Findways

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Forwarding · Port Agency · Marine Products · Logistics

Where cargo finds its way.

Findways is committed to providing exemplary services in the Shipping, Maritime and Logistics world — guaranteeing absolute client satisfaction in every project. A one-stop solution for everything related to ports, vessels, freight and logistics.

2,600+
Jobs handled & counting
3
Core service divisions
KSA
Headquartered in Saudi Arabia
24/7
Operations support
What We Do

We provide the following services.

A one-stop solution for everything related to ports and vessels to carry out varied operations for a smooth and swift full-service Maritime offering.

Port & Vessel

24-hour port agency, protective agency, husbandry services, vessel chandling, ship stores and full maritime solutions across Saudi ports.

Freight & Logistics

End-to-end freight forwarding by air, sea and road. Project cargo, ship spares delivery and customs clearance — anywhere in the world.

Storage & Transportation

Warehousing and distribution throughout the Kingdom — temperature-controlled, racked and open spaces — supported by versatile inland transportation solutions.

Our Expertise

The formidable experts fostered by tremendous experience.

Findways is committed to providing exemplary services in the Shipping, Maritime and Logistics world to guarantee absolute client satisfaction in every project. The state-of-the-art technological advancements and highly qualified team of proficient personnel help us to set a new benchmark in ensuring top-notch services and flawless customer care.

Global Reach

Connected to the world's key trade lanes.

Headquartered in Saudi Arabia, operating across the Gulf, Middle East, Asia, Europe and beyond.

🇸🇦
Saudi Arabia
Headquarters
🌍
Middle East & Gulf
Primary markets
🌏
Asia & Far East
Trade corridors
🌐
Worldwide
Global network
Why Findways

The right partner for global trade.

International capability, maritime expertise and a client-first culture — so your cargo moves with confidence, every time.

01

Global reach, local execution

Operating from Saudi Arabia with a worldwide network — seamless logistics across the Gulf, Middle East, Asia and Europe with the same standard at every port.

02

Deep maritime expertise

Decades of cross-sector experience spanning shipping, port agency, offshore, freight and supply chain — true industry specialists at your service.

03

Single point of contact

One team manages your entire logistics chain — from freight and port agency to chandling and storage — no handoffs, no gaps, no surprises.

04

Compliance & transparency

All documentation, customs and regulatory procedures handled in-house — clients informed at every step, because trust is built through transparency.

About Findways

A global partner, rooted in Saudi Arabia.

Findways aims to be the "provider of choice" in Logistics and Maritime Services in the Middle East and the World. Leveraging a combination of transportation and operations experience, we provide a full-service maritime and logistics offering — covering Vessel and Port Services, Freight and Logistics, and Storage and Transportation.

We will be innovative and excel in meeting our client's expectations, daily, monthly, and yearly! And are committed to the highest standards of performance in all that we do, sustaining our successes and learning from mistakes.

Our success is built on the exceptional relationships that we cultivate with our clients. We Findways to ensure the most effective, straightforward, quickest way to extend our services to our valuable clients. Understanding the fact that every minute counts in the shipping and maritime world. Advanced technology and a highly qualified team form the backbone of our reputed services. You can be sure, therefore, that your business is safe in our hands.

As part of our endeavour to serve our customers better, we have set up and partnered offices in prime locations across the kingdom. We have our head office in Dammam with strong associates in all corners of the world.

Values are a very important part of any organisation on which the guiding principle works. Findways holds our highest regards and commitment to our values. We understand how important it is to all areas of our business — from our employees to our customers, our partners, and our suppliers. We are fully committed to our values.

Our Values

Integrity

The most integral aspects of a good business are integrity, compliance & honesty towards work, customers, employees, suppliers, third parties, and all related stakeholders. We proudly uphold the values of honesty, truthfulness, integrity, compliance and sincerity in all our actions.

Responsibility

We are agile, open-minded, and enthusiastic, and we count those qualities among the key strengths that make us so effective at providing our clients with the solutions they need.

