Direct Drive Logistic: Iraq's Multimodal Freight Forwarding Partner
Full-service international logistics since 2020. Ground, air, and sea freight connecting Iraq to worldwide destinations. 3,000+ successful shipments with 90% on-time delivery.
Get Your Free QuoteBuilding Iraq's Trade Infrastructure: Our Story
Since our founding in 2020, Direct Drive Logistic has rapidly established itself as Iraq's premier full-service freight forwarding and logistics partner. What began as a vision to bridge the gap between Iraq and its regional trading partners has evolved into a comprehensive multimodal logistics network spanning ground, air, and sea freight across worldwide destinations.
Our Founding Story
Founded in 2020, Direct Drive was born from a clear vision: Iraqi and Kurdish businesses needed a reliable logistics partner who understood both international standards and local market realities. Our founding team recognized that Iraqi manufacturers, importers, and exporters faced critical challenges:
- Unreliable transit times causing production delays
- Lack of transparency in pricing and shipment tracking
- Limited multimodal options forcing multiple provider relationships
- Complex customs procedures creating bottlenecks
- No single provider offering integrated ground, air, and sea solutions
We set out to solve these problems by building a vertically integrated logistics network that controls every touchpoint—from origin pickup anywhere in the world to final-mile delivery across Iraq.
Five Years of Proven Performance
Direct Drive has proven that Iraqi logistics companies can compete on international standards while maintaining deep local expertise. Our track record speaks clearly:
- 3,000+ successful shipments across ground, air, and sea modes since 2020
- 90% on-time delivery rate that manufacturers and importers depend on for production planning
- Zero major claims or disputes over five years of operations
- Multimodal expertise: We coordinate air freight through 3 Iraqi airports, sea freight through Umm Qasr port, and ground transport across multiple international borders
- Serving Iraq's economic backbone: Detergent manufacturers, carton factories, industrial equipment importers, consumer goods distributors, and exporters
We don't just promise excellence—we document it with every shipment.
From Regional Trucking to Global Freight Forwarding
Phase 1 (2020-2021)
Cross-border foundations with Turkey and Iran routes. Completed 400 shipments, established reputation for reliable customs clearance.
Phase 2 (2021-2022)
Expanded into air freight coordination via Erbil, Baghdad, and Sulaymaniyah airports. Added worldwide air capabilities. Surpassed 1,000 total shipments.
Phase 3 (2022-2023)
Established sea freight operations through Umm Qasr port. Built daily distribution routes to all major Iraqi cities. Crossed 2,000 cumulative shipments.
Phase 4 (2023-2024)
Integrated ground + air + sea into seamless multimodal solutions. Launched specialized services including temporary import licenses. Reached 2,500 shipments.
Our Position in Iraq's $7.24 Billion Logistics Market
Iraq's logistics sector is growing at 6.2% annually, driven by reconstruction, manufacturing growth, and expanding consumer imports. Within this landscape, Direct Drive has carved out a unique position:
We're Iraq's true multimodal freight forwarder: While many Iraqi logistics providers specialize in domestic trucking or single-mode transport, we excel at coordinating complex international freight across ground, air, and sea—the only provider most clients need.
We leverage Iraq's strategic position: Located at the crossroads of major trade routes, we've built partnerships connecting Iraq to:
- Europe via air freight and Mediterranean sea routes
- China and Far East via sea freight to Umm Qasr and air freight to Iraqi airports
- Turkey and Iran via multiple land border crossings
- Gulf States (UAE, Saudi, Kuwait) via ground and sea freight
- Americas via transatlantic sea freight and European air hubs
Looking Forward: 2025-2027 Vision
Over the next three years, we're investing in:
- Expanded Air Freight Partnerships: Direct carrier relationships to reduce air freight costs by 15-20%
- Umm Qasr Warehousing: Bonded warehouse facility for LCL consolidation and faster port clearance
- Technology Platform: Client portal for instant quoting, real-time tracking, and digital documentation
- Cold Chain Logistics: Temperature-controlled air and sea freight for pharmaceuticals and perishables
- Regional Export Support: Helping Iraqi manufacturers export products to Gulf States, Africa, and Europe
Direct Drive isn't just a logistics provider—we're the infrastructure enabling Iraqi businesses to source from anywhere in the world and distribute products across Iraq and beyond.
