Freight from Iran to Pakistan: Complete Guide for 2026
Freight from Iran to Pakistan moves by road via Mirjaveh–Taftan or by sea to Karachi. See routes, documents and what affects transit time.
Freight from Iran to Pakistan moves mainly by road through the Mirjaveh–Taftan border gate. Sea freight to Karachi is the main alternative for containers. This guide explains the routes, the documents and the factors that decide transit time, so you can pick the right option before you book.
The short answer for most shippers is simple. Use road freight for mixed cargo, truckloads of food or building materials, and shipments that need door-to-door service. Use sea freight when volumes are large and the cargo is not urgent. Always confirm current rules with customs before loading, because border procedures change.
Freight from Iran to Pakistan: the main routes
Iran and Pakistan share a land border between Sistan and Baluchestan and Balochistan. Several crossings exist, but they do not all serve the same purpose. Some handle full commercial trucks. Others are local border-trade points.
| Crossing | Iran side | Pakistan side | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mirjaveh–Taftan | Mirjaveh | Taftan | Main road gate; on the Quetta–Zahedan rail line |
| Rimdan–Gabd | Rimdan | Gabd | Opened December 2020; trade and passenger crossing |
| Pishin–Mand | Pishin | Mand | Local border trade |
| Kuhak–Chadgi | Kuhak | Chadgi | Local border trade |
For a full truck, Mirjaveh–Taftan is the usual choice. Rimdan–Gabd is closer to the Makran coast and can suit cargo moving via Chabahar. Which gate is open for your cargo type can change, so ask your forwarder to confirm it a few days before departure.
Road freight from Iran to Pakistan: how it works
Road is the most flexible way to handle freight from Iran to Pakistan. A truck loads at your warehouse or at a collection point. It then travels to the south-east of Iran and crosses at the chosen gate.
Depending on permits and cargo, goods either continue on one truck or are transferred to another vehicle at the border. Each model has different cost and handling implications. Your forwarder should tell you in advance which one applies to your shipment.
TIR cooperation between the two countries has also been on the agenda. Pakistan signed the TIR Convention in 2015, and in November 2017 the IRU, Iran and Pakistan signed a memorandum on the first TIR operations. Practical use has developed gradually. Do not assume a carnet is accepted on every route. Confirm it with the IRU and with customs before you rely on it. You can read more about the system at the IRU website.
- Full truckload (FTL) suits large, single-consignee cargo.
- Groupage (LTL) suits smaller lots that do not fill a truck.
- Refrigerated trucks suit fresh and frozen food.
See our road freight service for the vehicle types we arrange, and our guide to Iran border crossings for trucks for more on the Iranian side.
Sea and rail alternatives
For freight from Iran to Pakistan in containers, the sea is a strong option. Cargo leaves from Iranian ports such as Bandar Abbas or Chabahar. It reaches Pakistani ports on the Arabian Sea, for example Karachi, Port Qasim or Gwadar. Sailing schedules and available services change over time. Ask for current options when you request a quote. Our container shipping guide explains FCL and LCL in detail.
Rail is possible on paper. The Quetta–Zahedan line passes through Taftan. Pakistan uses broad gauge and Iran uses standard gauge, so cargo is transferred at Zahedan. Trial freight runs on the Islamabad–Tehran–Istanbul route restarted in December 2021, but regular capacity varies. Treat rail as a case-by-case option and ask for confirmation. See also our rail freight guide.
Royan Logistic is a Tehran-based logistics company. It arranges road, sea, rail and air freight, groupage and full-truckload shipments, refrigerated and project cargo, customs coordination and ADR transport. Our Iran logistics page gives an overview of how we work.
Documents and customs for Pakistan shipments
Documents decide whether a truck carrying freight from Iran to Pakistan crosses smoothly or waits. Prepare them before the cargo leaves the warehouse. The exact list depends on the product and on the rules at the time.
- Commercial invoice and packing list, with matching quantities and values.
- Transport document: CMR for road, bill of lading for sea.
- Certificate of origin, when the buyer or the rules require it.
- Health, quality or phytosanitary certificates for food and plant products.
- The buyer's import registration and any permits needed in Pakistan.
On the Iranian side, export procedures run through the customs system of the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration (IRICA). You can find the official site at irica.ir. For export promotion and trade information, see the Trade Promotion Organization of Iran. Customs rules, quotas and tariffs change. Confirm current requirements with customs or the relevant authority before each shipment.
Payment, insurance and banking restrictions can also affect trade. Check current trade, banking and insurance restrictions with your bank and legal adviser.
What affects transit time and cost of freight from Iran to Pakistan
We do not quote fixed times or prices in a general guide. Real figures depend on the shipment. These are the factors that matter most.
- The border gate and the queue at the time of crossing.
- Whether the cargo is handed over at the border or travels on one truck.
- Cargo type, weight and volume, and whether it needs a refrigerated truck.
- Season and weather in the south-east of Iran and in Balochistan.
- Completeness of documents and the speed of inspection.
- Insurance level and the chosen delivery term.
Agree the delivery term with your buyer early. Our guide to Incoterms 2020 shows who pays for what and where the risk passes.
Frequently asked questions
Which border is used most for trucks from Iran to Pakistan?
Mirjaveh–Taftan is the main road gate for commercial trucks. Rimdan–Gabd opened in December 2020 and is another option. Your forwarder will choose the gate according to cargo and current conditions.
Is sea freight cheaper than road freight?
It depends. For freight from Iran to Pakistan, sea often suits large volumes, while road freight is faster to arrange for smaller or mixed lots. Compare quotes for the same delivery term to see the real difference.
Can food be sent from Iran to Pakistan?
Yes, food is shipped on this corridor. You need the right health or phytosanitary certificates and, for fresh goods, a refrigerated truck. Check Pakistan's import rules for your product first.
Can I use a TIR carnet on this route?
TIR cooperation between Iran and Pakistan has been announced, but acceptance depends on the route and the date. Confirm it with the IRU and customs before you plan around it.
Request a quote for your shipment
Tell us the cargo, weight, pickup city and destination in Pakistan. We will suggest the gate and the transport mode for your freight from Iran to Pakistan. Send the details through the quote form, or read our guide to international freight from Iran first.