Trust

Trust is everything. Every action we take is geared towards building and strengthening the trust our clients put in us — offering client-centric service, never failing to deliver on our promises, and exceeding their expectations on every single interaction.

Accountability

We are personally accountable for delivering on our commitments to our customers, employees and suppliers.

Teamwork

We work together across a diverse team to support and achieve our common goals.

Sustainability

We strive to minimise our negative impact on the environment. We prioritise and manage our resources in a responsible way to continuously create value — taking steps to reduce our carbon footprint and engage in sustainable business practices.

Our Vision

To be the "provider of choice" in the Logistics and Maritime Services in Saudi, the Middle East and the World. Lead and be the change. Evolve and Expand globally.

Our Mission

At Findways, we aim to utilise our years of experience, multicultural know-how, market insight and digital advancements to provide freight, logistics, maritime and port services in a timely and professional manner.

Customer Service

Our customers are our bedrock. We build relationships that make a positive difference in their business. Every interaction is an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment and reliability.

"We innovate and excel in meeting our clients' expectations — daily, monthly, and yearly."
Our Services

End-to-end maritime & logistics solutions.

A one-stop solution for everything related to ports, vessels, freight and logistics.

A one-stop maritime solution — from port agency and husbandry services to full vessel chandling and stores. Providing 24-hour close follow-up with port authorities and ensuring the fastest vessel turnaround while keeping clients fully informed at every stage.

Port Services
🏗️

Full Agency

Reliable, professional agency with deep knowledge of local cargo operations, loading and discharge coordination. With Findways you can depend on the most predictable agency team for your port calls in the Eastern Province.

📑

Pre-Arrival Planning

As part of the pre-arrival planning for your port call, we coordinate services for your vessel, cargo, and documentation — ensuring all port formalities and berth bookings are in place before arrival.

📊

Disbursement Accounts

Cost and disbursement accounts are closely tracked and communicated with customers in a thorough manner. We scrutinize the DA to ensure you are not overcharged and operations remain on schedule.

Book Port Agency Services

Kindly send your PDA request specifying the port, cargo, vessel and other details to sales@findwaysglobal.com — our team will revert as soon as possible.

🛡️

Protective Agency (OPA & CPA)

We offer protective agency for both shipowners (OPA) and charterers/cargo owners (CPA) to supervise the counterparty's agent throughout the port call — ensuring your interests are always protected and any conflict of interest is avoided.

⚖️

SOF & PDA Review

We check and validate Statement of Facts (SOF) and challenge any questionable items. We assist in scrutinizing the PDA to negotiate better rates and suggest alternatives — at full disposal 24/7 during loading and discharging operations.

📋

Local Knowledge

We know the local regulations, port information, restrictions and supplier cost levels. Supervising and advising your counterparty's agent during port calls ensures your interests are never compromised at any stage.

Request Protective Agency

Contact us at sales@findwaysglobal.com with your vessel, port and counterparty details.

Your extended arm at the port — Findways provides various husbandry needs, mainly but not limited to the following:

👥

Crew Change

With significant volumes handled, we offer not only attractive agency fees but also meaningful savings through our accommodation, transportation and launch hire services. Full coordination of sign-on and sign-off crew movements.

💰

CTM (Cash to Master)

Any payments to your Master and crew are handled professionally with the aid of security services wherever necessary. Your funds are safe with us — managed with full accountability and receipts.

📦

Spare Parts Delivery

We safely coordinate transport and last-mile delivery of spare parts globally. Our experienced staff, in coordination with various internal departments, are well versed in customs matters for urgent spares clearance.

Request Husbandry Services

Send your husbandry requirements with vessel name, port, ETA and specific needs to sales@findwaysglobal.com

🚢

Liner Agency Services

Comprehensive liner agency representing shipping lines at Saudi ports — managing port calls, cargo coordination, documentation and all related operational requirements on behalf of the principal.

📦

Cargo Operations

Full coordination of loading, discharge, cargo surveys and container handling — ensuring smooth, efficient cargo operations on behalf of the shipping line at all Saudi port terminals.

