International Freight: overview
International freight is the heart of our USA-to-Kenya service. We help shippers choose between air and ocean, prepare the paperwork, book space with vetted carriers and keep you informed until the cargo is released at destination.
Gelle Transport combines more than a decade of US trucking with vetted international air and ocean partners, giving you one accountable team from the moment your cargo is collected in the United States until it is delivered in Kenya.
Who it is for
Families sending goods home, importers buying from US suppliers, NGOs and businesses supplying projects in Kenya and East Africa.
Key benefits
How it works
- 01
Tell us about the shipment
What you are shipping, from where in the US, to which town in Kenya and by when.
- 02
Get a clear quote
An itemised price with no invented “from” rates, and a realistic timeline.
- 03
We move it
US pickup, documentation checks and international freight booked with vetted carriers.
- 04
Delivered and confirmed
Clearance coordination and delivery to the receiver in Kenya.
International Freight for Kenya
Most sea cargo for Kenya arrives through the Port of Mombasa, while air cargo lands at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi. We plan the mode around your deadline, budget and final delivery town.
See International Freight in KenyaService area
Pickup across the United States, with air arrivals at Nairobi JKIA, sea arrivals at the Port of Mombasa and delivery to towns across Kenya. Onward routing to Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and the DRC is available on request.
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.
Packing tips for a smooth journey
Industries we support
International Freight FAQs
Which US airports and ports do you ship from?
We use the gateway that suits your cargo — typically New York/New Jersey, Savannah, Houston or Baltimore for ocean freight, and JFK, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas or Miami for air freight.
Do you handle customs in Kenya?
Customs clearance in Kenya is handled by licensed clearing agents. We coordinate this through our partners as part of a door-to-door service.
How do I get a quote for International Freight?
Use our quote form, WhatsApp us or call +1 (816) 482-2607. Include pickup and delivery locations, what you are shipping and your timing.
Do you have dispatch outside office hours?
Yes — our dispatchers work around the clock.