Typical times by mode
- Express air: 3–6 days door to door
- Consolidated air: 6–10 days door to door
- Sea, port to port from main Chinese ports: about 22–30 days
- Sea, full container door to door: about 35–50 days
- Sea, LCL door to door: about 40–65 days, because cargo waits to be consolidated and deconsolidated
What adds time
- Production delays at the factory: often the biggest variable
- Missing SABER or SFDA certificates at arrival
- Transshipment at a hub port instead of a direct sailing
- Chinese New Year, when factories close for two to four weeks
- Peak season and port congestion
How to get your goods sooner
Start certification while the goods are being produced, book freight early before peak periods, and choose a full container or air freight when timing matters. We give you an estimated schedule with every quote and update you at each milestone.
How a shipment moves with Silk Arabia
- Specification & sourcing You share the requirement. We shortlist suppliers and confirm samples and prices.
- Order & quality check We order on your behalf, inspect before loading and photograph every stage.
- Certification SABER product and shipment certificates, SASO/SFDA and ministry approvals prepared in advance.
- Sea or air freight Booked on the best-value sailing or flight and tracked until it arrives.
- Customs clearance Declaration, duty and VAT handled by our licensed clearance team at the port.
- Delivery to your warehouse Trucked anywhere in Saudi Arabia, the GCC or Iraq, with proof of delivery.
FAQ
Is air freight always faster?
For door-to-door delivery, yes: days instead of weeks. Very large or heavy cargo is usually still better by sea.
When should I order before Ramadan or the summer season?
Count back production time plus 2–3 months for sea freight, and avoid ordering just before Chinese New Year.
