RORO and container · Updated November 2026

Shipping a Car from the USA to South Africa and Namibia

We ship cars, 4x4s, motorhomes and trucks from US East Coast and Gulf ports to Durban, South Africa, and Walvis Bay, Namibia, by RORO in the enclosed hold or by container. There is normally one sailing a month, calling at South American ports on the way. Every shipment is quoted by hand: we work out the price for your vehicle and sailing and email it to you.

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  • Quoted by hand and emailed to you
  • Customs clearance support
  • BIFA and FIATA member

Car, 4x4 or motorhome, RORO or container, quoted by hand

Quoted by hand

We work out the price for your vehicle and sailing and email it to you. · Normally one sailing a month

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Methods

RORO (enclosed hold) or container

Departures

Baltimore, Charleston, Brunswick, Freeport (Texas)

Arrival ports

Durban (South Africa), Walvis Bay (Namibia)

Sailings

Normally one a month, via South American ports

Transit

Depends on the South American calls; confirmed with your quote

Carnet needed?

Yes for touring; not used for a permanent import

Book ahead

2–3 months; 3 weeks before the ship reaches the US port at the latest

Customs

Through our broker, a local agent we introduce, or your own broker

How is this route priced?

Prices for this route are worked out by hand for each shipment, because they depend on the method (RORO or container), your vehicle's size, the ports and the sailing date. Send us the make and model, the dimensions, the departure and arrival ports and a rough date, and we will work out the price by hand and email it to you.

Why are you shipping your vehicle to southern Africa?

Travellers / Overlanders

Start a southern African trip

Durban and Walvis Bay are the usual starting points for touring southern Africa on a carnet.

Read more

Moving to South Africa or Namibia

Take your vehicle with you

Used imports need a permit before shipping; check you qualify first.

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Classic and collector cars

Ship a classic in a container

A sole-use container keeps a valuable car sealed from loading to arrival.

Read more

Business and equipment

Trucks, plant and machinery

RORO takes units too large for a container, charged by the cubic metre.

Read more

Entry rules

What are the rules for temporary entry, permanent import and transfer of residence in South Africa and Namibia?

South Africa and Namibia are in the same customs union, so a carnet covers both. Permanent imports of used vehicles are restricted in South Africa and need a permit; Namibia gives a duty rebate to immigrants and returning residents who meet the conditions.

OptionWho it is forDuty and taxWhat you need
South Africa: Temporary entry (visitors and tourists)Tourists, foreign visitors and people working in South Africa for up to 12 months.No duty or VAT under a carnet or temporary import permit.CPD carnet, usually valid 12 months (one extension of up to a year through the AA of South Africa), or a free SARS temporary import permit valid up to 6 months. Declare the vehicle online before arrival (from 1 June 2026).
South Africa: Permanent importUsed vehicles are only allowed in defined cases, such as immigrants with permanent residence and returning residents.SARS customs duty is 25% of value (18% for cars made in the UK or EU, with proof of origin), plus ad valorem excise duty and 15% VAT. Immigrants and returning residents may qualify for a rebate.ITAC import permit (form IE462) and an NRCS letter of authority before shipping. Duty paid to SARS.
South Africa: Transfer of residenceImmigrants who hold South African permanent residence.No customs duty or VAT under rebate item 407.04 for one vehicle per family owned and used for 12 months before you move; under 12 months gets a pro-rata rebate. Once per family every 3 years.ITAC permit after permanent residence is granted; the vehicle cannot be disposed of for 24 months. SARS form DA 304A for a rebate claim.
South Africa: Returning residentCitizens returning permanently after at least 6 months working, studying or researching abroad.The 407.04 rebate applies only if you left to settle abroad permanently and owned the car for 12 months. Otherwise customs duty, ad valorem excise and 15% VAT are paid to SARS.ITAC permit; vehicle registered in your name abroad for those 6 months. Employer letter confirming foreign employment.
Namibia: Temporary entry (visitors and tourists)Non-SACU tourists and people working or studying temporarily.No duty while the permit or carnet is valid.NamRA temporary import permit (form NamRA-CE-FR-060), valid for your visit, or a CPD carnet. Hand the permit in when you leave.
Namibia: Permanent importAnyone keeping a used vehicle in Namibia who does not qualify for the rebate.Customs duty and 15% VAT.Import permit from Namibia's trade ministry (import/export management) before shipping; vehicles over five years old are restricted.
Namibia: Transfer of residenceImmigrants, and Namibians returning after permanent residence abroad. One vehicle per family.Full duty rebate under item 407.04 if owned and used by you for 12 months before leaving; 15% VAT still applies.No import permit or five-year limit under the rebate. The vehicle cannot be sold, lent or leased for 20 months.

