Shipping and Logistics Companies in Lebanon: Import, Export, and Customs
AdvisorLB Team
For any Lebanese business that imports goods, exports produce, or ships internationally, a competent freight forwarder is essential. They handle the booking, paperwork, customs, and last-mile delivery as a single coordinated chain.
Modes of transport
- Sea freight: the workhorse — full containers (FCL) or shared (LCL). Beirut and Tripoli ports.
- Air freight: for speed and high-value cargo via Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport.
- Road freight: mainly via Syria–Jordan corridors when open; subject to regional conditions.
- Express integrators: DHL, FedEx, Aramex for small parcels and documents.
What forwarders handle
- Carrier booking and routing
- Commercial invoice and packing list preparation
- Customs clearance and duty calculation
- Warehousing and consolidation
- Insurance arrangement
- Inland delivery to the door
Choosing a forwarder
- Ask for references in your industry — pharma, food, electronics each have specialised needs.
- Confirm whether they hold their own customs broker licence or sub-contract it.
- Get a quote broken down: ocean/air freight, local charges, customs duties, clearance fees, delivery.
- Discuss what happens with demurrage and detention fees on delays.
Documents to have ready
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- Bill of lading (sea) or air waybill
- Certificate of origin where required
- Import/export licence for restricted goods
- Insurance certificate