🤝

Principal Representation

Professional representation of the shipping line's interests with port authorities, terminal operators and all relevant stakeholders — with full reporting and disbursement account management.

Book Liner Agency Services

Contact our team at sales@findwaysglobal.com with your requirements.

🛢️

Offshore Agency Services

Specialist agency for the offshore energy sector — OSV coordination, small craft operations and project-specific logistics for demanding offshore operations in the Arabian Gulf.

Small Crafts & Projects

Full agency and logistics support for small craft operations and bespoke project requirements — managed by our experienced team with deep knowledge of Saudi offshore operations.

🔗

Offshore Supply Coordination

End-to-end coordination of crew changes, supply runs and cargo transfers for offshore installations — with 24-hour support as standard.

Book Offshore Agency Services

Send your PDA request with port, vessel and project details to sales@findwaysglobal.com

Vessel Services
⚙️

Maritime Products

Through local market sourcing and standard stocks, we have the capability to deliver quality products and solutions to meet your vessel requirements across ports in the Kingdom.

🔩

Deck Stores

Complete deck stores supply — ropes, mooring lines, safety equipment, navigation lights, cleaning materials, paint, and all deck consumables required for vessel operations.

🔧

Engine Room Stores

Engine room supplies including filters, gaskets, lubricants, tools, electrical materials and all engineering consumables — sourced and delivered to vessel at port.

Request Maritime Products

Kindly send your quotation request specifying the required quantity, type, if vessel delivery required, vessel and port details to sales@findwaysglobal.com

🧪

Maritime Chemicals

Supply of marine chemicals for all vessel requirements — cleaning chemicals, boiler water treatment chemicals, bilge cleaners, degreasers and specialised marine chemical solutions.

🛡️

Safety Compliance

All chemicals supplied in compliance with MARPOL and international maritime safety regulations — correctly labelled, documented and delivered with relevant safety data sheets.

📋

Documentation

Full documentation support including Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), delivery notes and certificates — ensuring regulatory compliance at all times.

Request Maritime Chemicals

Send your quotation request with vessel, port and quantity details to sales@findwaysglobal.com

🔧

Technical Services

Technical support services for vessels — maintenance coordination, equipment servicing, technical supply chain solutions and specialist contractor sourcing through our network.

Equipment Servicing

Coordination of technical surveys, equipment repairs, calibration services and specialist maintenance work — managed on your behalf during the port call.

📞

Technical Support

Around-the-clock technical advisory — our experienced team coordinates with specialist contractors and technical service providers to resolve vessel technical requirements promptly.

Request Technical Services

Contact our team at sales@findwaysglobal.com with your technical requirements and vessel details.

🛒

Ship Chandling

Comprehensive ship chandling across all Saudi ports. Send your quotation request specifying the required quantity, type, whether vessel delivery is required, vessel name and port details.

🏪

Bonded Stores

Supply of bonded stores including spirits, tobacco and other duty-free items — managed in compliance with Saudi customs regulations for international vessels.

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Delivery to Vessel

Timely delivery of all stores directly to the vessel at berth or anchorage — coordinated with the vessel's schedule to minimise disruption to port operations.

Book Ship Chandling

Send your quotation request with required items, quantities, vessel name and port details to sales@findwaysglobal.com

Provision Stores

Full provision store supply for vessels — covering fresh, dry, frozen and chilled goods to meet the dietary needs of all crew nationalities.

🥬 Fresh

Pumpkin Red, Bitter Gourd, Beans Green, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Onion, Potato, Radish White, Beetroot, Carrots, Chilli Green, Apple Red, Banana, Pineapple, Grapefruit, Water Melon, Mango, Orange, Grape Green, Garlic, Ginger, Lemon, Kiwi Fruit, Honeydew Melon, Plums Red, Potato Sweet, Papaya.