Carnet and temporary import vehicles must stay with the holder, cannot be sold, lent, hired or altered, and must leave before the permit or carnet expires. A carnet is not for returning South African residents. Customs clearance is handled by our broker, a local agent we introduce, or your own broker.

Official sources: SARS SC-TA-01-06: CPD carnet external policy · SARS media release: Foreign-registered vehicle declarations from 1 June 2026 · SA Government: Importing a second-hand or used vehicle · SARS DA 304A: Motor vehicle declaration on permanent change of residence · NamRA: Temporary Import Permit form NamRA-CE-FR-060 · Namibia High Commission London: Importing vehicles · SARS Schedule 1 Part 1: customs tariff, heading 87.03 · SARS Schedule 4: rebate item 407.04 · SARS form DA 304A

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.

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 the USA work?

Book 4–8 weeks ahead. We handle the booking and paperwork, and help with customs.

  1. 1

    Get a quote

    Fill in the 2-minute form for instant pricing.

  2. 2

    Book your sailing

    We confirm the carrier, date and port delivery instructions.

  3. 3

    Prepare

    Clean the vehicle, remove loose items, send your registration document and passport copy.

  4. 4

    Drop off

    At the terminal, normally 4–7 days before sailing.

  5. 5

    Sea crossing

    We track the vessel and keep you updated until arrival.

  6. 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 the USA

How much does it cost to ship a car from the USA to South Africa?

We quote this route by hand, because the price depends on the vehicle's size, the method (RORO or container), the ports and the sailing. Send us the make, model, dimensions and rough date and we will email you a price.

Which US ports do you ship from?

Baltimore, Charleston, Brunswick and Freeport, Texas. Ask us if another port suits you better.

How often do ships sail from the USA to Durban?

Normally once a month. The ship calls at South American ports before crossing to Durban, and most sailings are full a month ahead.

Do I need a carnet for South Africa?

For touring, yes: we ship touring vehicles with a valid carnet, and the original must be with our local agent at least a week before the ship arrives. South Africa and Namibia are in the same customs union, so one carnet covers both.

Can I import a US car into South Africa permanently?

Only in defined cases, such as immigrants with permanent residence and returning residents. You need an ITAC import permit and an NRCS letter of authority before the vehicle ships, and customs duty, excise and 15% VAT are paid to SARS unless a rebate applies.

Can you ship from the USA to Walvis Bay in Namibia?

Yes. A carnet covers Namibia as well as South Africa. A permanent import needs a permit from Namibia's trade ministry unless you qualify for the immigrant or returning-resident rebate.

When should I book?

2–3 months before departure, because ships on this route are usually full a month ahead. The latest we can book is three weeks before the ship arrives at the US port.

When are the next sailings?

Live schedules from the carriers we book with. Dates move; we confirm yours at booking.

USA to Durban and Walvis Bay

Container

Next sailing: Maersk Serangoon from Savannah on 13 Nov 2026, arriving Durban on 5 Jan 2027 (53 days). About 20 sailings a month. Updated 11 Nov 2026.

