Logistics

In the maritime agency business, logistics is the natural extension of the port call. Once cargo is discharged from the vessel, it does not stop moving — it needs to clear customs, be transported to a warehouse or directly to the consignee, and often be consolidated or distributed onward across a region. At Unified Maritime Services, our logistics division operates as a seamless extension of our port agency: we handle the cargo before, during, and after the port call, providing you with a single operational point of contact for the entire supply chain.

Customs Clearance & Freight Forwarding

Customs clearance is a regulated process that requires licensed customs brokers, accurate HS code classification, and a thorough understanding of the import/export regulations of each country. Our licensed freight forwarding team handles import and export clearances across UAE (Federal Customs Authority and Emirate-level customs), Saudi Arabia (Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority — ZATCA), and India (CBIC). We prepare all required documentation: Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Certificate of Origin, Phytosanitary or Quality Certificates as applicable. Incorrect classification or missing documentation does not just delay cargo — it attracts penalties and potential seizure. We eliminate that risk.

Road, Rail & Multimodal Transport

Once cargo clears customs, movement to the final destination requires the right transport mode and the right carrier. We organise road transport for full container loads (FCL) and less-than-container loads (LCL), flatbed trailer movement for oversized cargo and machinery, and tanker trucks for liquid bulk. For heavier project cargo — transformer units, pressure vessels, industrial equipment — we organise lowbed transport with route surveys, police escorts, and bridge load calculations where required. Our carrier network across the Gulf region and the Indian Subcontinent allows us to quote competitive rates while guaranteeing service delivery standards.

Bonded & General Warehousing

Not all cargo moves directly from port to consignee. Commodities awaiting price realisation, spare parts awaiting vessel arrival, and re-export cargo all require intermediate storage. We operate through bonded warehouses in Sharjah, Dammam, and partner facilities in Mumbai and Chennai. Bonded storage allows cargo to be held without paying import duty until the point of final clearance — a significant cash-flow advantage for trading companies and distributors. Our warehouse operations include inventory management, stock reporting, and cargo consolidation for onward distribution.

Project Cargo & Heavy Lift Logistics

The Middle East and Indian Subcontinent are major destinations for energy and industrial project cargo: gas plant modules, refinery equipment, wind turbine components, and offshore structures. This cargo requires a different approach — pre-shipment route surveys, port-discharge planning, rigging studies, and close coordination between the vessel's Port Captain, the terminal crane operators, and the inland transport team. Our team has handled project cargo movements at all major ports in our operating region and understands the technical and regulatory requirements from the discharge berth to the project site.

Integration with Port Agency

What makes our logistics service uniquely effective is its integration with our port agency operation. The same team that coordinates the vessel's berth and cargo operations is coordinating the transport and customs clearance on shore. There is no communication gap between the vessel side and the land side. When cargo quantities are confirmed at discharge, our customs team already has the documents prepared. When the vessel is ready to complete operations, the transport is already staged at the port gate. This integration is not something a standalone freight forwarder can replicate.