🥫 Dry

Lipton Tea Bag, Coffee Mate, Nescafe, Milo, Milk Powder Nido, Vinegar White, Tomato Ketchup, Chilli Sauce, Tang (Orange/Lemon/Mango), Oats Quaker, Cup Noodles, Macaroni, Spaghetti, Vermicelli, Cooking Oil, Sunflower Oil, Pringles, Toothpaste (Colgate, Close Up), Butter Cookies.

❄️ Frozen

Ribbon Fish, Cuttle Fish, Prawns, Red Snapper Fillet, Cod Fillet, Hamour Fillet, Mutton Mince, Lamb Chops, Mix Vegetable, Samosa, Chicken (Whole/Breast/Minced/Sausages), Beef (Rump/Silverside/Brisket/Shank/Ribs/Sausage), Ice Cream (Vanilla/Mango/Chocolate/Pistachio/Strawberry/Butter Scotch), Tuna Fillet, Butter, French Bread.

🧊 Chilled

Eggs, Mars Chocolate, Quality Street, Red Bull, Snickers, Nestle Kit Kat, Cadbury Dairy Milk, Cadbury Fruit N Nut, Bounty, Toblerone, Galaxy Jewels, Magnum Ice Cream, Plain Yoghurt, Fruit Yoghurt, Dry Anchovies, Sea Laver, Garlic Stem in Soy Sauce, Seasoned Pollack Stripe, Seasoned Sesame Leaf, Dried Squid, Unsalted Butter.

Order Provision Stores

Send your requirements with vessel name, port and delivery date to sales@findwaysglobal.com

💊

Medicine Stores

Supply of ship medical stores and medicines in compliance with international maritime health regulations (MLC 2006) — delivered to vessel at port in a timely manner.

🏥

Medical Kit Replenishment

Full replenishment of vessel medical kits — including prescription medicines, first aid supplies, medical equipment and consumables as required under flag state regulations.

📋

Compliance Documentation

All medicines supplied with proper documentation and certificates — ensuring compliance with port state control, flag state and MLC requirements.

Order Medicine Stores

Send your requirements with vessel name, port and delivery date to sales@findwaysglobal.com

📋

Stationery Stores

Supply of vessel stationery, office supplies and administrative consumables — ensuring crew and officers have all materials required for smooth documentation and administration.

📝

Official Forms & Logbooks

Supply of official logbooks, arrival/departure forms, port authority documentation and all standard maritime stationery required for vessel operations and record-keeping.

🖨️

Office Consumables

Printer ink, paper, pens, folders and all general office consumables — delivered directly to the vessel to keep administrative operations running smoothly at sea and in port.

Order Stationery Stores

Send your requirements to sales@findwaysglobal.com

Findways offers end-to-end logistics solutions irrespective of location. We provide comprehensive free advisory on international trade compliance and regulations. Our team constantly analyses costs and endeavours to discover ways for your freight to be delivered quickly and at the most economical rates — without ever compromising the security of your consignment.

✈️

Air Freight

At Findways, we ensure air cargo reaches customers safely and on time. Our air cargo specialists work closely with all airlines operating in the Middle East — dedicated to speed, economy, precision, safety and total customer satisfaction.

📥

Import by Air

Best routes at best rates. Goods can clear customs within a few hours of arrival and be delivered the same day. Our 24-hour support executives provide assistance for urgent shipments arriving after office hours.

📤

Export by Air

The easiest and best export services — specialising in cargo of all weights, shapes and sizes, with end-to-end shipment monitoring included as standard for every consignment.

Book Air Freight

Send your inquiry to sales@findwaysglobal.com with commodity, weight, dimensions, origin and destination details.

🚢

Sea Freight

Wide-ranging ocean freight forwarding to almost all international locations — no restrictions on size or weight, with customised solutions for LCL and FCL consignments at extremely competitive rates.

📦

LCL & FCL Services

LCL consolidations and FCL full container loads — worldwide. Consignments booked per customer's export instructions with sailing and arrival notifications via telephone, fax or email.