Calls at Durban
Container sailings from the US East Coast and Gulf to Durban, Nov 2026 – Feb 2027
VesselFromDepartsDurban
Maersk SerangoonSavannah13 Nov 20265 Jan 2027
Maersk SenecaHouston16 Nov 20267 Jan 2027
Maersk ColumbusHouston20 Nov 202614 Jan 2027
Gsl NicolettaBaltimore21 Nov 202614 Jan 2027
Jamaica ExpressHouston23 Nov 202614 Jan 2027
Gsl ChristenBaltimore28 Nov 202628 Jan 2027
Gsl NicolettaSavannah28 Nov 202614 Jan 2027
Maersk SantanaHouston29 Nov 202628 Jan 2027
Chennai ExpressHouston30 Nov 202628 Jan 2027
Gsl ChristenSavannah4 Dec 202628 Jan 2027
Gsl EleniBaltimore5 Dec 202628 Jan 2027
Tangier MaerskSavannah6 Dec 202628 Jan 2027
Nicaragua ExpressHouston7 Dec 202628 Jan 2027
Gsl EleniSavannah11 Dec 202628 Jan 2027
MarathopolisBaltimore12 Dec 20264 Feb 2027
Tangier MaerskHouston12 Dec 202628 Jan 2027
Panama ExpressHouston14 Dec 202611 Feb 2027
Maersk HuronSavannah15 Dec 202611 Feb 2027
Maersk KensingtonSavannah16 Dec 202611 Feb 2027
MarathopolisSavannah18 Dec 20264 Feb 2027
Maersk SembawangBaltimore19 Dec 202611 Feb 2027
Maersk SuperiorSavannah20 Dec 202618 Feb 2027
ChacabucoHouston21 Dec 202611 Feb 2027
Maersk HuronHouston21 Dec 202611 Feb 2027
Maersk KensingtonHouston22 Dec 202611 Feb 2027
Maersk SuperiorHouston25 Dec 202618 Feb 2027
Maersk SembawangSavannah25 Dec 202611 Feb 2027
Maersk SerangoonBaltimore26 Dec 202618 Feb 2027
Maersk MeadSavannah26 Dec 202625 Feb 2027
Mexico ExpressHouston28 Dec 202618 Feb 2027
Maersk MeadHouston1 Jan 202725 Feb 2027
Maersk SerangoonSavannah1 Jan 202718 Feb 2027
Rdo ConcordBaltimore2 Jan 202725 Feb 2027
Maersk San ChristobalSavannah2 Jan 20274 Mar 2027
Colombia ExpressHouston4 Jan 202725 Feb 2027
Maersk San ChristobalHouston8 Jan 20274 Mar 2027
Rdo ConcordSavannah8 Jan 202725 Feb 2027
Gsl NicolettaBaltimore9 Jan 20274 Mar 2027
Maersk SaigonSavannah9 Jan 202711 Mar 2027
W KampalaHouston11 Jan 20274 Mar 2027
Maersk SaigonHouston15 Jan 202711 Mar 2027
Gsl NicolettaSavannah15 Jan 20274 Mar 2027
Gsl ChristenBaltimore16 Jan 202711 Mar 2027
Tema MaerskSavannah16 Jan 202718 Mar 2027
Jamaica ExpressHouston18 Jan 202711 Mar 2027
Tema MaerskHouston22 Jan 202718 Mar 2027
Gsl ChristenSavannah22 Jan 202711 Mar 2027
Maersk SenecaSavannah23 Jan 202725 Mar 2027
Chennai ExpressHouston25 Jan 202718 Mar 2027
Maersk SenecaHouston29 Jan 202725 Mar 2027
Gsl EleniBaltimore30 Jan 202725 Mar 2027
Maersk ColumbusSavannah30 Jan 20271 Apr 2027
Nicaragua ExpressHouston1 Feb 202725 Mar 2027
Maersk ColumbusHouston5 Feb 20271 Apr 2027
Gsl EleniSavannah5 Feb 202725 Mar 2027
MarathopolisBaltimore6 Feb 20271 Apr 2027
Maersk SantanaSavannah6 Feb 20278 Apr 2027
Panama ExpressHouston8 Feb 20271 Apr 2027
Maersk SantanaHouston12 Feb 20278 Apr 2027
MarathopolisSavannah12 Feb 20271 Apr 2027
  • Maersk SerangoonFrom Savannah 13 Nov → Durban 5 Jan · 53 days
  • Maersk SenecaFrom Houston 16 Nov → Durban 7 Jan · 52 days
  • Maersk ColumbusFrom Houston 20 Nov → Durban 14 Jan · 55 days
  • Gsl NicolettaFrom Baltimore 21 Nov → Durban 14 Jan · 54 days
  • Jamaica ExpressFrom Houston 23 Nov → Durban 14 Jan · 52 days
  • Gsl ChristenFrom Baltimore 28 Nov → Durban 28 Jan · 61 days
  • Gsl NicolettaFrom Savannah 28 Nov → Durban 14 Jan · 47 days
  • Maersk SantanaFrom Houston 29 Nov → Durban 28 Jan · 60 days
  • Chennai ExpressFrom Houston 30 Nov → Durban 28 Jan · 59 days
