Key Takeaways
- Shipping a container from South Africa costs between R25,000 and R150,000, depending on destination and container size
- A 20ft container suits 1-2 bedroom homes; a 40ft container suits larger households or those shipping a vehicle
- Choose between FCL (full, private container) for larger moves or LCL (shared container) for moves under 15 cubic metres
- Transit times: UK (3-4 weeks), USA (4-5 weeks), Australia (5-7 weeks), New Zealand (6-8 weeks) by sea freight
Container Shipping Companies
What Container Movers Do
Container moving companies manage the full relocation process or specific services as needed. They can:
- Advise on the right container size (20ft or 40ft)
- Organise international shipping by sea or land
- Offer flexible service levels:
- Port-to-Port: Drop at SA port, collect at destination port
- Drop & Fill: Container delivered to your home; you load it, then it’s collected and shipped
- Door-to-Door: Full-service from packing at your home to final delivery abroad
- Handle customs clearance and export documentation
- Provide packing, loading, and unpacking services
- Offer short- or long-term storage options
- Support shipping of vehicles, motorcycles, and pets overseas
Top Container Shipping Companies Operating from South Africa
9.7
209
Cape Town
28 ratings as Professional
28 ratings as "Professional"
Based in Cape Town, this reputable container shipping company has extensive experience in handling national and international relocations. With a team of dedicated professionals, the company prioritizes customer satisfaction and delivers reliable, high-quality moving solutions.
Services Provided
- International and National Removals
- Car & Vehicle Transport
- Pet Transport
- Art Transport
Sirelo Top Mover
9.1
304
Cape Town
36 ratings as Professional
36 ratings as "Professional"
This trusted container shipping company located is highly specialized in international removals. From expert packing and secure transportation to efficient customs clearance, they ensure a seamless and stress-free moving experience for their clients.
Services Provided
- International and National Removals
- Excess Baggage
- Car & Vehicle Transport
- Piano Transport
- Pet Transport
- Art Transport
8.7
42
Rhodesfield
9 ratings as Efficient
9 ratings as "Efficient"
Situated in Rhodesfield, this container shipping company specializes in handling personal belongings with care. They offer both sea and freight shipping with a customer-focused approach and meticulous attention to detail.
Services Provided
- International Removals
- Excess Baggage
- Car & Vehicle Transport
How to Ship a Container Overseas from South Africa?
Shipping a container overseas involves five key steps: planning your move, choosing the right service level, packing carefully, handling customs documentation, and arranging delivery.
Here’s the process in brief:
- Request free quotes from container shipping companies to compare prices and services
- Use a removal volume calculator to estimate your furniture size in cubic metres
- Decide between a 20ft or 40ft container, depending on your household size and budget
- Choose between a private container (FCL) or a shared container (LCL)
- Select your delivery option: door-to-door, drop & fill, or port-to-port
- Pack yourself or hire movers (recommended for overseas moves): disassemble large furniture, protect fragile items, and label all boxes clearly
- Provide an inventory list, identification, and any required export/import documents
Why Use a Shipping Container for Moving Overseas?
Shipping containers are a secure, cost-effective way to transport household goods, vehicles, or personal belongings abroad. A 20ft or 40ft container offers flexibility for different household sizes and budgets.
Container moving is popular among expats because it consolidates all your belongings in one secure unit, reducing handling and risk of damage. You can combine household goods and vehicles in the same container, and movers handle the packing, loading, customs, and overseas delivery.
How Much Does Container Shipping Cost From South Africa?
Moving a container from South Africa costs between R25,000 and R90,000 for a 20ft container, and R45,000 to R150,000 for a 40ft container, depending on destination, service level, and whether you book a full or shared container.
Container Shipping Costs by Destination
The main factors affecting shipping costs are distance, container size (20ft or 40ft), and whether you book FCL (full container load) or LCL (less than container load).
| Destination |
20ft Container |
40ft Container |
| United Kingdom |
R25,000 – R40,000 |
R45,000 – R70,000 |
| Europe (General) |
R28,000 – R45,000 |
R50,000 – R80,000 |
| USA (East Coast) |
R35,000 – R55,000 |
R60,000 – R95,000 |
| Canada |
R40,000 – R60,000 |
R70,000 – R110,000 |
| Australia |
R50,000 – R75,000 |
R85,000 – R135,000 |
| New Zealand |
R55,000 – R80,000 |
R95,000 – R150,000 |
Prices include sea freight, port fees, and standard customs clearance. Additional costs apply for packing, insurance, storage, and vehicle shipping. Rates vary by season, with peak season (December-February) typically higher.