  • LCL consignment consolidations
  • Container stuffing status reports
  • Cargo tracking from pick-up to delivery
  • Bill of lading issuance and management
  • Technical assistance for safe delivery
📋

Documentation

Full sea freight documentation management — bills of lading, cargo manifests, certificates of origin, packing lists and all customs-required documentation handled in-house.

Book Sea Freight

Send your inquiry with shipping terms (FCL/LCL/Door to Door), commodity, weight and container dimensions to sales@findwaysglobal.com

🚛

Road Distribution

Reliable and tailor-made road freight solutions throughout the Middle East — with the shortest possible transit times. Fully equipped trucks and a network of trusted transport partners.

  • National and international transport
  • Completely equipped trucks
  • Container transportation
  • Temperature-controlled transport
  • Cargo with special requirements
  • Time-phased transport
  • Pick up and delivery
🌡️

Temperature Controlled

Refrigerated and temperature-controlled road transport for perishable goods, pharmaceuticals and temperature-sensitive cargo — with continuous monitoring throughout transit.

🗺️

Cross-Border

Cross-border road freight throughout the GCC and wider Middle East — managing all border crossing documentation, customs procedures and permits for seamless transit.

Book Road Freight

Send your inquiry with origin, destination, commodity and cargo details to sales@findwaysglobal.com

🏗️

Project Cargo

We ensure every piece of equipment in your project is handled with care — heavy engineering equipment, rig gear, tanks, boilers, precision cases or boats. A chain is as weak as its weakest link.

📐

OOG & Heavy Lift

Handling of In Gauge and Out of Gauge cargoes that are Over Weight and Over Size — requiring exceptional management, detailed project planning, route selection and site survey.

  • Logistics, procurement & supply services
  • Survey and inspection services
  • Safe storage and warehousing
  • Costing and feasibility studies
  • Special equipment transport
  • Crane coordination
🗺️

Project Planning

Detailed project planning, route selection, site survey, packaging design, transport sequencing, cranes, communication protocols, stowage and final delivery — all managed end-to-end by our project team.

Book Project Cargo

Contact us at sales@findwaysglobal.com with your project details, cargo dimensions and route requirements.

Ship Spares Delivery

Our distinctive combination of backward and forward integration of shipping, logistics and marine capabilities mitigates risk and cost — providing transparency throughout delivery of ship spares to vessels.

🔄

Origin to Last Mile

Complete origin to last-mile delivery direct to the vessel — whether at berth, anchorage or dry dock. We track your critical spares every step of the way and keep you fully informed.

AOG & Urgent Spares

Aircraft on Ground (AOG) equivalent urgent spares handling — our team mobilises 24 hours a day to ensure critical vessel parts are delivered with minimum delay.

Book Ship Spares Delivery

Contact our team at sales@findwaysglobal.com with spare details, vessel name, port and urgency.

📋

Custom Clearance

Trustworthy and expert customs clearance at airports and seaports. Our in-house brokers and professional staff provide complete customs information — helping clients save on time and costs.

  • Regulatory authority approvals
  • Customs advice on all freight modes
  • Storage during clearance stage
  • Coordination with warehouse & shipping lines
  • Speedy transaction of all customs formalities
  • All certificates and documentation
📄

Required Documents — Sea & Air Import

For both sea and air import shipments into Saudi Arabia the following documents are required:

  • Original Bill of Lading / Airway Bill
  • Certificate of Origin (attested by Chamber of Commerce, country of origin)
  • Original Commercial Invoice (attested by Chamber of Commerce)
  • Packing List
  • SASO Certificate (where applicable)
  • Authorization Letter in Arabic (attested by Chamber of Commerce)
  • Copy of Consignee's Commercial Registration (CR)
🏛️

SASO & Regulatory

Full assistance with SASO (Saudi Arabian Standards Organisation) certification, import permits, Ministry approvals and all regulatory authority clearances required for your specific commodity.

1

Cautious loading at origin

Every shipment carefully loaded and documented from point of origin — with full compliance checks completed before departure.

