Freight Forwarders in Saudi Arabia: 9 Companies to Compare and How to Choose (2026)

Last updated: 11 November 2026 · All figures checked against their sources.

Need a freight forwarder? Saudi Arabia has a growing network of forwarders in Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam that book sea, air and land freight and handle FASAH customs filings for importers. This Freight Club guide lists nine Saudi logistics companies from our directory, explains the import steps they manage, and shows how to choose one.

Every company below has a profile in the Freight Club directory, and the services shown are taken from each company’s own profile. Freight Club does not rank these companies. Use the comparison to build a shortlist, then request quotes and check each company yourself.

What does a freight forwarder in Saudi Arabia do?

A freight forwarder organises the movement of your cargo into, out of or across Saudi Arabia, so you deal with one partner instead of several carriers. Depending on the company, that includes booking, documents, customs clearance, trucking and warehousing.

• Sea freight: FCL and LCL bookings through Jeddah Islamic Port, King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam and other gateways.
• Air freight: urgent and high-value cargo through Saudi airports.
• Land freight: trucking inside the Kingdom and to neighbouring GCC markets.
• Customs clearance: declarations on FASAH, often through a licensed customs broker.
• Value-added services: warehousing, packing, cargo insurance and project cargo.

If you are deciding between a forwarder and a carrier, read our guide to the difference between a freight forwarder and a shipping line.

Which freight forwarders in Saudi Arabia are listed in the Freight Club directory?

The nine companies below are listed in the Freight Club directory with operations in Saudi Arabia. Click a name to see the full profile, contact details and reviews.

See every company in the Saudi Arabia country page, or browse the freight forwarder, customs clearance and trucking categories. For sea freight providers across the region, see our list of international sea freight companies.

How do you import goods into Saudi Arabia step by step?

Most imports follow five steps: register on FASAH, get SABER certificates for regulated products, book the freight, declare and pay duties and VAT, then release and deliver. A good forwarder manages or coordinates every step.

1. Register on FASAH: traders register on the FASAH platform with a commercial registration number to start importing, and can authorise a customs broker at a specific port, according to the ZATCA customs journey.
2. Get SABER certificates: regulated products need a Product Certificate of Conformity, and each shipment needs a Shipment Certificate of Conformity issued on SABER, as explained in Intertek’s SABER overview.
3. Book the freight: your forwarder books sea, air or land transport, prepares documents and tracks the cargo to the entry point.
4. Declare and pay: customs duties apply at the tariff rates in force on the payment date, and the standard VAT rate has been 15% since 1 July 2020, according to PwC’s Saudi Arabia tax summary. VAT also applies to the importation of goods, as ZATCA’s VAT input tax guideline explains.
5. Release and deliver: after release, the cargo is trucked to your warehouse. Since 1 January 2026, parcel delivery companies must refuse shipments without a national address, as reported by the Saudi Gazette.

To get the HS code right before you declare, see our guide to HS codes and import duties.

Which Saudi city and port should your forwarder be based in?

Choose a forwarder close to the gateway your cargo uses. Jeddah serves Red Sea trade, Dammam serves the Eastern Province and the Gulf, and Riyadh is the main inland distribution centre.

Saudi ports are getting busier: container throughput reached 8.3 million TEUs in 2025, a 10.58% increase on the previous year, according to a Saudi Ports Authority official quoted by Arab News. Higher volumes make experienced local forwarders more valuable during peak periods.

How much do freight forwarding services cost in Saudi Arabia?

There is no fixed price: the cost depends on the mode, route, cargo size and type, customs work and the season. Compare all-in quotes rather than base rates.

Ask each forwarder to break the quote into these lines:

• Freight: ocean, air or road freight, plus fuel or bunker surcharges.
• Origin charges: pickup, export clearance and terminal handling at the port of loading.
• Destination charges: terminal handling, delivery order and port storage in Saudi Arabia.
• Customs clearance: the broker’s fee, separate from the duties and VAT paid to ZATCA.
• Delivery: trucking from the port to your warehouse.
• Insurance: optional cargo insurance, explained in our guide to goods transport insurance.

For a market reference on container rates, see our ocean freight rates update for 2026, and calculate your CBM and chargeable weight with the free Freight Club freight rate calculator.

How do you choose the right freight forwarder in Saudi Arabia?

Choose a forwarder with proven experience on your route and cargo, clear all-in pricing, and strong customs and SABER know-how. Ask every shortlisted company the same questions:

1. Route experience: how often do they handle your lane, and with which carriers?
2. Customs capability: do they file on FASAH themselves or through a partner broker?
3. SABER support: can they check your products’ certificate requirements before shipping?
4. Coverage: do they have staff or partners at your entry port and delivery city?
5. Quote clarity: are all charges listed, including destination and storage fees?
6. Tracking and contact: will you get shipment updates and a named contact?
7. References: can they share clients in your industry?

Selling online into the Kingdom? Read our guide to last mile delivery costs in Egypt and the Gulf before you pick a courier.

How can Saudi logistics companies join the Freight Club network?

Saudi freight forwarders, customs brokers and trucking companies can list their business for free in the Freight Club directory. A listing puts your services in front of shippers who are comparing providers by city and service.

1. Create your listing: go to add a company and enter your company details.
2. Describe your services clearly: list modes, ports, cities, customs capability and special cargo, because shippers compare these first.
3. Keep your profile current: update contacts, departments and working hours so enquiries reach the right person.

For the bigger picture of the Saudi sector, see our coverage of the Saudi Maritime and Logistics Congress.

FAQs about freight forwarders in Saudi Arabia

What does a freight forwarder do in Saudi Arabia?

A freight forwarder books and coordinates sea, air or land transport for your cargo, prepares documents and, directly or through a broker, handles customs clearance on FASAH and delivery to your warehouse.

Do I need to register on FASAH to import into Saudi Arabia?

Yes. Traders register on the FASAH platform with a commercial registration number to start importing and exporting, and can authorise a customs broker for a specific port, according to the ZATCA customs journey.

What is a SABER certificate?

SABER is the Saudi platform for product conformity. Regulated products need a Product Certificate of Conformity, and each shipment needs a Shipment Certificate of Conformity before customs clearance.

What VAT applies to imports into Saudi Arabia?

The standard VAT rate is 15% and has applied since 1 July 2020, according to PwC’s Saudi tax summary. VAT applies to imported goods in addition to customs duties.

Should I choose a forwarder in Jeddah, Riyadh or Dammam?

Choose one close to your entry point: Jeddah for Red Sea imports through Jeddah Islamic Port, Dammam for the Eastern Province and Gulf trade through King Abdulaziz Port, and Riyadh for inland distribution.

Are the companies on this page ranked or endorsed by Freight Club?

No. They are listed in the Freight Club directory, and their services are described as each company states them on its profile. Request quotes and check references before you choose a partner.

The right freight forwarder in Saudi Arabia knows your route, files cleanly on FASAH and SABER, and quotes every charge up front. Use the directory comparison above to build a shortlist, ask the same questions to each company, and compare all-in quotes. Read more: shipping agents in Saudi Arabia.