Willing to ship your cargo from Sri Lanka to Karachi with a reputable shipping company? You’re at the perfect spot. Alliance Shipping is one of the top shipping companies in Dubai, which has gained the respect of customers all around the globe. From Ceylon tea to textiles, the flow of cargo from Sri Lanka to Karachi continues to grow steadily, reaching over $325.78 million in 2023 trade value.
What if you receive a large order from a Pakistani distributor, but you’re unsure about the shipping process. The following questions what any business would ask: How long will it take? What documents do you need? How much will it cost? These questions can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re new to international shipping.
In this blog, Alliance Shipping will walk you through everything you need to know about shipping cargo from Sri Lanka to Karachi. Sri Lanka and Pakistan have maintained strong trade ties for decades. This two-way trade creates opportunities for businesses on both sides.
Key Ports Used in Cargo from Sri Lanka to Karachi
Colombo Port, Sri Lanka: As Sri Lanka’s primary international shipping hub, Colombo Port handles over 70% of the country’s maritime trade. Its strategic location in the Indian Ocean makes it a crucial transshipment center for the entire South Asian region. The port features modern container terminals, deep berths that can accommodate large vessels, and extensive storage facilities. Its efficient operations and digital tracking systems have established it as one of the busiest ports in South Asia.
Galle Port, Sri Lanka: Located on the southwestern coast, Galle Port offers a complementary option to Colombo. While smaller, it specializes in handling specific cargo types and provides an alternative gateway, especially for goods originating from southern Sri Lanka. Its historical significance as an ancient trading port adds to its appeal for certain specialized shipping needs.
Jaffna Port, Sri Lanka: Situated on the northern peninsula, Jaffna Port serves as an important connection point to India’s southern coast. Though smaller than Colombo, recent infrastructure investments have improved its capacity to handle regional trade, particularly benefiting businesses in northern Sri Lanka looking to ship to Pakistan.
Kankesanturai Port, Sri Lanka: Also located in the north, Kankesanturai Port has undergone significant rehabilitation after years of limited use. It now serves as an emerging option for regional shipping and offers potential cost advantages for certain cargo types destined for Karachi.
Pakistan’s Key Port
Karachi Port, Pakistan: As Pakistan’s largest and busiest seaport, Karachi Port handles approximately 60% of the nation’s cargo. The port features extensive facilities including specialized terminals for containers, bulk cargo, and liquid cargo. Its strategic position at the Arabian Sea entrance makes it the natural gateway for Pakistan’s international trade, including the growing commerce with Sri Lanka.
Commodities for Cargo from Sri Lanka to Karachi
From Sri Lanka to Karachi:
- Ceylon tea (bulk and packaged)
- Natural rubber and rubber products
- Coconut and coconut-based products
- Spices (cinnamon, cloves, pepper)
- Textiles and apparel
- Electronic components
- Precious stones and jewelry
From Karachi to Sri Lanka:
- Textiles and cotton yarn
- Rice and other grains
- Pharmaceuticals and medical supplies
- Construction materials
- Leather products
- Surgical instruments
- Dried fruits and nuts
Available Options for Shipping Cargo from Sri Lanka to Karachi
Container Shipping: The most common method for Sri Lanka-Karachi trade, offering standardized handling and security. Full container load (FCL) provides dedicated space for large shipments, while less than container load (LCL) allows cost sharing for smaller cargo volumes. Transit time typically ranges from 8-10 days.
Bulk Cargo Shipping: Ideal for large quantities of non-containerized goods like tea, spices, or construction materials. Cost-effective for substantial volumes but requires specialized loading and unloading facilities.
Air Freight: Though significantly more expensive than sea transport, air freight provides rapid delivery (typically 1-2 days) for time-sensitive or high-value items like electronics, jewelry, or perishable goods.
Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo): Specialized vessels that transport wheeled cargo such as vehicles and heavy machinery. This option offers simplified loading but is limited to specific cargo types.
Each shipping method for cargo from Sri Lanka to Karachi presents distinct trade-offs between cost, speed, and suitability for different cargo types. The optimal choice depends on your specific business needs.
Alliance Shipping’s Sea Freight Services
Alliance Shipping offers comprehensive sea freight solutions for cargo from Sri Lanka to Karachi. We provide various container options including standard 20ft and 40ft dry containers, high-cube containers for voluminous cargo, refrigerated containers for temperature-sensitive goods, and open-top containers for oversized items. Each type is available in different dimensions to accommodate your specific requirements.