2

Meticulous documentation

All paperwork — bills of lading, customs declarations, certificates — handled in-house with precision and speed.

3

Watchful unloading at destination

Close monitoring through to final delivery — your cargo arrives on time, in full condition, with all handover documentation complete.

Book Custom Clearance

Send your shipment details to sales@findwaysglobal.com and our customs team will guide you through the full process.

Findways offers warehousing and distribution services throughout the Kingdom. Our partnered warehouses cater to all customer requirements including temperature-controlled, racked and open spaces — for FMCG, General Retail Merchandise, Electronics, Automotive and Engineering precision parts.

🏭

Warehousing & Distribution

Round-the-clock warehousing services supporting the upstream and downstream chain by offering safe and secure space. High quality infrastructure at competitive rates, fully supported by our logistics capabilities for flexible pick-up and delivery. Our advanced warehouse management system and well-trained staff allow customers to follow Just-In-Time mechanisms, optimising inventory levels.

Findways Warehousing Services Include

  • Consolidation / Deconsolidation
  • Trans loading
  • Cross Docking
  • Oil & Gas Pipe handling and storage
  • Vehicle storage and handling
  • Freight Inspection and Document verification
  • Inventory Control
  • Customs Clearance & Payment of Duties/Taxes
  • Nationwide Distribution
🌡️

Temperature Controlled

Temperature-controlled storage facilities for perishable goods, pharmaceuticals, food products and any cargo requiring specific temperature ranges — continuously monitored and logged.

Book Storage Services

Kindly send your quotation request specifying the required storage area with all special instructions including transportation requirements to sales@findwaysglobal.com

🚐

Inland Transportation

Versatile inland transportation solutions throughout the Kingdom. Findways has partnered with major transporters with large fleets — providing the fastest achievable transit time by road as an added advantage to our customers.

📦

Last Mile Delivery

Flexible last-mile delivery solutions — from our warehousing facilities or directly from port, delivering to your customers' premises across Saudi Arabia with tracking and proof of delivery.

🔗

Integrated Supply Chain

Seamlessly integrated warehousing and transportation — our combined offering means your goods flow efficiently from arrival at port through to final customer delivery, with full visibility.

Book Transportation

Send your requirements to sales@findwaysglobal.com with origin, destination and cargo details.

Book Your Service

Freight, Logistics & Land Transport

Dear Sender, kindly send your inquiry to sales@findwaysglobal.com with the below details (where available/applicable). Our team will revert to you as soon as possible. Thank you.

Shipment Details

Pickup Details

Delivery Details

Book Your Service

Vessel & Offshore Agency Services

Request a PDA

Kindly send your PDA (Proforma Disbursement Account) request specifying the port, cargo, vessel and other details to sales@findwaysglobal.com — our team will revert to you as soon as possible. Thank you.

"Providing 24-hour close follow-up with the port and authorities — ensuring fastest vessel turnaround."
Book Your Service

Product Services

Request a Quotation

Kindly send your quotation request specifying the required quantity, type, if vessel delivery is required, vessel name, and port details to sales@findwaysglobal.com — our team will revert to you as soon as possible. Thank you.

Book Your Service

Storage Services

Request a Quotation

Kindly send your quotation request specifying the required storage area with all special instructions including transportation requirements to sales@findwaysglobal.com — our team will revert to you as soon as possible. Thank you.

Careers

Do you want to work for an organisation with a professional culture, long-term focus and integrity?

Everyone who works for Findways contributes to our success. Working together, drawing from our diverse talents and perspectives, we stimulate new and creative opportunities for our business — collectively generating a more exciting and rewarding environment in which every individual feels responsible for the performance and reputation of our company.

We respect the rights and dignity of all employees. We strive to attract the best people regardless of their background, beliefs or lifestyle — committing to an environment of mutual trust and respect, where inclusion and diversity are valued and employees are listened to.

We are committed to ensuring that our employees know what is expected of them in their jobs and are helped to develop their capabilities through open and constructive conversations. Findways strives to ensure all employees are recognised and competitively rewarded for their performance.

