Pony Express runs a dedicated on-board courier (OBC) service from the UK to Ghoriyan, a town in western Herat province close to the Islam Qala border crossing with Iran. Rather than booking your shipment as general air freight, a single hand-carry courier collects it anywhere in the UK, stays with it through check-in and transit, and delivers it in person at the other end. Pricing is by quote — call 0800 288 4052 or email sales@ponyexpress.co.uk to discuss routing and timings.

How the hand-carry works

Once you confirm a booking we identify the fastest scheduled combination of flights into Herat International Airport, the nearest international gateway to Ghoriyan, and assign a courier to travel with your shipment as accompanied baggage throughout. The courier remains contactable and provides milestone updates from collection to hand-over.

What we hand-carry to Ghoriyan

Typical shipments on this route include AOG parts for vehicles and generators, legal and financial documents needing a physical signature, medical samples and equipment, and engineering spares for infrastructure and NGO projects working near the border.

Border and customs considerations

Ghoriyan's proximity to Islam Qala means some shipments move on by road once they clear Herat. We prepare commercial invoices, permits and any Afghan import documentation in advance so your courier can clear customs without delay on arrival.

Frequently asked questions

• How fast can a courier depart? Often on the next available flight from the UK, subject to visa and routing lead times.
• Do you collect UK-wide? Yes, collection is available anywhere in the UK, with direct drive to the departure airport.
• What size shipments do you carry? From document pouches to multiple hold cases, hand-carried by the same courier throughout.
• Is this cheaper than a same-day UK courier? Pricing depends on route and urgency — call for a no-obligation quote.