Shipping to Mongolia: how to choose the right route

Transporting goods to Mongolia requires an individual route selection for each shipment. Even a small shipping to Mongolia job — two pallets, for example — is already a question with several answers. For consignments like these we usually weigh three routes, and the choice depends on what the goods are, their dimensions and how quickly they must reach the consignee.

Where a quote begins

Before we name a route and a price, we settle four questions — the answers rule out some options straight away:

•   what we are sending and its HS code: the code decides whether a given route is available;
•   dimensions, above all pallet height: tall units (about 2.20 m) will not fit everywhere;
•   weight: it decides where air freight pays off and where ground options do;
•   urgency: the deadline often settles the choice.

Three routes for smaller shipments

Air Freight is the fastest option. Both scheduled lines and charters are available. A charter can take even very tall pallets (about 2.20 m), but it departs on its own schedule: sometimes the cargo is ready and you have to wait for the flight. If air freight turns out too expensive, it would be worth considering LTL (groupage).

LTL on the northern route does not apply to every commodity. When planning this route, it is also necessary to take into account the applicable sanctions and transit restrictions. Technology goods with codes beginning 83, 84, 85 and 87 may be restricted or completely excluded from transit on this route; goods of animal origin — containing meat and milk — also run into difficulties. For permitted goods — spices or pasta, for example — transit time is about 24–28 days, not counting possible waiting at borders.

Transit via China takes longer. Here we budget 46–50 days, also excluding waiting at borders and in port. It is an option for non-urgent cargo, but with fewer restrictions on commodity codes.

If the shipment is larger — 20, 33 pallets and more

When it is no longer two pallets but 20, 33 or more, container, full-truck (FTL) and rail-wagon shipments come in. The choice is wider, and we build the quote on the same logic: commodity code, dimensions, weight and urgency.

In short

To sum up:

•   air — measured in days; good for urgent shipments and tall pallet units;
•   LTL on the northern route — 24–28 days, but with limits on codes 83/84/85/87 and on meat/milk;
•   transit via China — 46–50 days, with fewer restrictions on codes;
•   for an exact quote we need the HS code, dimensions, weight and required time.

Times exclude waiting at borders and in port and are confirmed for the specific shipment.

Planning shipping to Mongolia? Send us the HS code, dimensions and weight — we will match the best route on time and price and confirm any restrictions in advance.