Job Openings

We do not list openings on the website. However, we have regular requirements for highly professional and proactive employees.

Apply by emailing your CV (Word or PDF) to: hr@findwaysglobal.com
Please indicate your preferred location of work.

"Look forward to welcoming you onboard — the Findways family."

Apply Now

Contact Us

Feel free to get in touch with us.

You can contact us any way that is convenient for you. We are available 24/7 via call or email.

📍
Office
Office No. 42, Al Waha Downtown, Prince Muhammed Bin Fahd Road, Muhammed Ibn Saud Dist, Dammam 32241, Saudi Arabia
✉️
Email
sales@findwaysglobal.com
📞
Phone
+966 565 852 330
Landline: +966 138 050 393
👤
HR / Careers
hr@findwaysglobal.com

Get in touch with us

We all know how important your information is. They are always safe with us.

Track & Trace

Track your shipment.

Enter your Findways tracking number below to get the latest update on your shipment.

Shipment Tracking

Your tracking number was provided in your shipment confirmation. It typically begins with FW- followed by the year and job number.

For urgent queries or if your tracking number is not found, please contact us at sales@findwaysglobal.com or call +966 565 852 330.

FAQs & Information

Shipping Terms

A comprehensive guide to common shipping terminology, Incoterms and trade definitions.

Incoterms (International Commercial Terms)

TermFull NameMeaning
EXWEx WorksSeller makes goods available at their premises. Buyer bears all costs and risks from that point.
FCAFree CarrierSeller delivers goods to a named carrier at a named place. Risk transfers to buyer upon delivery to carrier.
FASFree Alongside ShipSeller delivers when goods are placed alongside the vessel at the named port. Used for sea freight.
FOBFree On BoardSeller delivers goods on board the vessel. Risk transfers to buyer once goods are on board.
CFRCost and FreightSeller pays freight to named port. Risk transfers to buyer when goods are on board vessel.
CIFCost, Insurance & FreightSeller pays freight and insurance to named destination port. Sea freight only.
CPTCarriage Paid ToSeller pays freight to named destination. Risk transfers at point of first carrier.
CIPCarriage & Insurance Paid ToSeller pays freight and insurance to named destination. Risk transfers at first carrier.
DAPDelivered At PlaceSeller delivers goods at named destination, unloaded. Buyer handles import duties.
DPUDelivered at Place UnloadedSeller delivers and unloads at named destination. Buyer handles import clearance.
DDPDelivered Duty PaidSeller bears all costs including import duties. Maximum obligation for seller.

Common Shipping Terms

TermDefinition
B/L (Bill of Lading)A legal document issued by a carrier to a shipper, detailing the type, quantity and destination of goods.
FCL (Full Container Load)A shipment that fills an entire container, either physically or because the shipper prefers not to share space.
LCL (Less than Container Load)A shipment that does not fill a standard container. Multiple shippers share container space.
AWB (Air Waybill)A non-negotiable transport document covering the carriage of cargo from airport to airport.
POLPort of Loading — the port where cargo is loaded onto the vessel.
PODPort of Discharge — the port where cargo is unloaded from the vessel.
ETDEstimated Time of Departure.
ETAEstimated Time of Arrival.
CBMCubic Metre — the unit used to measure the volume of a shipment.
GWTGross Weight — the total weight of a shipment including packaging.
NWTNet Weight — the weight of goods only, excluding packaging.
DGRDangerous Goods Regulations — rules governing the transport of hazardous materials.
MSDSMaterial Safety Data Sheet — document providing information on hazardous substances.
PDAProforma Disbursement Account — estimated port costs provided before vessel arrival.
FDAFinal Disbursement Account — actual port costs after vessel departure.
IMOInternational Maritime Organization — UN agency responsible for maritime safety and environmental regulations.
IATAInternational Air Transport Association — trade association for airlines, setting air cargo standards.
FAQs & Information

Packing Terms

Standard packing terminology used in international shipping for correct cargo labelling and handling.