Real Results: Solving Complex Logistics Challenges
Leading Detergent Manufacturer - Daily Nationwide Distribution (2023-Present)
Client Profile: One of Kurdistan's largest detergent manufacturers producing multiple household cleaning product lines
Scale: 15 daily shipment deliveries to cities nationwide
Challenge: Expand from Kurdistan-only sales to nationwide Iraq distribution with consistent daily delivery schedules to 15+ cities (Karbala, Najaf, Baghdad, Basra, Mosul), managing complex multi-stop routing while keeping logistics costs under 8% of product value.
Our Solution: Developed optimized multi-stop routing, coordinated daily dispatch with client's production output, mapped city-specific delivery windows, provided real-time GPS tracking with client portal access, and assigned dedicated account manager.
Results:
- ✅ 18 months of daily operations with 92% on-time delivery rate
- ✅ 27% logistics cost reduction vs. previous multi-provider setup
- ✅ Nationwide market expansion from 3 provinces to all major Iraqi cities
- ✅ Zero product damage claims due to proper handling protocols
- ✅ Simplified production planning with predictable, reliable deliveries
"Previously we used 3 different logistics companies for different regions. Coordination was a nightmare and costs were high. Direct Drive gave us one partner handling everything—our logistics became predictable and affordable."
Carton Manufacturing Facility - Multimodal Supply Chain (2022-Present)
Client Profile: Packaging manufacturer producing corrugated carton boxes for food, electronics, and retail industries
Challenge: Import raw materials (paper rolls, chemicals, production supplies) from Turkey cost-effectively, distribute finished carton boxes to B2B clients across Iraq, use single provider for both import and distribution, and reduce inventory holding costs through better import scheduling.
Our Solution: Established weekly LTL consolidation from Turkey via Ibrahim Khalil border with pre-cleared customs documentation and direct-to-factory delivery within 3-4 days. Managed finished carton delivery to business customers with coordinated delivery schedules.
Results:
- ✅ 30% import cost reduction through LTL consolidation vs. previous FTL-only approach
- ✅ Consistent 3-4 day import transit enables just-in-time inventory management
- ✅ 40% of their distribution now handled by Direct Drive
- ✅ Single invoice, single point of contact for both import and distribution
"Having one logistics partner who understands both our import needs and our customers' delivery requirements simplified our entire operation. We went from managing 4-5 trucking companies to one call with Direct Drive."
Industrial Equipment Import - Multimodal Air + Ground (2024)
Client Profile: Manufacturing facility expanding production capacity
Challenge: Import €95,000 in production line equipment from Germany with time-critical deadline (production expansion scheduled), fragile precision machinery requiring careful handling, and balancing speed (air freight) with cost (ground freight).
Our Solution: Multimodal routing with air freight Frankfurt → Baghdad (2 days) + ground transport Baghdad → Erbil (1 day). Pre-cleared all import permits, equipment certifications, and duties before arrival. Direct liaison with Baghdad airport cargo handling for priority clearance. Specialized ground transport with flatbed truck for factory delivery. Full €95,000 cargo insurance throughout journey.
Results:
- ✅ 3-day total delivery time (Germany to Erbil factory)
- ✅ Zero equipment damage despite fragile precision machinery
- ✅ Airport clearance in 6 hours (vs. typical 2-3 days)
- ✅ Production schedule maintained - equipment installed on planned date
- ✅ €12,000 cost savings vs. pure air freight to Erbil
"Our entire expansion project timeline depended on this equipment arriving on schedule. Direct Drive's multimodal solution gave us both speed and cost savings—we didn't have to choose between them."
Consumer Electronics Importer - Sea Freight LCL Consolidation (2023)
Client Profile: Iraqi electronics retailer importing from China
Challenge: Regular imports of consumer electronics (phones, tablets, accessories) from Guangzhou with insufficient volume to fill 20ft containers (only 8-12 cubic meters per order). Air freight too expensive for price-sensitive consumer goods. Needed predictable delivery schedules for inventory planning.
