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Hot Cargo, Busy Ports: UAE Summer Shipping
First things first, hello from the Sea Drive team!
This is our very first blog post and we couldn’t have picked a better time to start talking about the real stuff that moves behind the scenes in the logistics world. Right now, while most people are staying indoors and cautious of sunburns, the UAE logistics scene is actually heating up and we don’t just mean the temperature.
In this post, we’re planning to share what actually gets to go during this season, what to look out for and how we at Sea Drive handle summer shipping (…with imported goggles from China, cost-effective FCL, of course! .
You’d Imagine Summer Is a Laid-Back Season for Logistics… It’s Not Anyone in the UAE involved in the shipping industry knows it’s quite the opposite. From June to August, we see a peculiar rise in demand for certain types of goods. Construction gears up before financial year closures, farms and feed industries stock up and re-export orders to Africa and the GCC pile up in a slow pace until late Q3.
Even though the trend repeats year after year, some cargoes simply can’t wait for the weather to cool down.
What Actually Moves More During Summer?
Not every cargo is sun and summer friendly, but the ones that do move during this time definitely keep our logistics and operations team on their toes. (Unfortunately, no one from Sea Drive volunteers to be friendly with the sun or summer, no matter what goodies it brings.)
Brush aside the laugh, 
here are a few blazing BBQ style cargo types we’ve equipped ourselves to handle just like that:
Shade nets, fodder pellets, quick-lay additives, even portable AC units—when it comes to summer logistics in the Gulf, the cargo tells the story. From farms to construction sites, from Dubai warehouses to the re-export lanes heading into Oman and Saudi, these are the supplies that keep operations running in the heat. Whether it’s cooling equipment for remote sites or temperature-sensitive chemicals that need careful handling, the region’s trade shifts gears when the sun turns up.
This isn’t an exhaustive list, but it gives you a fair idea of the shipping and packing list for UAE’s summer cargo. The heat may be harsh, but shipping and trade don’t stop.
What Are the Common Issues?
Summer shipping in this region brings its own unique set of challenges. We do more than simply move boxes from point A to point B. You have to think about what’s happening inside those boxes while they sit under 48°C heat. (No virus develops. We can confirm.)
.But here’s what can typically go wrong:
Heat doesn’t just make things uncomfortable—it affects cargo. Grains, paper, chemicals, and even electrical goods are prone to damage. Containers start sweating, moisture creeps in, and sensitive materials suffer. Daytime offloading slows down at ports and warehouses to protect workers, tightening delivery windows. And by July-August, Dubai’s yards begin to clog with uncleared freight. These aren’t minor hiccups—they’re real challenges. And if your freight partner isn’t planning for them, the small issues quickly pile up
How We Handle It at Sea Drive
Honestly, experience has taught us to stay proactive, vigilant and open eyed. (Kind of like Sherlock Holmes, if he had a warehouse job.)
.
We’ve built a few practices into our summer routine, whether it’s a 20 footer or 10 trucks. because handling freight and cargo in UAE summers requires more than just good luck. We pre-check cargo type – If it’s heat sensitive, we recommend alternate packaging or container options up front. Sometimes, cross stuffing works better than baking it in direct sun.
We plan clearance and delivery together, especially for summer arrivals. No one wants to chase DOs at 3 pm in July. (We tried. You bet.)
When the heat’s relentless, timing matters. That’s why we push for early morning delivery slots—ideally before 11 AM. It makes life easier for everyone: our clients, our drivers, and our crew. If offloading isn’t possible right away, we don’t leave containers baking in the sun. We shift them to shaded storage or arrange partial unloading to keep things moving. And instead of clients chasing us, we’re the ones chasing them, i.e., for follow ups. 
. Because in this weather, disappearing isn’t an option. (Possible?) These challenges come up often, but it’s how we handle them is the real game.
Few Things Traders Can Do From Their Side
If you’re moving cargo in peak Gulf summer, a few small steps can save you a whole lot of sweating—(I mean, Yes! Literally!). Book early, especially if you need reefer or ventilated containers—those vanish fast. Let your forwarder know if your cargo is heat- or moisture-sensitive (think chemicals, animal feed, glues… ( basically anything that doesn’t love a Moroccan Bath). Neither leave inland delivery to chance—plan it ahead, and always have a backup. (You have our number, right?) And most of all, work with a freight partner who knows what actually happens on ground—not just what’s printed on the BL.
Our Take
Summer shipping in the UAE isn’t impossible. But it’s definitely not autopilot work. (Most pilots avoid the UAE summer — and not just because their wives aren’t among the passengers..) But, at Sea Drive, we stay hands-on with every shipment, especially during the high season. Whether it’s silica, steel, feed, or something less common like paper reels or project cargo, we consider the heat, the handling, and the clock. Because in this weather, timing isn’t just good practice—it’s part of the cargo care.
If you’re planning a shipment during this stretch, your freight partner is right here. 
We’re always up for a smart logistics conversation, even if it’s over a very chilled bottle of soda, (but maybe a Falooda can get you a special rate..?)