SomaliNet Forums

Whats the best clearing agent and shipping company to ship to Bosaso ?

I want to ship 5 containers via Bosaso to Galkacyo.

I only know of these Somali companies that make use of those old Indian dhows, that only carry boxes on pallets and sacks no container shipments, maybe with some research I can find them for you.

Shipments to Somalia are very risky, I knew a Djiboutian business lady that lost nearly 2 million dollars because her ship wrecked, no insurance at all.

Dawwa,

Thats really awful for that lady.

Man, we are so primitive

Still the majority reaches African shores (close to 95%).

The Somali companies are dirt cheap but very risky.

Using Maersk or any other international shipping company via Djibouti is much safer. After that you can ship it via truck to Gaalkacyo. The taxes will kill you but you know your shit will be brought there.

What kind of items are you trying to send?

Abdiwahab,


My dad has shipped containers to Bossasso from Dubai a couple of times, he didn't make use of the old primitive dhows but real shipping agency, Somali tho so be careful.

I'll ask him for some info for u. Find urself whose close to Gaagaab or Cadde Kuusan and you won't have to pay any taxes at the port, my dad didn't pay any.

Yeah and what kind of items are you trying to send, depending on what it is, you can increase ur chances at paying zero taxes at Bossasso.


Dawwa9,


Those dhows are in front of the Twin Towers in Deira right? I've been there.

Dawwa,

Its mainly electronic equipment along with some diesel generators.

Starscream,

Thanks for the 411. I will look to get local contacts.

I really pity for Somalia as a whole when I see how primitive we are compared to other neighboring countries in terms of infrastructure: airports, ports, roads, etc.

Starscream wrote:My dad has shipped containers to Bossasso from Dubai a couple of times, he didn't make use of the old primitive dhows but real shipping agency, Somali tho so be careful.

I'll ask him for some info for u. Find urself whose close to Gaagaab or Cadde Kuusan and you won't have to pay any taxes at the port, my dad didn't pay any.

The container ones do exist but I don't know their names (the companies). Close connections to Gaagaab can indeed save you thousands you got that right.

Starscream wrote: Dawwa9,
Those dhows are in front of the Twin Towers in Deira right? I've been there.

Exactomundo, near the Rolex towers. The dhows are primitive but very effective and cheap, almost everything in Bosaso is imported with these dhows.

Abdiwahab,

Those items are exactly the kind of stuff you can claim to be for developmental/nonprofit purposes, which will decrease your taxes or no taxes.

It's primitive, but you' be surprised how well organized it is on certain, crucial levels at the Bossasso port, it's not the preferred choice for Somali businessmen ranging from all qabiils for nothing, it's a very efficient port.


Dawwa9,

I was given a tour by the operators of the dhow trade business there after we ate lunch in the twin towers. One section are dhows destined to Bossasso, another section to Berbera and another to Ceel Macaan. They all had the same shit in it, a lot of baasto, mark II cars and landcruisers surf.

Starscream,

Somalis are shrewd businesspeople. The merchant class are the least qabilist because they all belong to Beesha $$$.

I always find it amusing when people try to mix qabiil and business. Its a disastrous combination.

About these Dhows, how big are they ? I assume that they are easily affected by the sea conditions like wind etc ? Is this were the concept of BAAD XIIRAN comes from ? Because the waves are too rough for Dhows unlike big ships ?

I wonder when the last time Mogadishu, Bosaso, Kismayo and Berbera were dredged to remove all the silt that reduces the depths of the Ports ?

Starscream wrote: I was given a tour by the operators of the dhow trade business there after we ate lunch in the twin towers. One section are dhows destined to Bossasso, another section to Berbera and another to Ceel Macaan. They all had the same shit in it, a lot of baasto, mark II cars and landcruisers surf.

To be honest Somali businessmen are the dumbest retailers ever, they all import the same cars and the same products from Hargeisa to Kismaayo the same shit. Sometimes they don't even know they are importing expensive brands of products while there are much cheaper and better ones available (especially with cars!). Some Isaaq businessmen recently found out Toyota is not the only cheap car maker available and also started importing second hand Suzuki's.

Wallahi if I had the money I could beat them all.

Dawwa9,

U should come to Minneapolis. U will see the Somali stalls selling the same shiid right next to each other.

The only smart guys are the Barbers, the tailors etc. since they have little competition.

In your neck of the wood is:-
Express Shipping International Inc
1 E Chase St Baltimore, Maryland 21202
Phone: (410) 576-8215 Fax: (410) 576-0109

Abdiwahab,

There is a certain period when dhows aren't doing business, it was indeed called bad xireen or something. Maybe dawwa knows more, it lasts for 2/3 months annually if I'm not mistaken.


Dawwa,

They're very limited, they lack a good business network and to successfully identify opportunities and challenges you need to put money, time and effort in it, things Somali businessmen are not willing to sacrifice too much of for something longterm.

I agree with you about outdoing them and I think this is why companies like Daallo and Dahabshiil are doing so well, they're lead by educated professionals. Not a large gang of shareholders with an average education.

And somehow little kids from the outside who went on a single visit there can tell you.

Like I said long time ago...May God give you caqli.

Aamiin.

Starscream wrote: Bad xireen

Where did you get this info from? I see them leave and arrive in Dubai everyday, only during heavy storms like the Omani storm of a few years ago they stopped for a few weeks.

Yemen area is suffering from tropical tyfoons and I saw them still sailing off a few days ago.