  • Gsl ChristenFrom Savannah 4 Dec → Durban 28 Jan · 55 days
  • Gsl EleniFrom Baltimore 5 Dec → Durban 28 Jan · 54 days
  • Tangier MaerskFrom Savannah 6 Dec → Durban 28 Jan · 53 days
  • Nicaragua ExpressFrom Houston 7 Dec → Durban 28 Jan · 52 days
  • Gsl EleniFrom Savannah 11 Dec → Durban 28 Jan · 48 days
  • MarathopolisFrom Baltimore 12 Dec → Durban 4 Feb · 54 days
  • Tangier MaerskFrom Houston 12 Dec → Durban 28 Jan · 47 days
  • Panama ExpressFrom Houston 14 Dec → Durban 11 Feb · 59 days
  • Maersk HuronFrom Savannah 15 Dec → Durban 11 Feb · 58 days
  • Maersk KensingtonFrom Savannah 16 Dec → Durban 11 Feb · 57 days
  • MarathopolisFrom Savannah 18 Dec → Durban 4 Feb · 48 days
  • Maersk SembawangFrom Baltimore 19 Dec → Durban 11 Feb · 54 days
  • Maersk SuperiorFrom Savannah 20 Dec → Durban 18 Feb · 60 days
  • ChacabucoFrom Houston 21 Dec → Durban 11 Feb · 52 days
  • Maersk HuronFrom Houston 21 Dec → Durban 11 Feb · 52 days
  • Maersk KensingtonFrom Houston 22 Dec → Durban 11 Feb · 51 days
  • Maersk SuperiorFrom Houston 25 Dec → Durban 18 Feb · 55 days
  • Maersk SembawangFrom Savannah 25 Dec → Durban 11 Feb · 48 days
  • Maersk SerangoonFrom Baltimore 26 Dec → Durban 18 Feb · 54 days
  • Maersk MeadFrom Savannah 26 Dec → Durban 25 Feb · 61 days
  • Mexico ExpressFrom Houston 28 Dec → Durban 18 Feb · 52 days
  • Maersk MeadFrom Houston 1 Jan → Durban 25 Feb · 55 days
  • Maersk SerangoonFrom Savannah 1 Jan → Durban 18 Feb · 48 days
  • Rdo ConcordFrom Baltimore 2 Jan → Durban 25 Feb · 54 days
  • Maersk San ChristobalFrom Savannah 2 Jan → Durban 4 Mar · 61 days
  • Colombia ExpressFrom Houston 4 Jan → Durban 25 Feb · 52 days
  • Maersk San ChristobalFrom Houston 8 Jan → Durban 4 Mar · 55 days
  • Rdo ConcordFrom Savannah 8 Jan → Durban 25 Feb · 48 days
  • Gsl NicolettaFrom Baltimore 9 Jan → Durban 4 Mar · 54 days
  • Maersk SaigonFrom Savannah 9 Jan → Durban 11 Mar · 61 days
  • W KampalaFrom Houston 11 Jan → Durban 4 Mar · 52 days
  • Maersk SaigonFrom Houston 15 Jan → Durban 11 Mar · 55 days
  • Gsl NicolettaFrom Savannah 15 Jan → Durban 4 Mar · 48 days
  • Gsl ChristenFrom Baltimore 16 Jan → Durban 11 Mar · 54 days
  • Tema MaerskFrom Savannah 16 Jan → Durban 18 Mar · 61 days
  • Jamaica ExpressFrom Houston 18 Jan → Durban 11 Mar · 52 days
  • Tema MaerskFrom Houston 22 Jan → Durban 18 Mar · 55 days
  • Gsl ChristenFrom Savannah 22 Jan → Durban 11 Mar · 48 days
  • Maersk SenecaFrom Savannah 23 Jan → Durban 25 Mar · 61 days
  • Chennai ExpressFrom Houston 25 Jan → Durban 18 Mar · 52 days
  • Maersk SenecaFrom Houston 29 Jan → Durban 25 Mar · 55 days
  • Gsl EleniFrom Baltimore 30 Jan → Durban 25 Mar · 54 days
  • Maersk ColumbusFrom Savannah 30 Jan → Durban 1 Apr · 61 days
  • Nicaragua ExpressFrom Houston 1 Feb → Durban 25 Mar · 52 days
  • Maersk ColumbusFrom Houston 5 Feb → Durban 1 Apr · 55 days
  • Gsl EleniFrom Savannah 5 Feb → Durban 25 Mar · 48 days
  • MarathopolisFrom Baltimore 6 Feb → Durban 1 Apr · 54 days
  • Maersk SantanaFrom Savannah 6 Feb → Durban 8 Apr · 61 days
  • Panama ExpressFrom Houston 8 Feb → Durban 1 Apr · 52 days
  • Maersk SantanaFrom Houston 12 Feb → Durban 8 Apr · 55 days
  • MarathopolisFrom Savannah 12 Feb → Durban 1 Apr · 48 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

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