With offices in Ashdod, Haifa and Jerusalem, Sonigo specializes in shipping to and from Israel. Our mission is to make the shipping process as easy as we can for you and your family.
We know shipping to Israel can prove to be difficult and nerve-wracking; this is why we composed this simple overview, which will help familiarize you with shipping methods, regulations and terminology.
Feel free to contact one of our Shipping to Israel Specialists to review your particular needs
Shipping Methods
Sonigo covers all of the basic available shipping options and methods. These include:
Shipping by Air | Air Cargo
Air cargo is more expensive than ocean freight, although air shipments arrive at their destination much faster. When time is critical and for shipments of value, including artwork, new appliances or electronics, shipping by air may be the preferred option.
The airport of entry is Ben Gurion Airport, which is located in Lod.
Shipping by Sea | Ocean Fright
Most people and companies choose shipping their cargo to and from Israel by ocean freight. Although cost effective, this method is also substantially slower than shipping by air. There are other advantages: sea ports are designed to handle large cargo volumes and both commercial and personal imports are handled on a daily basis.
When shipping to and from Israel by sea, you can choose between shipping a full or partial container, where you pay for space you utilize within the container. Consolidated containers must be emptied at the port and shipments individually cleared through customs.
Ports of entry to Israel are located in Haifa, Ashdod, and Eilat, while Sonigo provides storage facilities in both Ashdod and Haifa.
Door to Door Shipping | to and from Israel
As the name implies, this type of service includes pick-up and packing at your origin and concludes with the delivery and unloading at your destination. We recommend you choose door to door shipping when moving or relocating to Israel, for a worry-free removal experience.
While many foreign companies offer door-to-door shipping to Israel, they usually do not include “Destination Port Fees” in their “door-to-door” price. We cannot stress how vital it is to obtain port fees in writing before shipping to Israel. Since Sonigo is based in Israel, we know our way around the Israel Port Facilities and always include port fees within your estimate and in writing.
Door to Port Shipping | to and from Israel
This shipping method is not suggested for individuals or small businesses, as the seemingly lower price does not include fees that you will ultimately need to pay (such as port fees and taxes).
Port to Door Shipping | to and from Israel
This option is often offered to commercial importers who purchase goods on a “FOB” basis. Sonigo will calculate not only the price of sea freight and delivery to your door, but will also include Israeli Port Fees. For individuals with pre-packed goods, this option will save the cost of pick-up. You would actually drop the goods off at our warehouse. We’ll take it from there.
Port to Port Shipping | to and from Israel
Much like the ‘Door to Port Shipping’ option mentioned above, this shipping method is not suggested for individuals or small businesses.
Time in Transit
Shipping to and from Israel
When shipping to and from Israel, time in transit will vary depending on sea or air shipping, country of origin, full or consolidated container load, national holidays and forces majeure such as strikes, slowdown and other rare events.
We strongly advise to deliver all relevant documentation to us in a timely manner to avoid customs delays and allow for an efficient customs process. Commercial shippers should obtain all approvals from Customs before the shipment departs.
When shipping to Israel, try to avoid having your goods arrive during national holidays. Customs are closed on most holidays, and your shipment cannot clear without the authorization of a customs officer, therefore causing expensive storage charges. Please speak with one of our Shipping to Israel Specialists regarding your specific needs.
When shipping by air, please allow for 10-21 days door-to-door.
If you are shipping to or from Israel by sea, the following guideline applies, although many factors can cause change in the following:
ORIGIN
Time in Transit FCL
Time in Transit LCL *
Australia
5-7 weeks
7-11 weeks
South America
6-8 weeks
8-10 weeks
North America (East Coast)
4-7 weeks
6-10 weeks
North America (West Coast)
7-10 weeks
8-12 weeks
Great Britain
2-4 weeks
6-9 weeks
France
2-4 weeks
6-9 weeks
Southern Europe
2-4 weeks
6-9 weeks
Northern Europe
2-4 weeks
6-9 weeks
Eastern Europe
3-5 weeks
7-9 weeks
China
2-3 weeks
5-7 weeks
Mediterranean Ports
1-2 weeks
2-5 weeks
*Times in transit are based on estimates, and not guaranteed.
Import Duties and Benefits
As a rule, all imports to Israel are subject to import duties. There are some notable exceptions.
Please download our informative sheet “Import Duties and Rights in Israel” for more information.
Commercial entities shipping to Israel should possess all of the relevant approvals, labeling requirements, and a pre-ruling from customs before the shipment leaves its origin.
Destination Port Concerns
When shipping, there are several things you need to know regarding destination ports, as reviewed below:
FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTES TO OUR
SUCCESS
We go above and beyond for our clients. We don’t move any other way
PROFESSIONAL AND UP-TO-DATE SERVICE
MUTUAL RELATIONS WITH THE WORLD’S LEADING SHIPPING COMPANIES
EXPERTISE IN SPECIALIZED SHIPPING
QUALITY SHIPPING MATERIALS
USE OF UP-TO-DATE TECHNOLOGY AND ADVANCED WORK METHODS
IN-HOUSE SOLUTIONS
Cargo Insurance
Our affiliation with FIDI Faim, ensures that Sonigo enjoys an unwavering seal of quality reserved for the finest of shipping companies. This allows us to guarantee that your cargo is in the safest possible of hands.
Packing Specialists
Sonigo employs a team of trained and knowledgeable commercial packing specialists, who apply the same level of skill and sensitivity when packing standard office files and supplies, delicate hardware, heavy machinery, furniture or wine bottles
Storage Solutions
Sonigo’s storage facilities cover 6,000 square meters (almost 65,000 square feet), and are located in central Israel in an area conveniently accessible to clients and near air and sea ports.
Shockproof Packaging
We specialize in shockproof packaging, while often designing shock-absorbing double-wall crates and including reinforcements, coils and lining for delicate and irreplaceable items. When required, tilt and shock meters are also attached to ensure valuable commercial cargo enjoys maximum safety while in transit.
CONTACT US
We are here to help you!
ADDRESS
6 Bnei Darom St.
Industrial Area
PO Box 4068, Ashdod
7714001 Israel
PHONE
US: 1-866-978-5224
UK: 0-800-088-5578
FR: 09-75-18-05-32
IL: 972-8-6111222
FAX
972 8 6111-223
US Toll Free
1-866-978-5224
IL Toll Free
1-800-230-232
UK Toll Free
0-800-088-5578
FR Toll Free
0 800-900-111