Dated updates from the VCS team on Gulf routing, holiday lead times, CBP fees and changes to how we work, so you can plan your next shipment with current information.
The Strait of Hormuz is restricted. We route Gulf cargo via Khor Fakkan, Fujairah, Sohar or Jeddah with onward trucking, or by air. Read the update.
Gulf routing · In effect since October 2026
Gulf cargo now routes around the Strait of Hormuz
Posted · By the VCS team
Since October 2026, container traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has been heavily restricted. Most carriers now route Gulf cargo through ports outside the strait and finish the trip by truck.
We are routing our customers' Gulf cargo through four gateways outside the strait:
Khor Fakkan, on the UAE's east coast
Fujairah, on the UAE's east coast
Sohar, Oman
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on the Red Sea
Cargo for Jebel Ali, Dammam, Hamad Port in Qatar and Shuwaikh in Kuwait moves through these gateways with onward trucking. Urgent shipments can go by air instead.
What it means for your shipment
Routings via the Red Sea or Oman are taking longer than usual.
Transit times and surcharges are changing week to week.
We confirm the routing and the expected transit time for your booking before you commit.
Call (908) 440-0999 before you book and we will walk you through this week's options.
Source: VCS operations team, based on the routings our carriers offer at the time of writing.
Ramadan 2027 starts around 8 February: plan Gulf paperwork early
Posted · By the VCS team
Ramadan is expected to begin around 8 February 2027. The exact date depends on the sighting of the new moon, so it can shift by a day.
During Ramadan, government offices and customs in the Gulf keep shorter working hours. Customs clearance and other paperwork handled by Gulf offices can take longer than usual, so start document attestation early.
Eid al-Fitr falls around 9 March 2027. Expect Gulf port and customs closures for several days around the holiday.
What we suggest
Start chamber of commerce certification and embassy or consulate legalization before Ramadan begins where you can.
Tell us your buyer's deadline when you book, so we can plan the documents and the sailing around it.
Allow extra days for clearance and delivery at destination during Ramadan and over Eid.
Later in the year, Eid al-Adha falls around 16 May 2027. Plan Gulf deliveries around that holiday too.
Source: the VCS 2027 client calendar. Islamic holiday dates are approximate.
Cargo released within 60 minutes of payment on PayCargo
Posted · By the VCS team
You can pay VIP Cargo Services invoices online through PayCargo, our secure payment partner. Once your invoice is paid, we release your cargo within 60 minutes.
VCS is Lightning-rated on PayCargo, which means cargo is released within 60 minutes of payment.
Have your invoice number ready when you pay. PayCargo processes the payment under its own terms, and we do not see or store your card or bank details.
Free freight calculators, updated with FY2027 CBP fees
Posted · By the VCS team
Our freight calculators are free to use, with no sign-up. They are the same tools our team uses every day:
Chargeable weight and CBM, with the IATA and courier volumetric divisors.
Density and NMFC freight class for LTL trucking.
Container fit: how many cartons fit in a 20', 40', 40' high cube or 45' high cube container.
Pallet builder: cartons per pallet within your height and weight limits.
US import fees: a duty and CBP fee estimate from the HTS code, country of manufacture and customs value.
Unit converter, plus a notepad.
On 7 November 2026 we updated the US import fee estimate with the CBP fiscal year 2027 figures for the merchandise processing fee (MPF) and the harbor maintenance fee (HMF). The calculator gives an estimate. Final duties and fees are set when the entry is filed.
Source: VCS freight calculators, 7 November 2026 update.
VCS is a JCTrans Premium member through April 2030
Posted · By the VCS team
VIP Cargo Services is a JC Premium member of JCTrans, the global network of freight forwarders. Our membership, ID 155003, runs from April 2025 to April 2030.
We work with 125+ partners and agents and ship to 193+ countries. Forwarders and agents can find us on JCTrans through our JCTrans company profile.
Source: JCTrans membership certificate, member ID 155003.
