RORO and container · Updated November 2026
Vehicle Shipping from Argentina and Uruguay to South Africa
Shipping a car from Zárate (Argentina) or Montevideo (Uruguay) to Durban by RORO typically costs US$1,490–1,930 in sea freight, or US$4,150–6,150 for a motorhome, plus export fees in Argentina or Uruguay and about US$700–950 in Durban. Ships take about 24–30 days to Durban. The RORO carrier only takes vehicles under 20 years old; older vehicles go by container, from US$3,500 for a shared container.
- Instant pricing in about 2 minutes
- Customs clearance support
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Standard car, RORO, Zárate or Montevideo to Durban
from US$1,490
Typical range US$1,490–1,930 · About 24–30 days to Durban
Get my quoteNo account needed. You get instant pricing.
Car from
US$1,490 sea freight (RORO)
Departures
Zárate (Argentina), Montevideo (Uruguay)
Arrival port
Durban; the ship occasionally calls at Walvis Bay
Sailings
Normally one ship a month
Vehicle age
RORO: under 20 years old only
Destination charges
About US$700–950 in Durban
Shared container
US$3,500 per vehicle from Montevideo
Book ahead
2 months to 3 weeks before sailing
How much does RORO shipping cost?
Typical RORO sea freight from Zárate or Montevideo to Durban, based on IVSS quotes for this route in the last 90 days. Export fees in South America and destination charges in Durban are extra.
| Vehicle | Typical sea freight | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Car (saloon/hatchback) | US$1,490 – 1,930 | Get a quote |
| 4x4 / SUV | US$2,230 – 2,990 | Get a quote |
| Van | US$2,510 – 4,650 | Get a quote |
| Campervan / motorhome | US$4,150 – 6,150 | Get a quote |
| 4x4 camper / overlander | US$3,000 – 5,140 | Get a quote |
| Expedition truck | US$6,670 – 9,610 | Get a quote |
How much does container shipping cost?
Container is the choice for classics, high-value vehicles and anything you want to pack with belongings.
Container from Montevideo to Durban
| Container | Price |
|---|---|
| Shared container, per vehicle | US$3,500 |
| 20ft, sole use | US$5,605 |
| 40ft HC, sole use | US$6,550 |
Includes all export costs, customs clearance, stuffing and trucking. Excludes insurance, destination charges in Durban, and costs from a customs inspection, verification, delay or extra port fees. Shared space is subject to availability; the deposit is only taken once a partner is found.
Containers can only be booked 4–6 weeks before sailing, so prices are confirmed for your sailing. Container import costs in Montevideo and Zárate are high; we advise on them before you book.
Why are you shipping your vehicle to South Africa?
Touring / Overlanding
From South America to Africa
Finished in South America? Ship across the South Atlantic and start an African trip in Durban.
Read moreMoving to South Africa
Import your vehicle permanently
Used vehicle imports need an ITAC permit, arranged before shipping.
Read moreClassic and collector cars
Ship an older vehicle by container
RORO only takes vehicles under 20 years old, so classics travel in a container.
Read moreTrade and business
Fleets, plant and machinery
RORO for trucks, plant and oversized units, or containers from Montevideo.
Read moreEntry rules
What are the rules for temporary entry, permanent import and transfer of residence in South Africa?
South Africa controls used vehicle imports through import permits. Visitors bring their vehicle in temporarily on a carnet de passages.
| Option | Who it is for | Duty and tax | What you need |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary entry (visitors and tourists) | Tourists and foreign visitors; not returning South African residents | No duty or VAT while the carnet is valid, generally 12 months from issue | A valid carnet de passages; the vehicle must not be sold, lent, hired or left in the country without you |
| Permanent import | Only set categories may import a used vehicle, such as returning residents, immigrants with permanent residence, and inherited vehicles | Customs duty, plus 15% VAT on the customs value plus 10% and duty | An ITAC import permit and an NRCS Letter of Authority, both before shipping |
| Transfer of residence | Immigrants once permanent residence is granted, and residents returning after at least 6 months abroad working, studying or doing research | A partial rebate of duty may apply under rebate item 407.04, depending on how long you have owned and used the vehicle | ITAC permit, form DA 304A, registration in your name; immigrants may not sell the vehicle for 2 years |
| Classic / historic vehicles | South African citizens or nationals importing a vintage vehicle at least 40 years old, or a recognised collector's vehicle | Duty and VAT are payable; we confirm the amount with the local agent | ITAC permit and an affidavit; the vehicle may not be sold for 2 years |
A carnet vehicle must leave South Africa before the carnet expires. Permits must be in place before the vehicle ships, or it can be held at the port.
