Cargo Guide
Cargo & Freight Transport in Pakistan — A Practical Guide
Moving goods by road in Pakistan is its own trade. Here's what businesses and families should know before they hand over a load.
A car and a carton of stock are moved by very different logic. Cargo is bulk, it's shared, and the receipt that matters is the bilty — not a tracking number you watch on a phone. We run cargo and freight across 50-plus cities, and the questions we get are usually the same: what vehicle, what paper, how long, and will it arrive in one piece.
If your load is household goods rather than commercial freight, our household goods relocation service is the better fit. This guide is for general cargo.
Pick the Right Vehicle
- Small pickup / Shehzore: a few cartons, local delivery
- 6-wheel / 10-wheel: shop stock, a portion of a house
- Closed container (mazda / haiski): dust- and rain-proof, best for long routes
- Flatbed: machinery and odd shapes that won't fit a box
The Bilty Is Your Receipt
The bilty (goods receipt) names the sender, receiver, load and destination. On a shared truck your cartons are listed under your consignment number. Keep your copy — the receiver must show it or be verified against it at delivery. A mover who won't give you a bilty is a mover to avoid.
Transit Times, Honestly
- Within a city: same day
- Lahore ↔ Islamabad: next day
- Karachi ↔ Lahore: 3–5 days
- Karachi ↔ Islamabad / Peshawar: 4–6 days
- Monsoon and fog can add a day; shared loads add a collection day
Pricing Works on Weight and Volume
Cargo is priced on whichever is greater — actual weight or volumetric weight (length × width × height ÷ a factor). That's why a light but bulky load of cushions can cost more than a dense crate. Fuel surcharge on long routes is normal and should be shown on the quote, not sprung on you later.
Choosing a Partner You Can Trust
A physical office, a proper bilty, and driver or GPS updates are the non-negotiables. For commercial loads, take the transit cover and read the exclusions. Our transparent pricing page shows how vehicle, material and insurance are itemised so you can compare like for like.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between cargo and a courier parcel?
A courier moves small parcels door to door. Cargo moves bulk goods — cartons, machinery, commercial stock — by truck or container, usually on a shared or dedicated load with a bilty as the receipt.
What documents travel with a cargo shipment?
A bilty (goods receipt), your CNIC copy, and an invoice or packing list for commercial goods. The bilty is the legal proof of what was handed over and must be produced at delivery.
How long does cargo take between cities?
Lahore to Islamabad is typically next-day. Karachi to Lahore runs three to five days, Karachi to Islamabad four to six, depending on load and weather. Sharing a truck adds a day for collection points.
Is cargo insured?
It can be. We offer transit cover on declared value, and for commercial or fragile loads we strongly suggest it. Confirm the excess and what is excluded before you book.
How do I choose a cargo company?
Look for a physical office, a clear bilty, GPS or driver updates, and honest weight-based pricing. Reading past reviews and confirming the delivery point saves trouble later.
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Move Your Cargo With Confidence
Bilty-backed, tracked road cargo across Pakistan. Get a clear quote from Sohail Brothers today.