What has changed
Container traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has been effectively closed for more than six months. Several major carriers have suspended bookings to and from Dammam and Jubail, while Jeddah Islamic Port and King Abdullah Port remain open and are handling much higher volumes than usual.
Rates have risen accordingly. Spot rates from China to Jeddah passed USD 10,000 per 40ft container in August 2026 for the first time, above the previous Covid-era record. War-risk and emergency surcharges are added on top of base freight.
How to route cargo now
- Ship sea freight to Jeddah or King Abdullah Port, then move it by road to Riyadh or the Eastern Province. Jeddah to Riyadh is typically 1–2 days by truck.
- Use the UAE road landbridge via the Batha border for cargo already in Jebel Ali or Khor Fakkan.
- Move urgent or high-value cargo by air into RUH, JED or DMM while sea capacity is tight.
- Consolidate small shipments into LCL to avoid paying full-container rates at peak levels.
Check your surcharges
Base freight is only part of the cost. Ask every forwarder for an itemised quote, and compare like for like.
| Surcharge | What it covers | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| War Risk Surcharge (WRS) | Insurance premiums for conflict-zone waters | USD 500–1,500 per container |
| Emergency Conflict Surcharge (ECS) | Carrier disruption and rerouting costs | USD 200–500 per container |
| Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) | Capacity shortfalls on busy lanes | Varies by carrier |
| Bunker / fuel surcharges | Longer routings and fuel prices | Varies by carrier |
Practical steps for the next quarter
- Book space 2–4 weeks earlier than usual, especially before Ramadan and peak retail periods.
- Hold slightly more safety stock for fast-moving lines.
- Arrange SABER and SFDA documents before shipping, so cargo does not sit at a congested port.
- Get quotes for at least two routings (for example, Jeddah plus road versus the UAE landbridge) and compare total landed cost.
How ShipVerge can help
We compare carriers and routings for every shipment, book the best-value option, clear the cargo in Saudi Arabia and deliver it to your warehouse, with every surcharge shown upfront. Rates change weekly; contact us for a current quote.
Reviewed by Hammad Basravi, Operations Manager, Freight & Customs · Updated October 2026 · Sources: Xeneta, Maersk customer advisories, The Loadstar.