Mining equipment and consumables
Spares, reagents, steel and equipment for Zimbabwean mines.
What we move to and from Zimbabwe
Beitbridge is the busiest commercial border post in Southern Africa. Good preparation is the difference between a one-day crossing and a week of standing time.
Agricultural inputs
Fertiliser, seed, irrigation equipment and farm machinery.
Retail and FMCG
Palletised groceries and retail stock for wholesalers and retailers.
Transit to Zambia and beyond
Cargo in transit through Zimbabwe to Zambia, Malawi and the DRC.
Routes, border posts and transit times
| Route | Main border post | Indicative transit |
|---|---|---|
| Gauteng – Bulawayo | Beitbridge | 2–4 days |
| Gauteng – Harare | Beitbridge | 2–5 days |
| Gauteng – Chirundu (transit) | Beitbridge / Chirundu | 4–7 days |
Transit times are indicative door to door for full loads and depend on border queues, documents being ready and the receiver's clearing agent. Peak periods add time.
Documents and customs at the border
Zimbabwe applies its own import rules, and some goods need pre-shipment inspection or permits before they can enter. We confirm requirements on your commodity before loading.
Pre-shipment inspection
Certain regulated products need a consignment-based conformity certificate before shipment. We check whether yours does.
SADC certificate of origin
South African-made goods may qualify for SADC preference with the correct certificate.
Transit bonds
Cargo passing through Zimbabwe to another country moves under a transit bond.
How a cross-border load runs
- Quote and planning. Send the commodity, weight, dimensions, collection and delivery points. We quote full load (FTL) or part load and confirm the documents needed.
- Export clearance in South Africa. As a SARS-licensed clearing agent we lodge the export entry and prepare the commercial invoice, packing list and any certificate of origin.
- Loading and tracking. The truck is loaded, sealed where required and tracked to the border.
- Border and import clearance. We coordinate with the clearing agent at destination so the import entry is ready when the truck arrives, cutting border time.
- Delivery and proof. Delivery to the consignee with signed proof of delivery returned to you.
Truck options for Zimbabwe loads
The right vehicle depends on weight, volume and how the cargo is offloaded at the other end.
| Vehicle | Typical payload | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Superlink (tautliner or flatdeck) | Up to about 34 tons | Full loads of palletised goods, steel, building materials, FMCG |
| Tri-axle | About 28–30 tons | Heavy single loads, containers |
| 8–10 ton rigid | 8–10 tons | Smaller loads and deliveries into Harare and Bulawayo |
| Groupage / part load | From one pallet | Smaller consignments shared with other cargo |
| Container side-loader / chassis | One 20ft or 40ft | Containers in transit from Durban port |
Abnormal and out-of-gauge loads need permits in both countries and more planning time.
Avoiding delays at Beitbridge
- Pre-clear on both sides. SARS export entries and Zimbabwean import documents are prepared before the truck reaches the border.
- Check product compliance. Certain regulated products need a Consignment Based Conformity Assessment (CBCA) certificate before entering Zimbabwe. We confirm before loading.
- Use a SADC certificate of origin. Qualifying South African-origin goods may enter at reduced or zero duty under the SADC trade protocol.
- Settle duty arrangements early. The consignee must have the means to pay Zimbabwean duty and VAT, or the truck waits.
- Track and communicate. We update you at departure, at the border and on arrival.
Shipping to Zimbabwe through Durban port
Overseas cargo for Zimbabwe — from China, India, the UAE or Europe — usually lands at Durban and moves north under bond, without paying South African duty.
Transit under bond
Cargo is declared in transit through South Africa and duty is paid in Zimbabwe, not South Africa.
FCL or LCL
Full containers move on a truck chassis; LCL cargo is collected from the Durban CFS and loaded onto a cross-border vehicle.
One team end to end
Sea freight, Durban clearance, road transport and the Beitbridge border handled together.
Zimbabwe road freight FAQs
How long does a truck take from Johannesburg to Harare?
Usually 2 to 5 days depending on Beitbridge queues and documentation.
How do you avoid delays at Beitbridge?
By getting documents checked and the import entry pre-lodged by the Zimbabwean clearing agent before the truck reaches the border.
Do you handle transit cargo through Zimbabwe?
Yes. We arrange bonded transit through Zimbabwe to Zambia and further north.
Can you move abnormal loads into Zimbabwe?
Yes, with the necessary permits and escorts planned in advance.
How long does road freight from Johannesburg to Harare take?
Usually about 3 to 5 days, depending on border processing at Beitbridge and the load type. Pre-clearing documents shortens the border time.
Do South African goods pay duty in Zimbabwe?
Duty depends on the product. Qualifying South African-origin goods with a valid SADC certificate of origin may enter at reduced or zero duty; VAT is still payable in Zimbabwe.
Can you move containers from Durban to Zimbabwe?
Yes. We truck containers from Durban port to Harare, Bulawayo and other Zimbabwean destinations under customs transit.
Do you do part loads to Zimbabwe?
Yes. Smaller consignments can travel as groupage on a shared truck.