Middle EastShipping Heavy Equipment to Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is one of the largest markets for heavy equipment in the Middle East, driven by Vision 2030 mega-projects, oil & gas operations, and infrastructure development. Our comprehensive logistics solutions ensure your machinery reaches any destination in the Kingdom.
Main Ports
- Jeddah Islamic Port
- King Abdulaziz Port (Dammam)
- Jubail Commercial Port
Shipping Methods
- RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off)
- Flat Rack Container
- Breakbulk
Key Regulations
- SASO Certification
- Certificate of Conformity
- Commercial Registration
Common Cargo
- Excavators
- Cranes
- Drilling Rigs
Main Ports in Saudi Arabia
Jeddah Islamic Port
Major Seaport
King Abdulaziz Port (Dammam)
Major Seaport
Jubail Commercial Port
Industrial Port
Shipping Routes & Transit Times to Saudi Arabia
| From (US Port) | To | Service | Est. Transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston, TX | Jeddah Islamic Port | Container / RoRo | 22–35 days |
| Savannah, GA | King Abdulaziz Port (Dammam) | Breakbulk / Container | 25–40 days |
Transit times are indicative port-to-port estimates and vary by carrier, season, and sailing schedule.
U.S. Departure Ports for Shipping to Saudi Arabia
We ship to Saudi Arabia (Jeddah Islamic Port) from every major U.S. port. Typical ocean transit is 18-25 days.
Gulf Coast
East Coast
Import Duty, VAT & Taxes for Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia applies 5% customs duty plus 15% VAT (roughly a 20% combined stack), and requires SABER/SASO conformity for clearance. It enforces one of the strictest vehicle age rules in the region.
- Import Duty
- 5% of CIF
- VAT / Sales Tax
- 15%
- Other Taxes & Fees
- Non-compliant/over-age light vehicles (where allowed for citizens/premium residents) carry a fee of 20–50% of value, minimum SAR 20,000
Source: ZATCA (Saudi customs) / SASO · Last verified: June 2026
Used Vehicle & Equipment Age Limits
Light vehicles (3.5t and under) must be no older than 5 model years, counted excluding the current year (2021+ in 2026); the same applies to heavy trucks. Salvage, ex-taxi/police, and right-hand-drive vehicles are prohibited. Antiques over 30 years are exempt but cannot use public roads.
Source: ZATCA Vehicle Import Control · Last verified: June 2026
Import Regulations & Requirements
SASO Certification
Equipment must comply with Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) requirements.
Certificate of Conformity
A Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is required for many types of machinery and equipment.
Commercial Registration
Importers must have valid Saudi commercial registration for customs clearance.
Required Documentation
Customs & Clearance Notes for Saudi Arabia
What makes Saudi Arabia tricky
- The strict 5-year age rule disqualifies many otherwise-good used units — verify the model year first.
- SABER/SASO conformity and energy-efficiency rules must be cleared before shipping, not on arrival.
- Register the shipment on SABER and obtain a Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) to SASO standards before arrival — without it, customs refuses entry.
- A pre-shipment inspection by a SASO-approved body in the country of export is required for used vehicles.
Seasonality & Scheduling
Jeddah and Dammam handle large project-cargo volumes tied to Vision 2030; book vessel space early around peak construction cycles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan your shipment to Saudi Arabia
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Get expert logistics support for your shipment to Saudi Arabia. We handle customs, documentation, and delivery coordination.