International transport & logisticsEgypt / Connecting your business to the world

Practical shipping guide

Your guide to
Cross Border shipping

Prepare the details. Understand the process. Start with a clear plan

01 / Shipment preparation

Start with the essentials

These details help our team assess the shipment and prepare a useful quotation. Photos or a packing drawing can help explain awkward cargo

Pickup & delivery

Full addresses, cities and countries, plus a contact at each location

Cargo description

What is moving, how it is packed and the number of packages

Package dimensions

Length, width and height of each packed piece. Note any overhang

Gross weight

Weight of the packed cargo, including pallets, crates and other packaging

Preferred dates

Cargo-ready date, delivery needs and any appointment restrictions

Special handling

Temperature instructions, unusual lifting needs or restricted site access

Have measurements ready? Use the shipping calculators to organise your volume and weight estimates

02 / Document preparation

Know what to discuss

Start with a document review early enough to resolve missing or inconsistent information

Common documents to review before dispatch
Document What it helps explain
Commercial invoice Goods, transaction value and the trading parties
Packing list Package contents, quantities, weights and measurements
Transport document Shipment and carriage details for the transport mode
Certificate of origin Origin of the goods, when requested or applicable
Permits or certificates Product-specific approvals or evidence, when applicable

Agree the final checklist with the importer and logistics team before dispatch. Requirements depend on the cargo, route and transaction Read the shipping documents guide

03 / Understand the journey

From preparation to delivery

A planning outline for a road shipment. The actual sequence and responsibilities are confirmed for your booking

  1. Confirm the plan

    Discuss the route, cargo, proposed equipment and service scope. Agree what the quotation includes and which arrangements each party will make

  2. Prepare the paperwork

    Review the draft shipment details, finalise the document checklist and identify who will provide each item

  3. Coordinate collection

    Confirm loading arrangements, site contacts and cargo readiness. Agree how shipment updates and changes will be communicated

  4. Coordinate border formalities

    Keep the relevant parties informed and available for questions. Follow the confirmed route and clearance arrangements

  5. Complete delivery

    Arrange the receiving contact, unloading access and handover record. Share any discrepancy promptly with the logistics team

04 / Common questions

Before your first shipment

What do you need to prepare a quote?

Share pickup and delivery locations, cargo description, package count, packed dimensions, gross weight and preferred dates. Add photos, loading access and special handling details where relevant

Can you confirm the route before I book?

Ask our team to review your origin, destination and cargo. Equipment, service scope, routing and timing should be confirmed in the quotation and booking discussion

Which documents apply to my shipment?

The list depends on the goods, countries and transaction. Review it with the importer and relevant logistics or clearance team; a general checklist cannot determine every shipment requirement

Is a CMR note required for every road shipment?

CMR applies to qualifying international road carriage. Confirm whether a CMR consignment note or another transport document is appropriate for your particular movement. The UNECE reference below explains its scope

How can I help avoid last-minute changes?

Share complete cargo details early, check them against the packing list and tell your logistics contact when quantities, dimensions, readiness or delivery arrangements change

Make your next border crossing clearer

Start a conversation with our Cross Border team

Discuss your shipment

Let’s plan your shipment

Request a quote

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