MSC reduces trucking by moving cargo closer to ports

MSC is changing how cargo moves inside Saudi Arabia by reducing the need for long-distance trucking. It is using King Abdullah Port and Jeddah Islamic Port along with a bonded warehouse in King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) to manage cargo closer to entry points and limit road movement.

Cargo arriving at King Abdullah Port, which is just 15 minutes from the KAEC bonded facility, and Jeddah Islamic Port, around two hours away, can now be stored and sorted before being sent inland. This reduces the need for trucks to carry containers over long distances immediately after arrival.

The shift helps deal with trucking restrictions in the Kingdom by cutting unnecessary trips. Instead of trucks moving containers back and forth, cargo is held near the ports and only moved when needed for final delivery.

The bonded warehouse in KAEC supports both dry and ambient storage, allowing better control over cargo flow. This setup also reduces empty container movement, which is a major cost factor in logistics.

For the sector, this means fewer truck trips, lower fuel use, and better use of transport capacity. It also improves delivery timelines and reduces pressure on road networks, making supply chains more predictable.