Answers to Your Most Common
Logistics Questions.

Freight forwarding is the professional coordination and management of cargo shipments on behalf of a shipper — from origin pickup through customs clearance to final delivery. PLS acts as an expert intermediary between your business and carriers (ships, trucks, airlines), negotiating rates and managing all logistics complexity on your behalf. Think of us as your outsourced logistics department.

FCL (Full Container Load) means you book an entire container exclusively for your cargo — offering maximum security, faster transit, and lower risk of damage. Ideal for volumes above 15 cbm.

LCL (Less than Container Load) consolidates your cargo with other shippers' goods into one container, shared by multiple parties. Ideal for smaller volumes where you don't need a full box. PLS handles both with equal expertise.

Yes. PLS offers complete door-to-door logistics services covering inland pickup at origin, ocean freight, customs clearance at destination, and last-mile overland delivery — all under one contract, one price, and one dedicated point of contact. No handoffs, no confusion.

PLS guarantees a response to all quote requests within 4 business hours. For urgent inquiries, call our 24/7 operations line at +20 3 478 2443 and a specialist will assist you immediately. You can request a quote via our online form here.

ISO Tank Containers are reusable stainless steel cylindrical vessels (14,000–26,000 litres) that comply with international UN standards for transporting both hazardous and non-hazardous liquid bulk — including food-grade liquids, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals.

Flexitanks are single-use flexible bladders (up to 24,000 litres) installed inside a standard 20ft dry container, converting it into a liquid carrier. They are cost-effective for non-hazardous liquids only — such as vegetable oils, wine, juice concentrates, or non-chemical food-grade liquids. PLS handles both types with certified specialist teams.

Yes. PLS transports hazardous liquids via certified ISO tank containers with appropriate UN certification ratings (UN portable tank T-codes). We ensure full IMDG Code compliance and provide all required dangerous goods documentation, including Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), emergency response documentation, and proper labelling.

PLS's reefer containers can maintain temperatures ranging from -30°C to +30°C, covering frozen goods, chilled produce, pharmaceuticals, and temperature-sensitive agro products. We offer continuous temperature monitoring with data logging and real-time exception alerts throughout transit.

A ship agent acts on behalf of vessel owners or operators during a port call. PLS's agents manage everything: port authority coordination and documentation lodging, port dues and fees, crew changes (embarkation/disembarkation), ordering supplies and provisions (husbandry), arranging medical or emergency assistance, spare parts coordination, and ensuring full compliance with local maritime regulations. We are available 24/7 across all major Egyptian ports.

PLS works directly with the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) to: schedule convoy slots (northbound and southbound), process transit applications and pre-arrival notifications, coordinate pilots and mooring assignments, and manage toll fee calculations and payments. Our team also provides a real-time Suez Canal Toll Calculator. With deep SCA relationships, PLS consistently achieves priority scheduling for our clients' vessels.

PLS has licensed ship agents stationed at all major Egyptian sea ports including: Port Said (East & West), Suez & Ain Sokhna, Alexandria & El-Dekheila, Damietta, and Safaga. We also have a network of agency partners across 50+ international ports globally.

Standard clearance typically takes 24–72 hours depending on the port, commodity type, and document completeness. PLS's experienced licensed brokers consistently achieve clearance times under 48 hours for fully compliant shipments. Rush clearance options are available for time-critical cargo.

Standard documents typically required include: Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading (or Airway Bill for air freight), and Certificate of Origin. Additional documents may include: MSDS (for chemicals), Phytosanitary Certificates (for agro and plant-based products), Halal Certificates (for food products to certain markets), and Import/Export Licenses. PLS guides every client through their specific requirement checklist before shipment.

Yes. PLS offers secure bonded container storage and depot facilities at major Egyptian ports, allowing cargo to be held in customs-controlled areas before duties are assessed or while transit documentation is finalized. Container inspection, repair, and maintenance services are also available at PLS depots.

Visit our Track Shipment page and enter your Bill of Lading number, Container Number (11-digit ISO format), or PLS Booking Reference. You'll see a live animated timeline from origin to destination with real-time status updates that refresh every 15 minutes.

If your shipment status hasn't updated in over 24 hours, contact PLS's 24/7 operations desk immediately at 📞 +20 3 478 2443 or 📧 tracking@pla-logistics.com and a dedicated representative will locate your shipment within minutes and provide a full status report.

Yes. PLS's operations team can configure automated email and SMS alerts for key shipment milestones including: cargo departure, customs clearance, arrival at destination port, and final delivery. Ask your PLS specialist to activate notifications when your booking is confirmed.