Questions we are asked
What buyers across Southern Africa ask about ports and transit.
Your route
Do you ship construction equipment to South Africa?+
Yes, to Durban or Maputo. South Africa has a strong local market, so imported machines compete on price rather than availability, which is where China is hard to beat.
How does a machine reach Zimbabwe?+
Usually through Beira and then overland, though Durban is worth comparing depending on where in the country you are going.
Can you send machines to Zambia?+
Yes. Beira and Dar es Salaam both serve Zambia, and which is better depends on your town, so tell us and we will compare the two.
Do you ship equipment to Namibia or Botswana?+
Yes, through Walvis Bay. It is the natural western entry and the corridor inland to Botswana is well established.
Which port is cheapest for a landlocked buyer?+
It varies, and the cheapest sea freight is not always the cheapest overall once the road leg is added. We will look at both legs before telling you which to use.
Cost and machines
How much does it cost to ship a machine to Durban?+
It depends on the machine and what is sailing when you book. Send us the machine and we will quote the freight alongside it as one figure.
Is Chinese equipment cheaper than South African used stock?+
On the machine itself, generally yes. The question is whether the saving covers the freight, and on larger machines it usually does comfortably.
What machines sell best in Southern Africa?+
Excavators and loaders for mining support and civil work, and rollers for road contracts. Tipper trucks follow where haulage is part of the job.
Can I buy machines for a mining or agricultural operation?+
Yes, and multiple machine orders are normal for us. Buying together improves both the machine price and the freight per unit.
Practical matters
How long does the voyage from China to Southern Africa take?+
It varies by port and by service. Tell us your destination and we will confirm the real transit time rather than give you a general figure.
Who handles clearance in Southern Africa?+
A licensed agent in the country of entry, appointed by you. If the machine is transiting to a landlocked country, make sure your agent handles transit cargo regularly.
Do I need different paperwork for transit cargo?+
Transit movements have their own requirements at the border, which your agent will know. We provide the invoice, packing list and bill of lading for the sea leg.
Are there rules on importing used machinery here?+
They differ by country and can change, so confirm the current position with your clearing agent before you commit to anything.
