Container Shipping to Pakistan — Get Instant Quotes
Why Ship to Pakistan with iContainers?
- Strategic gateway: Karachi Port (KPT) handled a record 2.65 million TEU in FY 2024-25, confirming reliable space and weekly sailings on every major trade lane. Trade Chronicle
- Dual-port flexibility: Nearby Port Qasim adds further capacity and direct rail links to the Punjab industrial heartland. pqa.gov.pk
- Digital convenience: Book, upload documents, and track milestones in one dashboard while our Karachi operations team supervises customs clearance and last-mile drayage.
Our Container Shipping Services to Pakistan
Full Container Load (FCL) Shipping
Pakistan’s high-volume imports—machinery, electronics, and mineral fuels—usually travel as full 40 ft or 20 ft boxes, ensuring security and faster discharge. Trading Economics
Typical lead times
- Shanghai → Karachi: ~19 days port-to-port
- Rotterdam → Karachi: ~29 days port-to-port
Less than Container Load (LCL) Shipping
Ideal for SMEs moving textiles, spare parts, or pharmaceuticals in volumes under 15 m³. Consolidations depart 1-2 times a week from hubs such as Singapore and Antwerp.
Air Freight — Fast Alternative
For samples, perishables, or urgent spares, we route via Jinnah International Airport (KHI) with door-to-door delivery in 5-10 days from EU/US gateways.
Country-specific tip: The South-West monsoon (June–September) can disrupt berthing schedules. KPT issues safety advisories and restricts larger vessels during heavy swells, so early booking and buffer days are prudent. Arab News
Container shipping rates to Pakistan
How much does it cost to ship a container to Pakistan?
Estimated Transit Times to Pakistan*
| Origin | Mode | Transit Time | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai, CN | FCL | 18 – 20 days | 2–4 sailings / week |
| Rotterdam, NL | FCL | 27 – 30 days | 1–2 sailings / week |
| Singapore | LCL | 15 – 22 days | Weekly consol boxes |
| Frankfurt, DE → Karachi (Air) | Air | 5 – 9 days | Daily departures |
*Port-to-port unless stated; door legs, documentation and customs may add extra days.
Popular Pakistani Ports & Inland Hubs
| Port | TEU Throughput (latest) | Key Imports | Rail/ICD Links |
|---|---|---|---|
| Karachi Port (KPT) | 2.65 m TEU FY 24-25 | Electronics, machinery, fuels | Karachi → Lahore, Faisalabad |
| Port Qasim (PQA) | >55 k TEU / month avg. | Chemicals, foodstuffs | Direct rail to Pipri ICD |
| Gwadar (emerging) | Development phase | Bulk & project cargo | Road corridor to Balochistan |
Step-by-Step Booking Process
- Get an Instant Quote — Enter cargo details, compare carriers in seconds.
- Secure Your Space — Lock the sailing that fits budget & timing.
- Upload Documents — Commercial invoice, packing list, any SRO licences.
- Arrange Pickup — Door, port, or bonded warehouse—your choice.
- Track & Manage — Real-time updates until container is cleared and delivered.
What Can You Ship to Pakistan?
Common imports
- Electrical & electronic equipment
- Industrial machinery & spare parts
- Palm-oil derivatives and chemicals
- Textile raw materials (cotton, synthetic fibres) Trading Economics
Regulated items
- Used electronics, hazardous chemicals, and automotive airbags require SRO clearance; certain plant products need PRE-shipment inspection.
Main ports in Pakistan
FAQs About Shipping Containers to Pakistan
Under ~15 m³, LCL usually costs less than paying for a whole 20 ft container.
Free-time averages 5–7 days; beyond that, demurrage accrues daily, so prompt documentation is vital.
Many importers prefer CIF Karachi for simplicity, while exporters who want cost control choose FOB.
Schedule extra buffer days June–September and consider alternate trans-shipment ports if timelines are critical. Arab News