iContainers is an online logistics platform optimized to help your business easily access the global trade environment. We digitalize international freight forwarding services to simplify global logistics & facilitate trade.
South Africa and the United States are separated by vast oceans but brought together by a dynamic trade relationship that defines their interactions and diplomacy. In 2022, South Africa exported $10.9 billion worth of goods to the U.S. The top products exported include platinum, cars, and gold.
This trade relationship has continued to flourish in the last two decades, increasing at an annualized rate of 5.61%.
If you need to ship goods from South Africa to the United States, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s your complete guide to your ocean and air freight shipping options.
You can choose between ocean and air freight to ship freight from South Africa to the United States.
Ocean freight is the most economical way to ship goods from South Africa to the United States. Not only is it budget-friendly, but it can also accommodate all types of cargo. It’s even flexible enough to give you two options for container shipping: full container load (FCL) and less than container load (LCL).
Among the two, LCL is the option for smaller shipments. Here, goods are consolidated with cargo belonging to other sellers. Each shipper only pays for the space their goods occupy, making it economical for smaller cargo volumes.
FCL, on the other hand, is where a single shipper rents the space in an entire container for their goods alone. They enjoy security and control over their shipments. FCL is best for larger cargo and voluminous shipments. That way, a shipper can maximize the space in their container and achieve a good value for money.
Air freight is the other way to ship goods from South Africa to the United States. This is the fastest international shipping mode, making it preferable for perishable and time-sensitive goods shippers. Air freight is also very secure, thanks to airport regulations that guarantee the safety of your cargo during transit.
Air freight, however, has two disadvantages. The first is its cost—it’s the most expensive way to ship goods internationally. It’s also quite limiting in terms of what you can and cannot ship with a long list of restricted and prohibited goods.
The cost to ship cargo from South Africa to the United States will depend on the following:
For an estimate of your shipping costs, use our freight costs calculator online. The table below lists the current cost of shipping a standard 20-foot container from South Africa to the United States:
TRADE LANE RATES
The duration for shipping goods from South Africa to the United States is primarily influenced by the international shipping mode chosen. Other factors that can affect this include:
Ocean freight from South Africa to the United States will take 15 to 50 days.
Air freight from South Africa to the United States will take 2-8 days.
For the most accurate estimate, we recommend using our transit time calculator.
When your goods arrive in the United States, they will need to pass the customs clearance process. This requires that you prepare and submit the following documents:
Here is a full documents list you can take a look at for examples of these customs clearance requirements.
When choosing between ocean and air freight, you have to consider your needs, priorities, and cargo requirements. Below are some considerations to make to help you make the right choice.
Ocean freight is for you if you value cost efficiency and flexibility. It’s also great if you have unique shipping needs that air freight cannot cater to. Ocean freight gives you choices for container shipping, which you’ll also have to choose from.
LCL is suitable for you if your cargo is:
You might be better off with FCL if your cargo is:
If you want your goods to arrive in the U.S. quickly, choose air freight. It’s also ideal for high-value goods because of stricter airport processes that can guarantee cargo security.
Before selecting this mode of international shipping, however, make sure to crunch the numbers and check your budget, as air freight can get expensive. It’s also unable to accommodate all types of cargo and their sizes, weights, and volumes.
Port Elizabeth is located in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Its facilities allow it to handle container cargo, general cargo, and dry and liquid bulk. The port began its operations in the 1830s and has been a major port in the nation since then.
The Port of Durban is popular in South Africa because it contains the fourth-largest container terminal in the Southern Hemisphere. It is also among the region’s biggest cargo ports, handling over 2.5 million TEUs annually.
The Port of Cape Town is one of South Africa’s busiest ports. It is located among the busiest trade routes in the world. The port boasts the second-largest container facility in South Africa, which can handle a container volume of 888,000 annually.
The Port of New Jersey and New York is the largest port on the United States East Coast. It handles over 7.4 million containers per year and can cater to diverse cargo. The port houses the Port Authority Marine Terminal.
The Port of Long Beach is a major trade gateway in the United States and ranks as the 21st busiest container port in the world. It is popular for its eco-friendly policies and handles a wide range of cargo types.
The Port of Savannah is the largest single-terminal container facility in North America. It is adept at handling heavy goods, including agricultural products, machinery, and cars. The port is also an important route between the U.S. and Asia, Latin America, and Europe.
The O. R. Tambo International Airport is located in Kempton Park, Gauteng, South Africa. It serves the twin cities of Johannesburg and Pretoria, the main capital of South Africa. The airport is a hub for Airlink, South African Airways, Safair, FlySafair, CemAir, and more.
The King Shaka International Airport is the primary international airport serving Durban, South Africa. It is located 35 kilometers north of the city center, specifically in La Mercy, KwaZulu-Natal. The airport is a FlySafair, South African Express, and Velvet Sky hub.
The Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport serves Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. It used to be called the H. F. Verwoerd Airport or the Port Elizabeth International Airport. It’s a hub for South African Airways and FlySafair.
The Memphis International Airport is a civil-military airport located near Downtown Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee. It serves the area of Memphis. The airport spans 3,900 acres and is a hub for Delta Air Lines, FedEx Express, and more.
The Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport is a civil-military airport in Louisville, Jefferson County, Kentucky. It covers 1,500 acres in land area. The airport used to be called Standiford Field. It is a hub for UPS Airlines, Republic Airways, Chautauqua Airlines, and Vision Airlines.
The Los Angeles International Airport serves Los Angeles and its surrounding metropolitan area in California. It is a hub for Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, United Airlines, and more. The airport is also an operating base for Allegiant Air, JetBlue, and Southwest Airlines.
About Us
The process of shipping cargo involves considering several factors, such as the season, shipment size, the chosen shipping method, and the origin and destination points.
Backed by years of experience, iContainers offers traditional freight forwarding services enhanced with modern technology for your convenience. Our digital platform provides you with the ability to manage your entire shipment—from requesting a quote to booking and tracking your cargo—directly from your mobile device.
Contact us anytime for a free quote. We are always here to provide you with the necessary information.