Our Solution: LCL consolidation via Umm Qasr combining client's cargo with other importers into shared containers. Sea freight routing Guangzhou → Jebel Ali (UAE) → Umm Qasr port → ground transport to Baghdad. Expedited customs clearance at Umm Qasr. Coordinated trucking from Basra to Baghdad warehouse.
Results:
- ✅ 65% cost savings vs. air freight
- ✅ Predictable 28-32 day transit time allows reliable inventory planning
- ✅ Monthly shipment capability (vs. quarterly with FCL requirements)
- ✅ Client increased import volume 3x due to affordability
"LCL consolidation via Umm Qasr opened up China sourcing for us. We're a small retailer—we can't fill 40ft containers. Direct Drive's consolidation service made Chinese imports financially viable."
What These Success Stories Share
- Multimodal Expertise: We match transport mode to client requirements—air for urgency, sea for cost-effectiveness, ground for regional reach, or combinations for optimal balance.
- Single-Provider Simplicity: Whether you need Turkey imports, China sea freight, daily domestic distribution, or all three, one partner manages everything.
- Manufacturing & Import Focus: We understand production schedules, inventory cycles, and the cost of logistics delays. Our 90% on-time rate isn't luck—it's systematic process management.
- Scalability: We serve both large manufacturers shipping daily and smaller importers consolidating LCL shipments—customized solutions for every business size.
Our Core Values: How We Serve Iraqi Businesses
1. Building Iraq's Trade Infrastructure
Every route we operate strengthens Iraq's economy. When we coordinate air freight imports of European machinery for Kurdistan manufacturers, we're building Iraq's industrial capacity. When we distribute Iraqi-made detergents to Basra via our ground network, we're enabling Iraqi brands to compete nationwide. Our success is measured not just in shipments delivered, but in how we enable Iraqi businesses to grow and compete globally.
2. Trust Through Transparency
Manufacturers and importers plan operations around logistics schedules—surprises derail production and sales. We provide clear, upfront pricing with no hidden fees, real-time GPS tracking on ground shipments and flight/vessel tracking for air/sea freight, honest transit time estimates, and proactive communication when delays occur.
3. Kurdistan Expertise - Deep Local Knowledge
We're Erbil-based with deep understanding of Iraqi logistics realities: Ibrahim Khalil border crossing procedures (Turkish imports), Bashmaq/Haji Omran border operations (Iranian imports), Baghdad, Erbil, Sulaymaniyah airport cargo handling, Umm Qasr port clearance procedures, Iraqi city delivery requirements, and Kurdish and Arabic language communications with all parties.
4. Partnership Mindset - Your Growth Is Our Growth
We measure success by our clients' growth. When a detergent manufacturer we serve expands from regional to nationwide distribution, that's our success story too. When an importer doubles their order volume because our LCL consolidation made China sourcing affordable, we celebrate their growth. We're not order-takers—we're logistics partners invested in your success.
5. Reliability - We Deliver on Our Promises
Our 90% on-time delivery rate across 3,000+ shipments isn't luck—it's systematic process management with buffer time in schedules, backup route planning, proactive customs pre-clearance, proven carrier partnerships, and contingency plans for every shipment. Production lines can't wait for "maybe" deliveries. We commit to timelines we can meet.
6. Integrity - Honest Communication
If 2-day air freight isn't possible for your route, we'll tell you it's 3 days—and then work to deliver in 2.5. We quote prices that include all costs (freight, customs, insurance, handling, port charges), not low-ball quotes with surprise fees at delivery. Integrity builds long-term partnerships—many of our clients have been with us for 3+ years.
Our Responsibility to Iraq's Future
Economic Development Support
Iraq's economy is diversifying beyond oil. Every container of Chinese electronics we import creates retail jobs. Every truckload of Kurdistan-made products we distribute to Iraqi cities strengthens domestic brands. Every air freight shipment of European machinery we coordinate builds industrial capacity. We're proud to be the logistics infrastructure supporting Iraq's economic transformation.
Environmental Stewardship
- Multimodal optimization: Recommending sea freight over air freight when time allows (90% less CO2 emissions)
- Route optimization: Minimizes fuel consumption on ground transport
- Load consolidation: LCL services mean fewer half-empty containers shipped
- Modern fleet maintenance: Ensures emission compliance
- Paperless documentation: Electronic bills of lading, digital customs forms
Safety Culture - Zero Tolerance for Shortcuts
International freight involves risks—chemical cargo, air freight hazmat regulations, heavy machinery, border crossings. Safety is non-negotiable. All staff trained in cargo handling safety protocols, hazmat certification for chemical cargo coordinators, insurance coverage on every shipment (ground, air, sea), emergency response protocols for cargo incidents, and compliance with IATA, IMO, and Iraqi customs safety regulations.
Authorized Excellence: Our Professional Credentials
Official Authorizations
Iraqi Government License
Full logistics operating authorization from Iraqi government authorities. Process customs documentation directly at land borders, airports, and seaports.
Iraqi Logistics Association
Active member participating in industry standards development and professional development initiatives.
Air Freight Handler
Registered air freight forwarder authorized for Erbil, Baghdad, and Sulaymaniyah airports. Direct coordination with airlines and cargo terminals.
Umm Qasr Clearing Agent
Licensed customs clearing agent at Iraq's primary seaport. Process FCL and LCL imports 30-50% faster than third-party brokers.
Multimodal Route Network
Ground Freight:
- Turkey to Erbil: 3-4 days average (via Ibrahim Khalil border)
- Iran to Erbil: 2-3 days average (via Bashmaq/Haji Omran borders)
- Erbil to Baghdad: 1-2 days domestic delivery
- Erbil to Basra: 2-3 days domestic delivery
- Nationwide Iraq: Coverage to Karbala, Najaf, Mosul, Kirkuk, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, and all major cities
Air Freight (via 3 Iraqi Airports):
- Erbil International Airport (primary hub)
- Baghdad International Airport
- Sulaymaniyah International Airport
- Worldwide destinations: 24-48 hour delivery capability
- Routes: Europe (Germany, UK, France, Italy), Gulf States (UAE, Saudi, Kuwait), Turkey, Iran
- Services: Door-to-door coordination, import clearance, export shipments, urgent/express freight
Sea Freight (via Umm Qasr Port):
- FCL (Full Container): 20ft and 40ft container imports from worldwide origins
- LCL (Consolidation): Shared container service for smaller shipments
- Port clearance + inland transport: Umm Qasr to Erbil, Baghdad, or any Iraqi destination
- Transit times:
- China/Far East to Iraq: 25-35 days (sea + inland)
- Europe to Iraq: 20-25 days (Mediterranean routes)
- Gulf States to Iraq: 7-10 days (short sea + inland)
- Americas to Iraq: 35-45 days (transatlantic + inland)
- Export services: Helping Iraqi manufacturers ship products via Umm Qasr to worldwide destinations
Specialized Services
- Temporary Import/Export Licenses: Facilitating machinery repair abroad without full customs duties (saves clients thousands in taxes and weeks in bureaucratic delays)
- Chemical/Hazmat Cargo: Proper classification, MSDS documentation, regulatory compliance
- Oversized Equipment: Specialized transport for industrial machinery and construction equipment
- Daily Distribution Operations: Managing 15+ daily deliveries for high-volume clients
Proven Performance Metrics (Verified 2024)
Long-Term Client Retention
- ✅ Average client relationship: 2.5+ years
- ✅ 80% client retention rate (clients stay with us year after year)
- ✅ 70% of new business from referrals (existing clients recommend us to their business partners)
These credentials aren't certificates in a filing cabinet—they're operational capabilities we demonstrate on every shipment. When you choose Direct Drive, you're choosing 5 years of proven multimodal expertise, 3,000+ successful deliveries, 90% on-time reliability, worldwide reach from Erbil to Europe, China, Americas, and Gulf States, plus Iraqi logistics expertise with international freight forwarding standards.
Ready to Simplify Your International Logistics?
Whether you're importing from China, Turkey, or Europe—or distributing products across Iraq—Direct Drive provides the multimodal expertise to get it done right. Ground, air, or sea freight: we optimize for your timeline and budget.
Get Your Free Quote:
Email: info@directdrivelogistic.com
Phone: +964 750 953 9899
WhatsApp: +964 750 953 9899
Office: MRF Quattro Towers, Gulan Street, Block A-29-1, Erbil, Iraq 44001