Shipping and Logistics Companies in Lebanon: Import, Export, and Customs

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