Factors Affecting Container Shipping Costs
- Distance: Longer routes (Australia, New Zealand) cost significantly more than European destinations
- Container size: 20ft containers suit 1-2 bedroom homes; 40ft containers suit larger households
- FCL vs. LCL: Full container loads cost more upfront but are cheaper per cubic metre for larger moves; shared containers suit smaller moves
- Service level: Door-to-door costs more than drop & fill or port-to-port
- Seasonality: Prices increase during peak moving season (summer months)
- Add-ons: Packing materials, full-service packing, insurance, and storage increase costs
- Port of origin: Shipping from Durban or Cape Town may vary slightly in cost
Shipping Details for Popular Destinations
Container Shipping to the United Kingdom from South Africa
- South Africa to the UK is among the most affordable routes
- Costs range from R25,000 to R70,000, depending on container size and service
- Transit time: 3-4 weeks by sea
Container Shipping to Australia from South Africa
- One of the longer routes
- Costs range from R50,000 to R135,000, depending on container size and service
- Transit time: 5-7 weeks by sea
Moving a Container to New Zealand from South Africa
- Similar distance and pricing to Australia
- Costs range from R55,000 to R150,000, depending on container size and service
- Transit time: 6-8 weeks by sea
Container Shipping to the USA from South Africa
- Costs range from R35,000 to R95,000, depending on container size and service
- Transit time: 4-5 weeks to the East Coast
- Can be more or less, depending on the final US destination
Shipping a Container to Canada from South Africa
- Costs range from R40,000 to R110,000, depending on container size and service
- Transit time: 4-5 weeks by sea
Related article
Find the most up-to-date price on container shipping prices from South Africa to popular destinations.
Request Free Container Shipping Quotes
Compare moving companies and find the best removal quote for your overseas relocation.
How to Pack a Container for Overseas
Careful packing reduces the risk of damage during international transport. Use sturdy materials, distribute weight evenly, and secure all items inside the container.
Packing strategy:
- Declutter first, decide what’s worth shipping overseas
- Use sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, and strong packaging tape
- Place heavy items on the bottom, lighter and fragile items on top
- Wrap large furniture pieces with blankets, bubble wrap, or specialised protective covers
- Disassemble large furniture to save space and reduce breakage risk
- Bag small hardware pieces (screws, bolts, knobs), label, and tape them to the corresponding furniture
- Label all boxes clearly with: contents, destination room, and whether fragile
- Consider hiring professional movers for fragile items, artwork, or unusual shapes
Shipping Container Sizes for Moving from South Africa
Choosing the right container size depends on your household size, the volume of belongings, and your budget. Two standard sizes are available: 20ft and 40ft containers.
20ft Container: Dimensions, Volume, and Capacity
- External dimensions: 6.06m (L) x 2.44m (W) x 2.59m (H)
- Internal dimensions: 5.87m (L) x 2.35m (W) x 2.38m (H)
- Total volume: approximately 33 cubic metres
- Maximum weight capacity: 24,850 kg (payload)
- Best for: 1-2 bedroom homes, studios, or partial household moves
A 20ft container typically holds:
- Furniture from 1-2 bedrooms plus living and dining areas
- Household appliances (washing machine, cooker, fridge)
- Kitchen items, books, and personal belongings
- One motorcycle or small vehicle (if space allows)
40ft Container: Dimensions, Volume, and Capacity
- External dimensions: 12.19m (L) x 2.44m (W) x 2.59m (H)
- Internal dimensions: 12.01m (L) x 2.35m (W) x 2.38m (H)
- Total volume: approximately 67-76 cubic metres
- Maximum weight capacity: 30,200 kg (payload)
- Best for: 3-5 bedroom homes, large family moves, or moves with a vehicle
A 40ft container typically holds:
- All contents of a 20ft container, plus more
- A full 4-5 bedroom household with furniture
- Multiple vehicles (cars, motorcycles)
- Larger items like pianos or exercise equipment
- Office furniture and business equipment
Specialist container options:
- Open-top containers: Ideal for oversized or bulky items like garden machinery, boats, or construction materials
- High-cube containers (40ft HC): 1 foot taller than standard 40ft, offering 86 cubic metres for very large moves
Shipping Container Options: FCL vs. LCL
FCL is a private container for one household, while LCL is a shared container where you only pay for the space you use. LCL is the cheapest option for smaller moves. At around 15m³, an FCL container is usually more cost-effective.
Full Container Load (FCL)
You rent an entire 20ft or 40ft container exclusively for your belongings.
Best for:
- Households moving 20-30 cubic metres or more
- Those who need flexibility and faster departure times
- Moves requiring a vehicle or large items
Pros
Faster shipping (no waiting for container consolidation)
More secure; your items aren't mixed with others' goods
Can pack on your schedule. Better for valuable or fragile items
Less than Container Load (LCL)
You share a 20ft or 40ft container with other shippers. You pay only for the space your items occupy.
