Compressors Shipped via Air Freight to Middle East, Usually Detained in Customs Clearance, How Does DL Logistics Solve It?
Mr. Chen runs a factory that makes compressors. Every month, he sends two to three batches of screw compressors via air freight to middle east. Last time, a batch of compressors for desert cooling was questioned by customs. They said the refrigerant was a sensitive goods with specific chemical components under customs supervision. The goods were stuck at the cargo station for six full days, making Mr. Chen extremely anxious.
In the past, other freight forwarders shipped these as general cargo, saying supporting documents could be provided later. But every time, there were repeated communications between the factory, customs and freight forwarders.
Last month, another batch of 11 compressors needed to be sent via air freight to UAE. The project side warned him in advance that the goods must arrive at the construction site within 10 days. Mr. Chen did not want to take risks again. Luckily, he met me at a logistics exhibition. He knew our company is one of the top five forwarders for air freight to middle east and has a professional team for transporting sensitive equipment to UAE, so he asked me for details.
“All equipment has R410A refrigerant which must be pre‑filled. Can you get them cleared smoothly?” I checked the detailed parameters provided by Mr. Chen and found the motor protection level was marked as IP54. The desert area in UAE is dry, and power equipment is required to have an IP55 protection level. Extra sand and dust tests would most likely be required.
Mr. Chen panicked when he heard this, because all equipment was finished and ready for packaging. I immediately contacted our local customs clearance manager. After discussion, we made a plan. Qualified third‑party testing organizations in Dubai would submit the equipment protection level report to customs in advance. More importantly, we attached an Environmental Adaptability Statement for Equipment Use. It clearly stated that even though the equipment was marked IP54, it was suitable for short‑term sandstorm conditions. We also provided a commitment letter that the client would add extra protective measures after delivery. With these steps, the R410A issue was easily solved.
I told Mr. Chen we had shipped many similar goods before. Our local and large‑scale customs clearance and delivery team has 17 full‑time customs clearance staff, plus several senior consultants who used to work for local customs. Goods that other forwarders may get detained will mostly pass smoothly with us. Mr. Chen felt reassured. He called me the next day and entrusted us with this shipment.
Once the plan was confirmed, I took action right away. The original flight was scheduled for the 10th. To leave enough time buffer, I booked the flight on the 8th.
The goods were loaded on the direct flight to UAE on the 8th as planned. All documents and testing materials were ready on site. Customs clearance was finished in the afternoon of the second day after arrival. The goods were delivered to the temporary warehouse of the project side early on the third day. When I sent the signed receipt photo to Mr. Chen, he said excitedly, “You guys are the best!”
DL Logistics is one of the top five service providers for air freight to middle east. We buy 20 airline slots per week from two major airlines. We have priority customs clearance channels at UAE airports, allowing quick warehouse pickup. Our local logistics team answers calls at 2 a.m. Deliveries sent in the morning arrive by noon, and those sent at noon arrive in the afternoon. We truly deserve our position among the top five.
For air freight to middle east with DL Logistics, every client enjoys smooth service.