Top shipping solutions for exporters
Top shipping solutions for exporters
The logistics of exports of fruits and vegetables from Pakistan are complex and require careful planning so the products arrive in excellent condition and conform to international standards. Shipping solutions cover all processes, from choosing the right mode of transport to handling documents and controlling temperature conditions while in transit. The choice of transport mode for exporting fruits and vegetables largely depends on the type of produce, its perishability, and destination markets. Hence, reliable shipping solutions are very important in ensuring delivery on time, maintaining product quality, and customer satisfaction. The present article views the best solutions in shipping available for Pakistani fruit and vegetable exporters and gives an overview of the types of fruits and vegetables commonly carried by each mode, together with key destination markets.
Choosing the Right Mode of Transport
The right mode of transport is always necessitated for the delivery of goods in time and at a low cost. Here’s a look at the main options:
1. Air Freight
Air freight is faster and more reliable for perishable products, mostly in the case of high-value or time-sensitive exports. It is the best mode of transport that will provide a controlled environment to preserve freshness and the shipments will reach quickly to the markets. This shortens transit time, thereby decreasing the risks of spoilage and damage.
Mangoes:
According to the Agriculture Department of Pakistan, mango varieties like Sindhri and Chaunsa are imported through air freight since they are highly perishable and in enormous demand in the Middle East, Europe, and the U.S. as well.
Citrus Fruits:
Oranges, kinnow (mandarins), and lemons require fast movement for their quality assurance. They are exported by air freight to Russia, China, and the Netherlands.
Spinach and Other Leafy Greens:
They are perishable products, require fast shipping and maintain their green color to preserve nutritional value and looks. They are imported into the UAE, Qatar, and Oman.
Herbs:
Coriander, mint, and parsley also lose their freshness fast. They are flown to different destinations to ensure that they arrive in the market fresh. They primarily find a market in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the UK.
Key Providers for Transport:
- Pakistan International Airlines Cargo Services (PIA): They offer dedicated cargo services for international shipping.
- DHL Express: They provide fast and refrigerated transport for perishable goods.
- Turkish Airlines: International airline with cargo services linking Pakistan to global markets
- Emirates SkyCargo: Global air cargo carrier with operations in Pakistan
International Air Transport Association (IATA): Standards-setting for air cargo operations, including handling of perishables
2. Sea Freight
Sea freight is more economical for large shipments compared to air freight. It is suitable for bulk shipping of non-perishable or less time-sensitive goods. Ideal for less perishable goods or those with longer shelf lives.
Apples and Pears:
According to the Agriculture Department of Pakistan, these fruits have a longer shelf life and can be sent to longer distances without perishing. They are mainly imported to Saudi Arabia, UAE, and South Africa.
Bananas:
Normally transported in refrigerated containers for freshness during the longer periods of shipment. Pakistan exports bananas to Middle Eastern countries such as UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Potatoes and Onions:
They have a longer shelf life and are commonly shipped in bulk via sea freight to Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Bangladesh.
Tomatoes:
They are transported properly packed and conditioned to UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman.
Key Providers for Transport:
- Maersk Line: It offers extensive global routes and refrigerated containers for perishable goods.
- Karachi Port Trust: It is the largest port in Pakistan. More than 60% of the country’s cargo is handled at Karachi Port.
- CMA CGM: International shipping group with a presence in Pakistan.
- Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC): Offers services for sea transport of cargo.
3. Land Transport
Land transport is an integral part of the shipping process, as it is the means by which Pakistani exporters get their products to regional markets. It is useful in regional distribution amongst neighboring countries. It is cheaper for shorter distances than air freight and ocean frei
Guavas:
According to the Agriculture Department of Pakistan, guavas are transported by land within neighboring countries like India and Afghanistan due to their robust nature.
Dates:
High quantity of dates is moved by road to the regional markets and most notably to the Middle Eastern countries.
Carrots and Cauliflower:
These hardy vegetables can be transported by land for regional or cross-border shipments to Afghanistan and India.
Bell Peppers:
Transported by road to local markets within the region, including Iran and Saudi Arabia.
Key Providers for Transport:
- TCS Logistics: Provides domestic and regional logistics solutions
- National Highway Authority (NHA): Responsible for Pakistan’s highway network, facilitating land transportation.
- Pakistan Railways: Cargo Services for bulk within Pakistan, with some services potentially to neighboring countries
For Pakistani fruit and vegetable exporters, picking the proper shipping solutions is critically important to ensure timely, inexpensive, and harmless delivery of goods. By choosing appropriate modes of transport, exporters can enhance their competitiveness and thereby have the capacity to deal with tangles that arise within the international trading system. Understanding and utilizing the resources and authorities mentioned in this guide will help streamline the export process and ensure compliance with global standards.