Our established routing includes weekly sailings from all major Sri Lankan ports to Karachi, with transit times averaging 8–10 days. We maintain strong relationships with major carriers to ensure competitive rates and reliable scheduling even during peak seasons.
Estimated Costs of Sea Cargo from Sri Lanka to Karachi
S/N | PORT OF LOADING | DESTINATION PORT | OCEAN FREIGHT 20′ ($) | OCEAN FREIGHT 40’HC ($) |
1 | COLOMBO, SRI LANKA | KARACHI, PAKISTAN | Contact on Whatsapp | Contact on Whatsapp |
2 | GALLE, SRI LANKA | KARACHI, PAKISTAN | Contact on Whatsapp | Contact on Whatsapp |
3 | JAFFNA, SRI LANKA | KARACHI, PAKISTAN | Contact on Whatsapp | Contact on Whatsapp |
4 | KANKESANTURAI, SRI LANKA | KARACHI, PAKISTAN | Contact on Whatsapp | Contact on Whatsapp |
5 | MATARA, SRI LANKA | KARACHI, PAKISTAN | Contact on Whatsapp | Contact on Whatsapp |
6 | TRINCOMALEE, SRI LANKA | KARACHI, PAKISTAN | Contact on Whatsapp | Contact on Whatsapp |
7 | HAMBANTOTA, SRI LANKA | KARACHI, PAKISTAN | Contact on Whatsapp | Contact on Whatsapp |
Transit Times for Cargo from Sri Lanka to Karachi via Sea:
S/N | PORT OF LOADING | DESTINATION PORT | TRANSIT TIME |
1 | COLOMBO, SRI LANKA | KARACHI, PAKISTAN | 8-10 Days |
2 | GALLE, SRI LANKA | KARACHI, PAKISTAN | 8-10 Days |
3 | JAFFNA, SRI LANKA | KARACHI, PAKISTAN | 8-10 Days |
4 | KANKESANTURAI, SRI LANKA | KARACHI, PAKISTAN | 8-10 Days |
5 | MATARA, SRI LANKA | KARACHI, PAKISTAN | 8-10 Days |
6 | TRINCOMALEE, SRI LANKA | KARACHI, PAKISTAN | 8-10 Days |
7 | HAMBANTOTA, SRI LANKA | KARACHI, PAKISTAN | 8-10 Days |
Alliance Shipping’s Air Freight Services
When time is critical, Alliance Shipping’s air freight services provide the fastest transportation option for cargo from Sri Lanka to Karachi. Our expedited air cargo typically arrives within 24-48 hours, making it perfect for urgent shipments, perishable goods, high-value items, and just-in-time inventory needs. Our flexible service options include comprehensive door-to-door solutions that manage every step from pickup at your facility in Sri Lanka to final delivery at your destination in Karachi.
Estimated Costs of Air Cargo from Sri Lanka to Karachi
S/N | DEPARTURE TERMINAL | DISCHARGE LOCATION | Air Cargo ($/Kg) |
1 | Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) | Jinnah International Airport (KHI) | Contact on Whatsapp |
2 | Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI) | Jinnah International Airport (KHI) | Contact on Whatsapp |
3 | Ratmalana Airport (RML) | Jinnah International Airport (KHI) | Contact on Whatsapp |
4 | Koggala Airport (KCT) | Jinnah International Airport (KHI) | Contact on Whatsapp |
5 | Anuradhapura Airport (ACJ) | Jinnah International Airport (KHI) | Contact on Whatsapp |
6 | Batticaloa Airport (BTC) | Jinnah International Airport (KHI) | Contact on Whatsapp |
7 | Trincomalee Airport (TRR) | Jinnah International Airport (KHI) | Contact on Whatsapp |
8 | Sigiriya Airport (GIU) | Jinnah International Airport (KHI) | Contact on Whatsapp |
9 | Palaly Airport (JAF) | Jinnah International Airport (KHI) | Contact on Whatsapp |
Transit Times for Cargo from Sri Lanka to Karachi via Air:
S/N | PORT OF LOADING | DISCHARGE LOCATION | TRANSIT TIME |
1 | Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) | Jinnah International Airport (KHI) | ~ 1–2 Days |
2 | Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI) | Jinnah International Airport (KHI) | ~ 1–2 Days |
3 | Ratmalana Airport (RML) | Jinnah International Airport (KHI) | ~ 1–2 Days |
4 | Koggala Airport (KCT) | Jinnah International Airport (KHI) | ~ 1–2 Days |
5 | Anuradhapura Airport (ACJ) | Jinnah International Airport (KHI) | ~ 1–2 Days |
6 | Batticaloa Airport (BTC) | Jinnah International Airport (KHI) | ~ 1–2 Days |
7 | Trincomalee Airport (TRR) | Jinnah International Airport (KHI) | ~ 1–2 Days |
8 | Sigiriya Airport (GIU) | Jinnah International Airport (KHI) | ~ 1–2 Days |
9 | Palaly Airport (JAF) | Jinnah International Airport (KHI) | ~ 1–2 Days |
Step-by-Step Guide to Shipping from Sri Lanka to Karachi
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Initial Consultation and Quote
The first step to begin work with Alliance Shipping requires a brief meeting. Our pricing needs cargo measurement along with weight data, commodity classification, preferred air or sea transport types, and exact delivery locations together with the deadline. The quantity of detailed information you provide will determine the accuracy of our pricing estimate. Regular shipment rates will become available when you develop consistent delivery patterns, thus reducing your budget uncertainty.