Official sources: SARS: CPD Carnet external policy · ITAC: Guidelines for importing used or second-hand vehicles · SARS: DA 304A motor vehicle declaration on permanent change of residence · SARS: Duties and taxes for importers
Customs clearance is through our broker, a local agent we introduce, or your own broker. Rules change; we confirm them for your vehicle before you ship.
Touring / Overlanding
How do I cross the South Atlantic in my own vehicle?
Durban is the usual starting point for overland trips through southern and East Africa. Arrange your carnet before the vehicle leaves South America.
What you need
- A carnet de passages valid for South Africa
- Vehicle registration or title and passport
- Your South American temporary import permit (TIP)
- Road insurance for southern Africa
Before you ship
- Book 2 months to 3 weeks ahead
- Check the vehicle is under 20 years old for RORO
- Remove gas bottles and declare lithium batteries
- Tell us about any motorbike carried on the vehicle
Zárate or Montevideo?
Both are served by the same monthly ship. We quote from either port.
Walvis Bay
The ship occasionally calls at Walvis Bay, Namibia. Ask us if you want to start there.
Going on?
From South Africa we ship to Europe, East Africa, the USA and Australia.
Importing to South Africa
How do I import a vehicle to South Africa permanently?
South Africa only lets set categories of people import a used vehicle. Get the permits before the vehicle sails, not after it lands.
- Permits first
- Apply for the ITAC import permit and the NRCS Letter of Authority before shipping.
- Clearance
- Our broker, a local agent we introduce, or your own clearing agent can clear the vehicle in Durban.
- Duty and VAT
- We confirm the amount with the local agent before you ship.
- Documents
- Registration or title, passport, bill of sale, ITAC permit and the bill of lading.
Trade and business
Do you ship for fleets, projects and businesses?
We ship vehicles, trucks and machinery from Argentina and Uruguay to South Africa for businesses, by RORO or container.
RORO
Monthly from Zárate and Montevideo to Durban. Oversized units are charged by the cubic metre.
Containers
From Montevideo: 20ft US$5,605, 40ft HC US$6,550. See container prices above.
Other routes
We also ship from Argentina and Uruguay to Europe, the USA, Panama and Australia.
Price match
We will try to match or beat any valid quotation.
Why ship with IVSS?
Advice you can use
Carnets, temporary and permanent import, paperwork and insurance, explained before you book.
Trusted agents only
We only use agents we know, which avoids surprise costs.
Kept informed
We update you at every stage, from booking to collection.
We have done it ourselves
We have shipped our own vehicle around the world.
How does shipping from Argentina and Uruguay work?
Book 4–8 weeks ahead. We handle the booking and paperwork, and help with customs.
1
Get a quote
Fill in the 2-minute form for instant pricing.
2
Book your sailing
We confirm the carrier, date and port delivery instructions.
3
Prepare
Clean the vehicle, remove loose items, send your registration document and passport copy.
4
Drop off
At the terminal, normally 4–7 days before sailing.
5
Sea crossing
We track the vessel and keep you updated until arrival.
6
Clearance and collection
Customs is cleared by our broker, a local agent or your own; collection is normally 2–3 working days after arrival.
Do I need marine insurance for the crossing?
Your road insurance does not cover the sea crossing. We arrange All Risks marine insurance from the departure port to the arrival port, with or without a condition survey.
Motorhomes, expedition trucks and 4x4 campers: when insured through us, personal items inside the vehicle are covered up to €15,000, where your route allows belongings in the vehicle.
