Retail and e-commerce shipping you can rely on
Retailers and online sellers live and die by stock availability. Gelle Transport supports retail and e-commerce businesses with reliable store replenishment, distribution-centre runs and consolidated stock imports.
The challenge for retail & e-commerce shippers
Retail runs on tight delivery windows and seasonal peaks that demand flexible capacity.
What we move
- Store replenishment
- E-commerce inventory
- Seasonal stock
- Imported consumer goods
Retail & E-commerce freight in the United States
Our LTL and full truckload services move retail freight between suppliers, distribution centres and stores, with capacity that scales for peak seasons such as back-to-school and the holidays.
Exporting retail & e-commerce cargo from the USA to Kenya
Kenyan retailers and online sellers increasingly source products from the United States — electronics, beauty products, clothing, supplements and household goods. We consolidate purchases from several US suppliers and ship them as one consignment to Nairobi or Mombasa, which keeps per-unit landed cost down.
Compliance and handling
Some consumer goods — cosmetics, supplements and electronics — need conformity certification or approvals in Kenya. We confirm requirements before you buy stock.
FTL, LTL or intermodal: choosing the right option
| Full truckload (FTL) | Less than truckload (LTL) | Intermodal | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical size | About 10+ pallets, or a full trailer | 1–6 pallets | Full container or trailer |
| Handling | Direct, no transfers | Shared trailer, terminal transfers | Truck to rail to truck |
| Speed | Fastest door to door | Slower, depends on network | Competitive on long lanes |
| Best for | Large, fragile or urgent freight | Small, palletised shipments | Long-distance, cost-sensitive freight |
How to prepare your freight
Air freight vs sea freight to Kenya
| Air freight | Sea freight | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical door-to-door time | About 5–10 days | About 4–7 weeks |
| Arrival point | JKIA, Nairobi | Port of Mombasa (and Nairobi/Naivasha ICDs by rail) |
| How it is priced | Per kg of chargeable weight (actual or volumetric, whichever is greater) | Per cubic metre (LCL) or per 20ft/40ft container (FCL) |
| Best for | Urgent, light, compact and high-value goods | Heavy, bulky and high-volume cargo, vehicles and household moves |
| Watch out for | Batteries, aerosols and dangerous goods are restricted | Port storage charges if documents are not ready on arrival |
Documents you will need
Requirements depend on what you ship, but most consignments to Kenya need the following:
- Commercial invoice — description and value of every item
- Packing list — itemised contents, weights and dimensions
- Bill of lading or air waybill — issued for the main transport leg
- Importer’s KRA PIN — the receiver’s Kenya Revenue Authority PIN
- Certificate of Conformity — for goods covered by the KEBS PVoC programme
- ID / passport copy — of the shipper and receiver
Regulated goods (food, medicines, chemicals, vehicles, some electronics) may need extra approvals from the relevant Kenyan agency. Ask us before you buy or ship. See our guide: documents required to import goods into Kenya.
Our process
- 01
Understand your freight
Products, volumes, schedules and any special handling or regulatory requirements.
- 02
Plan the right mode
Truckload, LTL or intermodal in the US; air or ocean for Kenya.
- 03
Move and monitor
On-time pickup, secure transport and proactive updates from dispatch.
- 04
Deliver and confirm
Proof of delivery in the US; clearance coordination and delivery in Kenya.
Why retail & e-commerce businesses choose Gelle Transport
One partner
US trucking and Kenya-bound freight with the same team.
Safety first
Secure load restraint and careful handling.
Diverse supplier
Woman- and minority-owned — supports supplier diversity goals.
Retail and e-commerce shipping FAQs
Do you provide retail and e-commerce shipping in the USA?
Yes. We offer FTL, LTL, dedicated, expedited and intermodal freight from our Kansas City base across the continental US.
Can you ship Retail & E-commerce cargo from the USA to Kenya?
Yes, by air to Nairobi or by sea to Mombasa, with delivery across Kenya, subject to any permits the goods require.
What documents are required?
Usually a commercial invoice, packing list and transport document, plus product-specific certificates or permits. Some consumer goods — cosmetics, supplements and electronics — need conformity certification or approvals in Kenya. We confirm requirements before you buy stock.
Can you handle recurring Retail & E-commerce freight?
Yes — ask about dedicated capacity on your regular lanes or scheduled consolidations to Kenya.
How do I get a quote?
Use our quote form, WhatsApp us or call +1 (816) 482-2607.