Best for:
- Moves under 15 cubic metres
- Budget-conscious relocations
- Smaller household moves
Pros
Significantly cheaper than FCL
Pay only for what you use
No minimum volume required
Cons
Slower shipping; container only departs when full
Longer transit times due to consolidation and deconsolidation
Items handled more times
slightly higher breakage risk
Less control over the packing schedule
Delivery Options: Door-to-Door, Drop & Fill, or Port-to-Port
Choose between door-to-door, drop & fill, or port-to-port delivery. Your decision affects cost, transit time, and convenience; that’s why international relocation shipping companies can guide you based on budget and volume.
Door-to-Door Delivery
The moving company handles everything from packing at your home to final delivery at your destination address.
What’s included:
- Collection from your home
- Professional packing and loading
- Overseas transport
- Customs clearance
- Delivery to your final address abroad
Best for: Those wanting complete convenience and minimal stress
Cost: Most expensive option; includes labour and expertise
Drop & Fill
A container is delivered to your home (empty) for you to fill yourself. Once loaded, the container is collected and shipped overseas.
What’s included:
- Container delivery to your address
- Collection after loading
- Overseas transport
- Delivery at destination port or address (depending on agreement)
Best for: Budget-conscious movers comfortable with packing; those with flexible timelines
Cost: Mid-range; saves on packing labour
Considerations:
- You must load within the agreed timeframe
- Weight distribution and packing are your responsibility
- Professional packing of fragile items still recommended
Port-to-Port
You arrange transport to the departure port (SA), and collect from the destination port. The shipping company handles only the overseas transport.
What’s included:
- Ocean freight only
- Customs clearance documentation
Best for: Those with reliable logistics support at both ends; small moves
Cost: Cheapest option; only covers sea transport
Considerations:
- You arrange (and pay for) collection and delivery at both ports
- Requires coordination at the SA port (Durban or Cape Town) and the destination
- Suitable if you have friends or family able to help collect/deliver
- Packing is entirely your responsibility
Container Shipping Transport Modes
Your choice of transport method significantly affects cost, transit time, and environmental impact.
Moving Overseas Via Sea Freight
Pros
Most cost-effective for long distances
Handles large volumes efficiently
Most eco-friendly transport option
Standard option for international container moves
Cons
Longer transit times (3-8 weeks depending on destination)
Departure schedules depend on container availability
Weather can occasionally cause delays
Moving Overseas by Air Freight
Pros
Very fast delivery (1-7 days)
Reliable schedule with fewer delays
Suitable for urgent shipments
Cons
Significantly more expensive than sea freight (3-5 times higher)
Only practical for small shipments or high-value items
Higher environmental impact per unit shipped
Why Sea Freight in a Container Remains Best for International Moves?
Container shipping by sea is the most cost-effective choice for overseas relocation. It handles large volumes efficiently, costs far less than air freight, and is more eco-friendly. For most South African expats moving abroad with household goods, sea freight is the standard choice.
Shipping a Car Overseas: Container vs. RoRo
You can ship a car overseas using a container or roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) service. Costs vary based on destination, vehicle size, and shipping method.
Container Shipping for Vehicles
- Your vehicle is secured inside a 20ft or 40ft container
- Offers maximum protection against damage, weather, and salt spray
- Can be combined with household goods in the same container (saves cost)
- Best for expensive or classic vehicles
Roll-On/Roll-Off (RoRo) Shipping
- Your vehicle is driven directly onto the ship and secured on the deck
- Usually cheaper than container shipping (R10,000 to R30,000 less)
- Less protection from the weather and marine salt
- Takes a similar transit time to container shipping
Documents and Preparation for Vehicle Shipping
Before shipping your car, you’ll need:
Prepare your vehicle by:
- Cleaning it thoroughly, inside and out
- Securing or removing any loose parts
- Draining the fuel tank to 25% or less
- Removing personal items from the vehicle
- Taking photos of the vehicle’s condition before shipping
Transit time for vehicle shipping typically ranges from 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the destination.
Moving Pets Overseas from South Africa
Moving to an overseas country with pets requires meeting entry requirements before departure. Each country has specific regulations for importing animals.
General Requirements for Pet Import (Most Countries)
Shipping Your Pet Overseas
Air transport: Most pets travel by air, either in the cabin (small animals) or in the cargo hold (larger animals)
Requirements:
Cost: Typically R3,000 to R15,000, depending on destination and animal size
Transit time: Varies by route; usually 1-3 days
Start Planning Your Container Move Overseas
Container shipping requires planning and organisation, but with the right preparation and a reliable moving company, your overseas relocation can be smooth and stress-free.
The most important step is to start early, request multiple quotes, and choose a company with experience in your destination country.
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