Cargo Shipping Companies
Need to send packages, furniture, or personal items back home? This guide lists trusted cargo companies in Abu Dhabi offering affordable shipping to your home country.
LBC Express
Philippines Balikbayan Box Specialist
- Type: Sea (Balikbayan box) and Air Cargo Door-to-Door
- Pricing: Sea cargo from AED 115/box, Air from AED 35/kg
- Rating: 4.4 (500+ reviews)
- Delivery: 2-3 weeks sea, 5-7 days air to Manila
Al Madina Cargo
India and Pakistan Subcontinent Specialist
- Location: Electra Street
- Pricing: Sea AED 12-18/kg, Air AED 28-42/kg
- Rating: 4.3 (150+ reviews)
- Coverage: Major cities plus small towns
GAC Logistics
Global Network - 50+ Countries
- Locations: KIZAD, Mina Zayed
- Type: Full logistics provider (Air/Sea/Land)
- Rating: 4.4 (100+ reviews)
- Coverage: Worldwide network, professional service
- Best for: Business and personal cargo
Shipping Rates Comparison
| Service | Sea Cargo | Air Cargo |
|---|---|---|
| LBC (Philippines) | AED 115/box | AED 35/kg |
| Al Madina (India/Pakistan) | AED 12-18/kg | AED 28-42/kg |
| GAC (Global) | Custom quote | Custom quote |
| Delivery Time | 4-12 weeks | 3-7 days |
Shipping by Destination
Philippines — Balikbayan Box
- LBC Express: Sea AED 115/box (8-10 weeks), Air AED 35/kg (5-7 days)
- Door-to-door delivery across all provinces
- Max 30kg/box for sea cargo
India and Pakistan — Subcontinent
- Al Madina Cargo: Sea AED 12-18/kg, Air AED 28-42/kg
- Coverage includes major cities and small towns
- Air cargo up to 100kg depending on destination
Worldwide — Global Logistics
- GAC Logistics: Air, sea and land freight to 50+ countries
- Professional service for business and personal shipments
- Custom quotes based on volume and destination
Money-Saving Tips
Smart Shipping Guide
- Sea vs Air: Sea is 60-70% cheaper but takes 4-6 weeks longer
- Consolidation: Combine with friends for better rates
- Insurance: Get coverage for shipments over AED 2,000
- Timing: Avoid peak seasons (Christmas, Eid) for better rates
Prohibited and Allowed Items
- Prohibited: Liquids, flammable materials, batteries, sharp objects, perishable food, medicines, live plants, alcohol
- Allowed: Clothing, dry food (sealed), toys, electronics (without batteries), books, household items
- Always declare electronics and valuables — check destination customs restrictions
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to send cargo from Abu Dhabi?
Air cargo: AED 15-45/kg (3-7 days). Sea cargo: AED 100-150/box (6-12 weeks). LBC balikbayan box to Philippines: AED 115/box (sea, 8-10 weeks). Al Madina cargo to India/Pakistan: AED 12-18/kg (sea) or AED 28-42/kg (air). Door-to-door delivery available with most services. Weight restrictions: Max 30kg/box for sea, up to 100kg for air depending on destination.
What items are prohibited in international cargo shipping from Abu Dhabi?
Prohibited items include: Liquids (perfumes, oils, beverages), flammable materials, batteries, sharp objects, perishable food, medicines, live plants, and alcohol. Allowed items: Clothing, dry food (sealed), toys, electronics (without batteries), books, and household items. Check destination country customs restrictions as some countries ban specific foods or products. Always declare electronics and valuables.
Which are the best shipping companies in Abu Dhabi for international cargo?
The top cargo shipping companies in Abu Dhabi include: LBC Express (best for Philippines balikbayan boxes, rated 4.4 with 500+ reviews), Al Madina Cargo on Electra Street (best for India and Pakistan, rated 4.3), and GAC Logistics at KIZAD and Mina Zayed (best for global shipments to 50+ countries, rated 4.4). LBC specializes in sea and air cargo to Manila, while Al Madina covers both major cities and small towns across the subcontinent.
How long does international shipping take from Abu Dhabi?
Shipping times from Abu Dhabi vary by method and destination. Air cargo typically takes 3-7 days for most destinations. Sea cargo to the Philippines takes 8-10 weeks, to India and Pakistan 6-8 weeks, and to other destinations 6-12 weeks. Sea shipping is 60-70% cheaper than air but significantly slower. During peak seasons like Christmas and Eid, expect delays of 1-2 additional weeks. Door-to-door delivery is available with most cargo companies for both air and sea shipments.
What are the international shipping rates from Abu Dhabi in 2026?
International shipping rates from Abu Dhabi in 2026: Air cargo ranges from AED 15-45 per kg depending on destination and urgency. Sea cargo starts at AED 12/kg for the Indian subcontinent and AED 115 per balikbayan box to the Philippines. GAC Logistics offers custom quotes for worldwide shipments via air, sea and land. To save money, consolidate shipments with friends, avoid peak seasons, and choose sea cargo when timing is flexible. Insurance is recommended for shipments valued over AED 2,000.