Dear Valued Customer,
As regional logistics conditions continue to evolve, we would like to share the latest freight market update across the GCC. While transportation networks remain operational, ongoing carrier route adjustments, port congestion, air freight capacity constraints, and contingency measures may impact shipment planning.
Customers should continue to anticipate extended transit times, selective booking restrictions, limited equipment availability, and additional freight-related surcharges on certain trade lanes.
Saudi Arabia Port Operations Gateway | Current Status | Customer Advisory |
Jeddah | Operational but experiencing congestion due to increased cargo volumes and its role as a regional contingency hub. | Transit cargo may face booking restrictions, rerouting, or delays. Several carriers are routing non-Saudi cargo via Salalah and Khor Fakkan. Confirm consignee, customs status, and onward transport before booking. |
Dammam | Operational | Cargo acceptance and schedules remain subject to carrier routing decisions, equipment availability, and inland transport capacity. |
Jubail | Operational | Similar operational conditions as Dammam with possible scheduling adjustments. |
Oman Gateways & GCC Connectivity
Gateway | Role | Current Situation |
Salalah | Primary alternative gateway | Continues to support GCC cargo and remains one of the preferred regional alternatives. |
Sohar | UAE & Upper Gulf connectivity | Supporting bonded road and multimodal movements. Capacity may be limited during peak demand. |
Duqm | Contingency gateway | Suitable for selected project cargo, bulk cargo, and specialized shipments. |
* Carrier-controlled landside capacity from Oman into other GCC markets may be limited or temporarily suspended. Routing should therefore be evaluated on a shipment-by-shipment basis.
Ocean Freight Market
Shipping lines continue to implement or review a range of operational surcharges, including:
- Emergency and contingency surcharges
- Fuel and bunker adjustment surcharges
- War-risk and insurance charges
- Rerouting and change-of-destination costs
- Temporary storage charges
- Empty container repositioning charges
Carrier quotations may have limited validity and remain subject to space availability, equipment availability, and final operational acceptance. Customers are advised not to dispatch cargo until bookings, routing, and all applicable surcharges have been reconfirmed.
Air Freight Market
Air freight capacity has gradually improved on several trade lanes; however, market conditions remain dynamic.
Customers may continue to experience:
- Short rate validity
- Changes to confirmed routings
- Limited space from selected origins
- Longer connection and transit times
- Higher charges for priority uplift
- Additional fuel and operational disruption surcharges
For urgent shipments, we recommend booking 5–7 days in advance and considering split shipments wherever operationally feasible.
Dangerous Goods & Restricted Cargo
Dangerous Goods (DG), lithium batteries, chemicals, vehicles, temperature-controlled cargo, and specialized equipment remain subject to strict carrier approval.
Acceptance depends on:
- UN classification and packing group
- Commodity and battery condition
- Origin, destination, and transit point
- Aircraft or vessel type
- Port and terminal restrictions
- Availability of approved DG capacity
To facilitate carrier approval, customers should provide a Safety Data Sheet (SDS), UN Number, Packing details, Battery specifications (where applicable), and complete DG documentation. Cargo should not be delivered to the terminal until written DG acceptance has been received.
Our Recommendations
To minimize potential delays and additional costs, customers are encouraged to plan shipments proactively by placing bookings as early as possible and allowing extra time for port, border, and customs clearance. Always reconfirm routing, space availability, and freight rates before dispatching cargo, and keep alternative gateways or transport modes under consideration where feasible. For Dangerous Goods shipments, secure carrier approval before arranging cargo collection, ensure all shipping documentation is submitted on time, review cargo insurance and war-risk coverage, and collect import cargo promptly to minimize storage and demurrage charges.
Freight Systems continues to closely monitor shipping line, airline, port, and border developments across the GCC. Our teams remain available to recommend the most suitable routing solutions through Saudi Arabia, Oman, the UAE, and other regional gateways based on your shipment’s urgency, cargo type, and final destination.
For shipment-specific guidance, updated carrier acceptance, or alternative routing options, please contact your Freight Systems representative.
Regards
Freight Systems
