How to Choose the Right Shipping Company for Cars from USA to South Africa

A few years ago, I helped a friend ship his classic Mustang from New Jersey to Cape Town. What should have been a straightforward process ended up being a rollercoaster of hidden fees, confusing paperwork, and nail-biting updates (or lack of them) from the shipping company. That experience taught me something important: choosing the right shipping company is not just about who offers the lowest quote—it’s about trust, transparency, and a willingness to walk you through a process that can feel like a maze.

If you’re trying to figure out which company to trust with your car on its journey from the USA to South Africa, you’re not alone. The market is crowded with promises: “fastest delivery,” “lowest cost,” “hassle-free shipping.” But anyone who has ever actually gone through this process will tell you—some of those promises crack under real-world pressure.

So let’s walk through what really matters when picking a shipping company, while also shining a light on a few pitfalls people (including myself) have stumbled into.

1. Reputation: Don’t Just Rely on the Stars

When you’re researching, it’s tempting to scroll through Google reviews or Yelp ratings and stop there. Five stars looks good, right? But here’s the catch: reviews can be misleading. Some companies pad their ratings with generic, glowing reviews that don’t say much, while the real, gritty experiences—like late shipments or poor communication—get buried.

Instead of just glancing at the stars, dig deeper. Read the mid-range reviews (three and four stars). That’s often where you’ll find the nuance: the customer whose car arrived safely but two weeks late, or the one who got a good deal but had to deal with radio silence when asking for updates.

Also, don’t underestimate word-of-mouth. If you know someone who’s shipped a car to South Africa, ask them about their experience. Sometimes a 20-minute conversation with someone you trust tells you more than hours of online research.

2. Experience with the Route Matters

Not every shipping company has equal experience handling shipments to South Africa. Some may be great for sending cars to Europe but only occasionally work with African ports. And “occasional” is not what you want when customs procedures can be complicated and port logistics tricky.

A company that regularly ships cars to Durban or Cape Town will already know the quirks of those routes—what documentation South African customs officers typically request, which shipping lines are more reliable, and even how delays are usually handled. An inexperienced company may appear cheaper on paper but could leave you with headaches if they misstep during customs clearance.

It’s fair to ask upfront: How often do you ship vehicles to South Africa? Which ports do you typically use? A company worth working with will have confident, specific answers.

3. Transparency in Pricing (Hidden Fees Are the Silent Killer)

Let me tell you about my friend’s Mustang again. The company gave him what looked like a great rate—about $1,800 for RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) shipping. But by the time the car was released in Cape Town, he had forked out an additional $600 in “destination charges” that hadn’t been clearly explained upfront.

It turns out, this is a common trap. Many shipping companies quote you only the base ocean freight, leaving out port handling fees, customs clearance charges, or delivery costs at the destination.

When asking for quotes, insist on a comprehensive breakdown. You should know exactly what’s included and what isn’t. Don’t shy away from asking:

Are customs clearance fees in South Africa included?

What about terminal handling charges?

Is insurance separate, or part of the package?

If a company seems evasive or says “it depends” without clarifying, that’s a red flag.

4. Communication: The Forgotten Factor

It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many shipping companies are terrible at keeping clients updated. Some will send you one confirmation email and then disappear until your car magically arrives (or doesn’t).

In international shipping, delays happen. Ports get congested, weather disrupts schedules, and sometimes customs takes longer than expected. A reliable company won’t necessarily prevent all of that, but they’ll tell you what’s going on. Having a dedicated contact person who answers emails or calls quickly can be the difference between sleeping peacefully at night and anxiously refreshing your inbox.

Before signing with a company, test their responsiveness. Send them a list of questions. See how quickly and thoroughly they respond. If they take a week to reply when they’re still trying to win your business, imagine how they’ll behave once they’ve already got your money.

5. Insurance: Don’t Skimp, Even if It Feels Optional

Some companies treat insurance like an add-on, something you may or may not want. And technically, you don’t have to buy it. But think about this: your car will be on a vessel for weeks, crossing an ocean. Storms, accidents, or even simple scratches during loading can and do happen.

I once heard of someone who shipped a luxury SUV only to have it arrive with a huge dent on the side. The company shrugged and pointed out that the client hadn’t purchased additional insurance. The cost of repairing the damage in South Africa nearly erased the “savings” from skipping coverage.

So, even if it adds a few hundred dollars, get proper marine insurance. And again, ask for the details: does the coverage include theft? Damage while loading or unloading? Total loss? The fine print matters.

6. Type of Shipping Offered: RoRo vs. Container

Different companies specialize in different shipping methods. RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) is often cheaper and faster but exposes your car to more handling. Container shipping offers more protection, especially if you’re shipping a luxury or vintage vehicle, but it’s pricier.

A serious shipping company should walk you through the pros and cons, rather than just pushing whichever option is easiest for them. If they seem overly biased toward one method without asking about your car’s value, condition, or your budget, it’s worth questioning whether they’re looking out for your best interest—or just their own bottom line.

7. Credentials and Licensing

This part may feel boring, but it’s crucial. A legitimate shipping company should be registered with the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) in the USA. If they’re not, you’re essentially handing over your vehicle to someone with no formal oversight. That’s risky.

Ask for their FMC license number. You can actually verify it online. If they hesitate to provide it, walk away. Similarly, check if they have partnerships with reliable agents in South Africa, because once your car arrives, you’ll be dealing with those local agents for customs clearance and release.

8. Comparing Quotes: More Than Just Numbers

It’s tempting to line up three quotes and pick the cheapest. But choosing a shipping company is one of those times where “cheapest” often doesn’t equal “best.”

Here’s a trick I’ve found helpful: make a side-by-side chart. List not only the base price but also:

Estimated transit time

Ports of departure and arrival

What’s included in the fee

Communication style (fast, slow, vague, detailed)

This way, you can see the bigger picture. Sometimes paying a few hundred dollars more for a company that actually answers your calls is worth it.

9. Gut Feeling Counts Too

Here’s something people don’t always admit: sometimes your gut knows before your head does. If a company makes you feel rushed, overwhelmed, or brushed off, pay attention to that. Conversely, if you talk to a rep who patiently answers every question—even the ones you’re embarrassed to ask—that’s a good sign.

Shipping a car across continents is stressful. You want a company that makes you feel like they’re on your team, not just trying to close a deal.

10. Final Thoughts: It’s About More Than Moving a Car

Choosing the right shipping company for your car from the USA to South Africa is partly about logistics, but it’s also about peace of mind. You’re not just moving metal and wheels—you’re moving something valuable, maybe even sentimental.

For my friend, watching that Mustang roll off the ship in Cape Town was a moment of relief, pride, and joy—all rolled into one. The journey there wasn’t perfect, but it could have been much smoother if he’d asked the right questions earlier on.

So ask questions. Push for transparency. Compare carefully. And don’t ignore your instincts. Because the right shipping company won’t just get your car to South Africa—they’ll get you through the process without unnecessary stress.

Published on: Sep 11, 2025

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