Shipping to South Africa

Whether you’re shipping boxes to South Africa or you’re moving to your new home in South Africa and need to ship over your furniture, we can help.

How does our international shipping to South Africa service work?

• Step 1. Fill in our online quotation form. 
• Step 2. We will arrange a survey if you're shipping furniture and supply you with your free quote. If  you're sending baggage we will deliver your boxes ahead of your shipment so you can pack yourself.
• Step 3. We will arrive at your property and collect your items. If you’ve asked us to pack your items our teams will professionally pack them at this stage.
• Step 4. We will transport your items to South Africa via your chosen shipping method.
• Step 5. We will arrange for the customs clearance of your shipment.
• Step 6. We will deliver your items to your chosen end destination.

How will my items be transported to South Africa?

You can ship your items via sea freight to South Africa, or you can fly them via air freight. Sending your items to South Africa via sea freight is the most cost effective method and recommended if you’re planning on sending large items. Air freight is more expensive but faster, so if you need to send small items urgently then this might be the best option for you.

There are two ways to ship your items to South Africa. If you’re shipping a box or a small number of items then we recommend opt for a Shared Container service. If you’re looking to send a whole house then we recommend our Exclusive Container option.

• Shared Container: Your personal and household effects will be loaded in a shared shipping container and you will only be charged for the space your boxes or goods take up.
• Exclusive Container: This is the recommended option if you're shipping a whole home load or wanting to ship a vehicle to South Africa.

How long does it take?

Why choose Pickfords to ship your items to South Africa

• We are the largest international shipper in the UK and operates a consolidated or shared service to South Africa.
• Centuries worth of experience in the international moving sector.
• We operate as part of a trusted and extensive international shipping network.
• Door to door international shipping.
• Personal move manager to help plan your shipment and answer any questions you may have.
• We are acclaimed and accredited by worldwide organisations including the British Association of Removers’ Overseas Group (BAR) and we are a FIDI Accredited International Mover.
• We offer comprehensive Goods in transit insurance to protect your goods on the move.
• We offer a professional packing service to ensure that your shipment is packed correctly and protected throughout the journey.

What items can I send to South Africa?

• Plants, seeds, bulbs and raw cotton.
• Feathers, furs, skins and tusks of protected species

How do we calculate our costs?

If you are shipping baggage or luggage, the cost of your move is determined by the number of cartons you will be shipping and the dimensions of your items. Other factors include the transit method and the destination location in South Africa.

If you are shipping furniture and household effects by sea the cost of your move is influenced by the volume of goods you will be shipping,  the destination location,  the packing service you have chosen and the transit option you have requested.

If you send items to South Africa using air freight, you can expect to pay considerably more as the bulk of your costs are calculated based on the weight of your items. However, air freight is a great option when you need to send a small load, quickly.