House Moving, Quality Packing Service & Furniture Installation, Office & Warehouse Moving, Import & Export, International Car Import & Export, A/C & Non A/C Storage, Handyman Service
WEBSITEhttps://almasgroup.co/services
ADDRESS7CQV+CV9 - Industrial Area - Industrial Area 15 - Sharjah - United Arab Emirates
CONTACT DETAILS+971 65354430

+971 509882818E

[email protected]

OPERATING HOURSSaturday to Thursday: 9 am - 10 pm

Friday: 4 pm - 10 pm

CriteriaRating
Lead Time★★★★★ (5/5)
Cargo Type★★★★☆ (4/5)
Extra Services★★★★★ (5/5)
Benefits★★★★★ (5/5)

Supported by overland operations, warehousing, and supply chain management, Al Mas specializes in ocean and air freight forwarding.

Its international network allows for some effective positioning to exercise total control over the means of transportation, and in that way also keep tight control over costs.

We love that its international network helps it not only be cost-effective but also cut down on shipping times.

Its strategic alliances allow flexibility and often combine ocean and air freight services to deliver shipments much quicker than other firms.

On top of that, its comprehensive sea cargo services allow for the smallest and the biggest shipment to be accommodated and delivered overseas without a problem.

However, the same thing cannot be said for its road and air freight services, as both of these don’t have the same range of equipment as its sea cargo services.

Despite that, Al Mas has managed to really expand its business and offer extra services and benefits to its clients.

From international and domestic relocation to packing and furniture installation, and office and warehouse moving, Al Mas utilizes its freight services to do more than just large-scale shipping.

Another great benefit it offers is its capability to allow clients to track its shipments to ensure the delivery is done on time and it gets there safely.

Pros

  • Offers ocean and air freight forwarding
  • Has extensive global alliances for efficient shipping times
  • Ocean cargo services accommodates all kinds of cargo
  • Offers a wide range of extra services outside of large-scale shipping

Cons

  • Air and road cargo services are limited

Customer Reviews

Such a smooth service experience

“Al mas cargo sent my shipments on time, i have recently sent some shipments from Dubai to Gujarat by sea cargo, and my items reached safely without any damage, and it has been delivered within 45 days, thank you so much AL mas for giving me a smooth service i strongly recommend your services” – Yogeswar Sahu, Google Reviews

I fully recommend them

“I have sent my shipment recently from Dubai to Mumbai by sea, it is a bulk shipment and i really got worried that how my shipments will be sent, but all of my furniture items and glass items have reached safely without any damage thank you so much Al Mas for giving such a five star service” – Nemaie Chandra Roy, Google Reviews

5. Shepherd International Logistics

Shepherd International Logistics Homepage
TestInfo
SERVICESAir Freight, Sea Freight, Freight Forwarding, Warehousing, Supply chain Management, Mobile Logistics
WEBSITEhttps://www.shepherdshipping.com/
ADDRESSDubai - United Arab Emirates
CONTACT DETAILS+971 50 552 0122

[email protected]

OPERATING HOURSMonday to Saturday: 8:30 am - 10 pm
CriteriaRating
Lead Time★★★★★ (5/5)
Cargo Type★★★★★ (5/5)
Extra Services★★★★☆ (4/5)
Benefits★★★★★ (5/5)

Established in 2004, Shepherd International Logistics has been providing tailored shipping solutions for clients in UAE and Hong Kong.

We love how its freight forwarding services are entirely separate from its freight services. 

By having it be its own entity, its freight forwarders become great 3rd party providers that can move efficiently to position shipments in the utmost optimized position.

Shepherd International Logistics specializes in customs clearance and documentation. With a strong international network of relationships, this firm can help clear customs quicker than any other firm in Dubai.

That being said, having its freight forwarding services operate separately from its freight services does mean that it’s less cost-effective this way.

Having to pay for the service and the shipment itself separately means that the cost may double.

When it comes to accommodating cargo for shipments, we love how Shepherd International Logistics knows its way around common goods and niche ones, too.

From temperature-controlled goods and oversized products to handling large orders of mobile phones for distribution, this firm has the experience and support to provide a high-quality shipment experience.

Shepherd International Logistics also offers great benefits to its clients. It employs supply chain professionals to help clients manage supply and demand while bolstering the bottom line.

On top of that, it also has warehousing and distribution services that can help reduce the cost of your packaging and distribution as well as your carbon footprint.

However, we did notice how it does lack the basic benefits like insurance coverage and shipment tracking.

Pros

  • Freight forwarding service is efficient in clearing customs and documentation
  • Accommodates all kinds of cargo
  • Has a wide range of services that helps manage distribution

Cons

  • Doesn’t offer shipment tracking
  • Freight forwarding and freight services are separated so it’s less cost-effective

FAQs about Freight Forwarders in Dubai


We hope this helped you in finding a suitable freight forwarder in Dubai. Also, if you’re looking for other business guides, then check out these articles: