Transportation of Goods from Iran to Iraq: Expert Cross-Border Freight

Q: How long does transportation from Iran to Iraq typically take?

A: Transit time varies by route and terminal:

• Express service: 2-3 days (via Bashmaq 24/7 terminal)
• Standard service: 4-5 days (including border clearance)
• LTL consolidated: 5-7 days (includes consolidation time)

Example routes: Tehran→Baghdad: 4-5 days, Tabriz→Erbil: 3-4 days, Ahvaz→Basra: 3-4 days (via Shalamcheh).

Q: What products are restricted or prohibited for Iran-Iraq export?

A: Prohibited: Weapons, ammunition, explosives, certain agricultural products (during Iraqi harvest seasons), cultural artifacts, narcotics.

Restricted (require special permits): Pharmaceuticals (Ministry of Health approval), chemicals and hazardous materials (MSDS + licenses), live animals (veterinary certificates), alcohol and tobacco (excise permits).

Q: Does Direct Drive Logistic handle customs clearance on both sides?

A: Yes! We provide comprehensive door-to-door customs clearance:

• ✅ Iran export customs (IRICA)
• ✅ Iraq import customs (Iraqi General Tax Authority)
• ✅ Document preparation and legalization
• ✅ Tariff classification and valuation
• ✅ Payment of duties and taxes on your behalf
• ✅ Post-clearance support and amendments

Our customs brokerage team has 10+ years of experience with Iran-Iraq regulations and maintains relationships with customs officials at all 9 border crossings.

Q: What is the cost per ton/kilometer for Iran-Iraq freight?

A: Pricing depends on multiple factors:

• FTL (Full Truckload): $0.08-$0.12/ton-km
• LTL (Less Than Truckload): $0.12-$0.18/ton-km
• Express service: $0.15-$0.22/ton-km
• Hazardous materials: $0.18-$0.25/ton-km

Example: Tehran to Baghdad (1,100 km) for 20-ton FTL: $1,760-$2,640

Additional costs: Customs clearance $150-400, COO legalization $50-100, insurance 0.5-1.5% of cargo value.

Q: Can you handle perishable goods and refrigerated transport?

A: Yes, we operate temperature-controlled (reefer) trucks for fresh produce, dairy products, frozen goods, pharmaceuticals, and flowers.

Reefer specifications: Temperature range -25°C to +25°C, capacity 18-20 tons, recommended route via Chazzabeh terminal (fastest processing), transit time 3-4 days express service.

Cold chain integrity: GPS tracking with temperature monitoring, real-time alerts for temperature deviations, backup refrigeration units, dedicated border crossing slots.

Q: Which border crossing is best for my cargo type?

A: Border selection significantly impacts transit time and cost:

• Heavy Machinery: Bashmaq (24/7, heavy cargo infrastructure) or Parvizkhan
• Consumer Goods: Mehran (high volume) or Tamerchin (lower traffic)
• Perishables: Chazzabeh (fastest processing, simple procedures)
• Port-Bound Cargo: Shalamcheh (closest to Basra Port, future rail connection)
• Baghdad-Destined: Mehran (direct access to capital)
• Erbil/Sulaymaniyah: Bashmaq (24/7 operations) or Parvizkhan

Q: Do you provide tracking and insurance for shipments?

A: Yes, comprehensive tracking and insurance included:

Real-Time Tracking: GPS-enabled fleet, live location updates via web portal, SMS/WhatsApp notifications at key milestones (pickup, border arrival, customs clearance, delivery with POD photo).

Insurance Coverage: All-risk cargo insurance for 100% declared value, premium 0.5-1.5% of cargo value, 24-48 hour claims response, underwritten by reputable Iraqi/Iranian insurers.

Q: Can you handle large or oversized cargo (heavy machinery, equipment)?

A: Yes, we specialize in project cargo and oversized shipments:

Heavy Haul Capabilities: Flatbed trucks (25-28 ton capacity), low-bed trailers for heavy machinery (excavators, generators), extendable trailers for long cargo (pipes, beams).

Oversized Cargo Experience: Construction machinery, industrial equipment, oil & gas equipment, prefab structures and modular buildings.

Special Arrangements: Route surveys for oversized loads, police escorts (if required), border pre-clearance coordination, crane/loading equipment at both ends.

Best Terminal: Bashmaq or Parvizkhan (infrastructure for heavy loads)

Q: What happens if there are delays at the border or customs issues?

A: We proactively manage delays with contingency protocols:

Delay Prevention: Pre-clearance document review (48 hours before border), advance customs declaration filing, relationships with customs officials at all 9 terminals, real-time communication with border agents.

If Delays Occur: Our customs broker resolves on-site, emergency document courier service if originals needed, expedited inspection requests, alternative terminal routing (shift to 24/7 Bashmaq if Mehran restricted).

Cost: First 24 hours no additional charge. After 24 hours: $50-100/day detention fee.

Success Rate: 94% of our shipments clear customs without delays (2024 data).

Q: What documentation do I need to provide for a shipment quote?

A: For accurate pricing, please provide:

1. Cargo details: Description of goods, total weight (tons/kg), total volume (cubic meters), packaging type, HS code if known
2. Route information: Pickup location in Iran (city + address), delivery location in Iraq (city + address), preferred border terminal (if any)
3. Service requirements: Timeline (express vs. standard), FTL vs. LTL, special handling (fragile, hazmat, reefer)
4. Customs: Do you have Certificate of Origin? Is customs clearance required on both sides? Any special import permits needed?
5. Insurance: Cargo declared value, insurance coverage needed?

📧 Email these details to contact@directdrivelogistic.com or WhatsApp: +964 750 9539899 for quote within 24 hours.