Top Shipping Companies in Saudi Arabia

The most prominent shipping companies in Saudi Arabia play a vital role in supporting the national economy and meeting the needs of both individuals and businesses. With the continuous expansion of e-commerce and growing demand for delivery services, several companies have emerged offering diverse shipping solutions both domestically and internationally. These companies stand out for their wide range of services, including land, sea, and air freight, as well as customs clearance and storage services. In this article, we’ll review the most notable shipping companies and the services they provide to help you choose the most suitable logistics partner for your needs.

1. Aramex

Overview
Founded in 1982, Aramex is a global company specializing in transportation and logistics solutions. It has a strong presence in the Middle East and North Africa, including Saudi Arabia. Aramex aims to deliver innovative and efficient solutions to clients across various sectors.

Services Provided

Domestic and international express shipping: Fast and reliable delivery services within and outside the Kingdom.

Integrated logistics solutions: Storage, inventory management, and distribution.

E-commerce support: End-to-end shipping solutions, including cash-on-delivery.

Air and sea freight: Flexible options for large and heavy shipments.

Coverage
Aramex serves most areas across Saudi Arabia, with an extensive network of branches and logistics centers. Globally, it operates in over 220 countries and territories.

Shipping Costs
Fees vary depending on the package size, weight, delivery destination, and type of service. Customers can use the price calculator on Aramex’s website for accurate cost estimates.

2. SMSA Express

Overview
Established in 1994 in Saudi Arabia, SMSA Express has become a leader in express transport and logistics services, catering to both individuals and businesses.

Services Provided

Domestic and international express shipping: Fast delivery of parcels and documents.

Specialized logistics services: Tailored solutions for sectors like healthcare, e-commerce, and automotive.

Customs clearance: Import/export facilitation.

Storage and distribution services: Efficient inventory and product distribution management.

Coverage
SMSA covers more than 230 cities and towns in Saudi Arabia and connects to over 230 countries globally.

Shipping Costs
Costs depend on the selected service, package weight/dimensions, and delivery distance. A shipping calculator is available on SMSA’s website.

3. Zajil Express

Overview
Founded in 1999, Zajil Express is one of the first private postal services in Saudi Arabia and has grown into a key provider of shipping and logistics services.

Services Provided

Domestic and international land shipping: Reliable parcel and freight delivery.

E-commerce solutions: Support for online stores, including COD services.

Integrated logistics: Inventory management, storage, and distribution.

Coverage
Zajil serves most regions in the Kingdom and has plans for international expansion.

Shipping Costs
Standard shipments start from SAR 35, while high-value or fragile shipments start from SAR 60. Fees vary by size, weight, and distance.

4. DHL Express

Overview
Part of Deutsche Post DHL Group, DHL Express is a global leader in logistics and express shipping, serving Saudi Arabia for decades.

Services Provided

International express shipping: Parcels and documents to 220+ countries.

Customs clearance: Expert handling of import/export processes.

E-commerce solutions: Comprehensive support for online sellers.

Specialized logistics: Services for healthcare, tech, and fashion sectors.

Coverage
DHL fully covers Saudi Arabia and has a global network in over 220 countries.

Shipping Costs
Based on service type, package weight/dimensions, and distance. Estimates available on the DHL website.

5. NAQEL Express

Overview
NAQEL was founded in 1993 as Hala Express and rebranded in 2005 through a joint venture between Saudi Post and Hala Express. It now operates in 16 countries with over 5,000 employees.

Services Provided

Local and international express shipping

Comprehensive logistics solutions

E-commerce support including COD

Customs clearance

Coverage
Serves most areas in Saudi Arabia and operates in countries like the USA, UK, China, and GCC nations.

Shipping Costs
Based on the service, shipment size/weight, and distance. Use NAQEL’s online rate calculator for estimates.

6. FedEx

Overview
FedEx is one of the largest express transport companies globally and has operated in Saudi Arabia for several years.

Services Provided

Global express delivery

Customs clearance

E-commerce logistics

Sector-specific solutions for healthcare, tech, fashion

Coverage
FedEx covers all of Saudi Arabia and operates in over 220 countries.

Shipping Costs
Vary based on weight, size, destination, and urgency. Estimates available via the FedEx website or customer service.

7. Alma Express

Overview
Alma Express is a Saudi company offering express delivery and shipping services within the Kingdom.

Services Provided

Local express delivery

E-commerce shipping solutions including COD

Integrated logistics services

Coverage
Covers most regions in Saudi Arabia with a wide network of branches and hubs.

Shipping Costs
Depend on package size, weight, and distance. Contact Alma Express for detailed pricing.

8. Al-Zafer Wings Cargo Services

Overview
Founded in 1970 in Jeddah, Al-Zafer Wings is a pioneer in shipping and logistics services in Saudi Arabia.

Services Provided

Air and sea freight services

Customs clearance

Integrated logistics (inventory, storage, distribution)

Coverage
Nationwide service with an international partner network.

Shipping Costs
Fees depend on package dimensions, weight, service type, and distance. Contact the company for precise estimates.

9. UPS

Overview
United Parcel Service (UPS), established in 1907 in the U.S., is one of the oldest and largest logistics companies. It has built a strong presence in Saudi Arabia through local offices and partnerships.

Services Provided

Fast international air shipping

End-to-end logistics (warehousing, supply chain management)

Import/export services with customs support

Advanced shipment tracking

Coverage
Covers all major Saudi cities and connects to 220+ countries globally.

Shipping Costs
Based on weight, size, speed, and destination. Use the pricing tool on UPS's website or contact local offices.

10. AyMakan

Overview
AyMakan is a Saudi delivery company focused on meeting the growing needs of the local e-commerce market with smart door-to-door delivery solutions and an emphasis on customer experience.

Services Provided

Same-day or next-day delivery in major cities

Door-to-door delivery

Cash-on-delivery support

Real-time tracking

Reverse logistics for returns

Coverage
Focused on urban centers like Riyadh, Jeddah, and expanding into more cities.

Shipping Costs
Start at around SAR 25 in-city, depending on weight and urgency. Flexible pricing available for merchants.

How to Choose the Right Shipping Company for Your Business

When selecting a shipping partner, don’t just look at pricing—consider:

Coverage area: Does the company serve your target regions?

Delivery speed: Can they meet your required timelines?

Customer service quality: How do they handle delays or issues?

Cost vs. value: Evaluate included services like COD, tracking, return handling, insurance.

Integration with your store: API or plugin availability to automate shipping processes.

Try multiple providers initially and monitor performance before committing long-term—your logistics partner can significantly influence customer satisfaction and business growth.

Summary

✅ Saudi Arabia’s logistics market is growing by 6.5% annually, expected to exceed SAR 25 billion by 2025.
✅ 10+ major shipping companies operate in the Kingdom, many with global reach.
✅ 90% of e-commerce stores rely on external logistics providers.
✅ Cash-on-delivery is supported by 8 out of 10 major companies.
✅ Same-day delivery available in 15+ Saudi cities thanks to companies like SMSA and AyMakan.