- Insured value up to €25,000€200 single trip, €400 multi-trip
- Insured value up to €50,000€300 single trip, €600 multi-trip
- Insured value up to €100,000€425 single trip, €850 multi-trip
- Higher values, up to €1,000,000In bands, shown on your quote; above that, ask us
Excess €500 per claim. Cover is subject to the insurer's policy wording, which we send with your booking confirmation. Damage, theft and claims
Questions about shipping from Argentina and Uruguay
How much does it cost to ship a car from Argentina to South Africa?
RORO sea freight for a standard car from Zárate to Durban typically costs US$1,490–1,930, based on IVSS quotes in the last 90 days, plus export fees and about US$700–950 in Durban.
Can I ship a vehicle older than 20 years by RORO?
No. The RORO carrier on this route currently only accepts vehicles under 20 years old. Older vehicles, including classics, go by container from Montevideo.
How often do ships sail to Durban?
There is normally one ship a month. Contact us for the latest sailing dates.
Do I need a carnet for South Africa?
Yes, if you are a visitor bringing your vehicle in temporarily. See the entry rules table for permanent imports.
Is Durban or Cape Town better?
Durban is usually better: Cape Town costs more and takes longer.
Can a motorbike travel with my vehicle?
Yes, but local agents charge extra for a motorbike carried on or in another vehicle. Ask us to confirm the cost before you book.
When are the next sailings?
Live schedules from the carriers we book with. Dates move; we confirm yours at booking.
Argentina and Uruguay to South Africa
Container
Next sailing: Maersk Laberinto from Montevideo on 12 Nov 2026, arriving Durban on 22 Dec 2026 (40 days). About 8 sailings a month. Updated 11 Nov 2026.
Calls at Durban
| Vessel | From | Departs | Durban |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maersk Laberinto | Montevideo | 12 Nov 2026 | 22 Dec 2026 |
| Maersk Laberinto | Buenos Aires | 15 Nov 2026 | 22 Dec 2026 |
| Maersk Lins | Montevideo | 20 Nov 2026 | 22 Dec 2026 |
| Maersk Lins | Buenos Aires | 22 Nov 2026 | 22 Dec 2026 |
| Maersk Leticia | Montevideo | 27 Nov 2026 | 29 Dec 2026 |
| Maersk Leticia | Buenos Aires | 29 Nov 2026 | 29 Dec 2026 |
| Maersk La Paz | Montevideo | 4 Dec 2026 | 5 Jan 2027 |
| Maersk La Paz | Buenos Aires | 6 Dec 2026 | 5 Jan 2027 |
| Maersk Labrea | Montevideo | 11 Dec 2026 | 12 Jan 2027 |
| Maersk Labrea | Buenos Aires | 13 Dec 2026 | 12 Jan 2027 |
| San Raphael Maersk | Montevideo | 18 Dec 2026 | 19 Jan 2027 |
| San Raphael Maersk | Buenos Aires | 20 Dec 2026 | 19 Jan 2027 |
| San Felix | Montevideo | 25 Dec 2026 | 2 Feb 2027 |
| San Felix | Buenos Aires | 27 Dec 2026 | 2 Feb 2027 |
| Maersk Laguna | Montevideo | 1 Jan 2027 | 2 Feb 2027 |
| Maersk Laguna | Buenos Aires | 3 Jan 2027 | 2 Feb 2027 |
| Maersk Londrina | Montevideo | 8 Jan 2027 | 9 Feb 2027 |
| Maersk Londrina | Buenos Aires | 10 Jan 2027 | 9 Feb 2027 |