Container Types

TypeDescription
20' GP20-foot General Purpose container. Internal volume approx. 33 CBM. Most common container type.
40' GP40-foot General Purpose container. Internal volume approx. 67 CBM.
40' HC40-foot High Cube container. Extra height (2.7m internal) — approx. 76 CBM. Ideal for voluminous, light cargo.
ReeferTemperature-controlled container for perishable goods. Available in 20' and 40' sizes.
Flat RackContainer with collapsible sides for oversized or out-of-gauge cargo.
Open TopContainer without a fixed roof — allows top-loading of tall cargo.
Tank ContainerCylindrical tank within a frame, used for liquid bulk cargo.

Packing Types & Materials

TermDefinition
PalletA flat structure used as a base for stacking and moving goods. Standard sizes: EUR (120x80cm), ISO (120x100cm).
Carton / Cardboard BoxMost common unit for general cargo. Must be rated for stacking weight and moisture resistance where required.
CrateWooden or metal structure providing rigid protection for heavy or fragile items.
DrumCylindrical container for liquids, powders, or granular materials. Available in steel, plastic, or fibre.
IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container)Reusable industrial container for liquids and granulated materials. Typically 1,000L.
Bag / SackUsed for granular or powdered goods such as cement, fertiliser, or grain.
Shrink WrapPlastic film applied around cargo to secure items on a pallet and provide weather protection.
DunnagePacking material (air bags, foam, wood) used inside containers to prevent cargo movement and damage.
LashingSecuring cargo using straps, chains or wire to prevent movement during transit.
VGM (Verified Gross Mass)The verified total weight of a packed container, mandatory under SOLAS regulations before loading.

Dangerous Goods Packing

TermDefinition
UN NumberA 4-digit number assigned by the UN to identify hazardous substances (e.g. UN1203 = Gasoline).
Packing GroupClassification of DG based on degree of danger: PG I (great), PG II (medium), PG III (minor).
PlacardsDiamond-shaped labels displayed on the outside of containers/vehicles to identify hazard class.
IMDG CodeInternational Maritime Dangerous Goods Code — the global standard for sea transport of DG.
IATA DGRIATA Dangerous Goods Regulations — governs air transport of hazardous materials.
FAQs & Information

Packing Marks & Symbols

Internationally recognised handling symbols ensuring cargo is correctly labelled for safe global transit.

Standard Handling Symbols

☂️
Keep Dry
Protect from moisture. Store under cover or use waterproof packaging.
⬆️
This Way Up
Arrows indicate the correct upright orientation of the package.
🍷
Fragile
Handle with care. Contents are breakable or sensitive to impact.
🌡️
Temperature Sensitive
Store and transport within specified temperature range.
🚫
Do Not Stack
No other packages to be placed on top of this cargo.
🪝
Sling Here
Indicates correct lifting points for slings or forklifts.
⚖️
Centre of Gravity
Marks the centre of mass for safe lifting and stacking.
🔒
Keep Away from Heat
Do not expose to direct sunlight or heat sources.
🧲
Keep Away from Magnets
Sensitive electronic contents — keep away from magnetic fields.
📦
Stacking Limit
A number indicates the maximum weight (kg) that may be stacked on top.

Dangerous Goods Labels (IMO/IATA Classes)

ClassHazard TypeExamples
Class 1ExplosivesFireworks, ammunition, flares
Class 2GasesLPG, oxygen cylinders, aerosols
Class 3Flammable LiquidsFuel, paint, solvents
Class 4Flammable SolidsMatches, metal powders
Class 5Oxidisers & Organic PeroxidesHydrogen peroxide, fertilisers
Class 6Toxic & Infectious SubstancesPesticides, medical waste
Class 7Radioactive MaterialsNuclear fuel, medical isotopes
Class 8CorrosivesAcids, batteries, cleaning agents
Class 9Miscellaneous Dangerous GoodsDry ice, lithium batteries, magnetised materials