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Booking and Documentation
Once you accept our quote, our documentation team will assist you with all the required paperwork. Essential documents include:
- Commercial Invoice: Detailing the goods, quantities, and values
- Packing List: Itemizing package contents with dimensions and weights
- Bill of Lading (for sea freight) or Air Waybill (for air freight)
- Certificate of Origin: Verifying where goods were manufactured
- Insurance Certificate: Protecting your cargo during transit
- Special certificates for specific cargo types
Your shipping documents will get full quality checks by our experts to stop any delays during customs inspection. When customers need help preparing documents for international shipping we provide this service despite their lack of experience with these requirements.
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Cargo Pickup and Packaging
Proper packaging is crucial for safe transit. We recommend using strong, moisture-resistant materials with appropriate cushioning for fragile items. All packages should be clearly labeled with destination information, handling instructions, and package numbers. The packaging services that Alliance Shipping offers include standard and custom solutions according to client needs.
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Shipping and Tracking
Your cargo moves from all collection points to the appropriate terminal for processing before it gets loaded. Our company obtains maritime transportation capacity for the subsequent sailing vessel. We reserve flying space on the shortest flight paths leading to Karachi to deliver air shipments.
Be in touch with our customer support team for updates on shipments of cargo from Sri Lanka to Karachi. Through our system, users receive information on their packages’ positions with precise forecasted arrival times together with notifications for all timetable modifications. Throughout shipping, we provide premium customers with account manager services that deliver individual point-to-point tracking reports.
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Customs Clearance and Delivery
The experts in our team will manage every customs process at Karachi Port and will process documents and handle calculations while working with Pakistani customs authorities. Our company maintains ongoing awareness about regulatory changes to prevent noncompliance and lower delivery times.
After customs clearance, we execute the final delivery service to your targeted Karachi area or any other region in Pakistan. You can choose between direct facility delivery or temporary warehousing and multi-location distribution as delivery options through our services.
Ship Cargo from Sri Lanka to Karachi with Alliance Shipping
Have you finalized your decision on shipping cargo from Sri Lanka to Karachi? Contact Alliance Shipping today for a free consultation and quote. Reach our team at manager.pk@theallianceshipping.com or call +971 56 649 5103 to speak with a shipping specialist who understands your unique needs.
Choose Alliance Shipping for quality logistics services for shipping cargo from Sri Lanka to Karachi. Our 98% on-time delivery rate and dedicated customer support team ensure your cargo arrives safely and on schedule. From documentation assistance to customs clearance and delivery coordination, Alliance Shipping handles every aspect of your shipment with professionalism and care, so you can entrust your cargo needs with us.
FAQs
What commodities are commonly shipped in cargo from Sri Lanka to Karachi?
The most commonly shipping commodities include cotton ($60.37 million), vegetable products ($19.42 million), rubber ($9.17 million), and much more.
What is the transit time for cargo from Sri Lanka to Karachi?
The transit time for cargo from Sri Lanka to Karachi via sea freight takes around 8 to 10 days, whereas for air cargo it usually takes a day or two at max.
Will Alliance Shipping help me with customs clearance for cargo from Sri Lanka to Karachi?
Yes, our team will be in constant touch with you and assist you with customs clearance and all the necessary documentation, so your shipment of cargo from Sri Lanka to Karachi goes as smoothly as possible.
What are the estimated shipping costs for cargo from Sri Lanka to Karachi?
The estimated shipping cost for cargo from Sri Lanka to Karachi is approx $900 via sea freight and a rate of $3.5/Kg via air cargo.
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