| Maersk Laberinto | Montevideo | 15 Jan 2027 | 16 Feb 2027 |
| Maersk Laberinto | Buenos Aires | 17 Jan 2027 | 16 Feb 2027 |
| Maersk Lins | Montevideo | 22 Jan 2027 | 23 Feb 2027 |
| Maersk Lins | Buenos Aires | 24 Jan 2027 | 23 Feb 2027 |
| Maersk Leticia | Montevideo | 29 Jan 2027 | 2 Mar 2027 |
| Maersk Leticia | Buenos Aires | 31 Jan 2027 | 2 Mar 2027 |
| Maersk La Paz | Montevideo | 5 Feb 2027 | 16 Mar 2027 |
| Maersk La Paz | Buenos Aires | 7 Feb 2027 | 16 Mar 2027 |
| Maersk Labrea | Montevideo | 12 Feb 2027 | 16 Mar 2027 |
| Maersk Labrea | Buenos Aires | 14 Feb 2027 | 16 Mar 2027 |
| San Felix | Montevideo | 26 Feb 2027 | 30 Mar 2027 |
| San Felix | Buenos Aires | 28 Feb 2027 | 30 Mar 2027 |
- Maersk LaberintoFrom Montevideo 12 Nov → Durban 22 Dec · 40 days
- Maersk LaberintoFrom Buenos Aires 15 Nov → Durban 22 Dec · 37 days
- Maersk LinsFrom Montevideo 20 Nov → Durban 22 Dec · 32 days
- Maersk LinsFrom Buenos Aires 22 Nov → Durban 22 Dec · 30 days
- Maersk LeticiaFrom Montevideo 27 Nov → Durban 29 Dec · 32 days
- Maersk LeticiaFrom Buenos Aires 29 Nov → Durban 29 Dec · 30 days
- Maersk La PazFrom Montevideo 4 Dec → Durban 5 Jan · 32 days
- Maersk La PazFrom Buenos Aires 6 Dec → Durban 5 Jan · 30 days
- Maersk LabreaFrom Montevideo 11 Dec → Durban 12 Jan · 32 days
- Maersk LabreaFrom Buenos Aires 13 Dec → Durban 12 Jan · 30 days
- San Raphael MaerskFrom Montevideo 18 Dec → Durban 19 Jan · 32 days
- San Raphael MaerskFrom Buenos Aires 20 Dec → Durban 19 Jan · 30 days
- San FelixFrom Montevideo 25 Dec → Durban 2 Feb · 39 days
- San FelixFrom Buenos Aires 27 Dec → Durban 2 Feb · 37 days
- Maersk LagunaFrom Montevideo 1 Jan → Durban 2 Feb · 32 days
- Maersk LagunaFrom Buenos Aires 3 Jan → Durban 2 Feb · 30 days
- Maersk LondrinaFrom Montevideo 8 Jan → Durban 9 Feb · 32 days
- Maersk LondrinaFrom Buenos Aires 10 Jan → Durban 9 Feb · 30 days
- Maersk LaberintoFrom Montevideo 15 Jan → Durban 16 Feb · 32 days
- Maersk LaberintoFrom Buenos Aires 17 Jan → Durban 16 Feb · 30 days
- Maersk LinsFrom Montevideo 22 Jan → Durban 23 Feb · 32 days
- Maersk LinsFrom Buenos Aires 24 Jan → Durban 23 Feb · 30 days
- Maersk LeticiaFrom Montevideo 29 Jan → Durban 2 Mar · 32 days
- Maersk LeticiaFrom Buenos Aires 31 Jan → Durban 2 Mar · 30 days
- Maersk La PazFrom Montevideo 5 Feb → Durban 16 Mar · 39 days
- Maersk La PazFrom Buenos Aires 7 Feb → Durban 16 Mar · 37 days
- Maersk LabreaFrom Montevideo 12 Feb → Durban 16 Mar · 32 days
- Maersk LabreaFrom Buenos Aires 14 Feb → Durban 16 Mar · 30 days
- San FelixFrom Montevideo 26 Feb → Durban 30 Mar · 32 days
- San FelixFrom Buenos Aires 28 Feb → Durban 30 Mar · 30 days
Schedule as at 11 Nov 2026. Dates are the carriers' estimates and can change; we confirm yours when you book.
Related routes and guides
Member of
IVSS is a member of BIFA, the British International Freight Association, and FIATA, the international federation of freight forwarders.
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