V & S Freight specialises in vehicle shipping to and from South Africa. Whether you're importing a car from the UK, Japan, or the USA, or exporting vehicles to African markets, we handle the entire process — from freight booking to customs clearance and delivery.
Vehicle Shipping Methods
RoRo (Roll-on Roll-off)
Vehicles are driven directly onto specialised car carrier vessels. This is the most common and cost-effective method for shipping cars, trucks, motorcycles, and heavy equipment. Full RoRo guide →
RoRo advantages:
- Lower cost than containerised shipping
- No loading/unloading risk (driven on/off)
- Handles all vehicle types — sedans, SUVs, trucks, buses
- Regular sailings on major routes
Containerised Vehicle Shipping
Vehicles are loaded into sea freight containers — either in a dedicated FCL or shared with other cargo via LCL.
Container advantages:
- Protection from weather and sea spray
- Ability to ship additional goods in the same container
- Better security for high-value vehicles
Vehicle Import Process
- Quote & Advice — Share vehicle details (make, model, year, value, origin) and we provide a comprehensive quote including freight, duty, and all fees. Get a quote →
- Compliance Check — We verify the vehicle meets South African standards (NRCS homologation, roadworthiness)
- Freight Booking — RoRo or container shipping arranged from origin port
- Documentation — Bill of lading, original registration documents, commercial invoice, compliance certificates
- Customs Clearance — We lodge the customs entry, calculate duty (25%) and VAT (15%), and process payment
- Port Release — Vehicle cleared and released from Durban Port Bayhead vehicle terminal
- Delivery — Transported to your location via car carrier or driven (if registered)
Vehicle Import Costs
| Cost Element | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| RoRo freight (UK → Durban) | R15,000 – R30,000 |
| RoRo freight (Japan → Durban) | R20,000 – R35,000 |
| Customs duty | 25% of customs value |
| Import VAT | 15% of (value + duty) |
| Port handling & wharfage | R3,000 – R6,000 |
| Clearing agent fees | R2,000 – R4,000 |
| Local transport | R1,500 – R5,000 |
Example: A used vehicle valued at R200,000:
- Duty: R50,000 (25%)
- VAT: R37,500 (15% of R250,000)
- Total duty + VAT: R87,500 plus freight and fees
Vehicle Export Process
We export vehicles from South Africa to SADC countries and international destinations:
- Documentation — Export permit, police clearance, deregistration certificate
- Export clearance — SARS SAD 500 submission
- Freight — RoRo or container shipping to the destination
- Coordination — We coordinate with clearing agents at the destination port
Types of Vehicles We Ship
- Passenger cars — sedans, hatchbacks, SUVs, 4x4s
- Commercial vehicles — trucks, buses, minibuses
- Motorcycles
- Boats and watercraft
- Construction equipment — excavators, bulldozers, cranes
- Agricultural machinery — tractors, harvesters
- Classic and collectable cars
Popular Vehicle Shipping Routes
| Route | Method | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| UK → Durban | RoRo | 21-28 days |
| Japan → Durban | RoRo | 28-35 days |
| USA → Durban | RoRo/Container | 30-40 days |
| Germany → Durban | RoRo | 21-28 days |
| Durban → Mozambique | Road carrier | 1-2 days |
| Durban → Zimbabwe | Road carrier | 2-3 days |
Vehicle Import FAQ
Can I import any car into South Africa?
There are restrictions: the vehicle must comply with NRCS standards, and certain used vehicles may be restricted. Our team advises on compliance before you commit.
How is duty calculated on imported vehicles?
Customs duty on vehicles is 25% of the customs value (CIF — cost + insurance + freight). VAT of 15% is then charged on the value plus duty.
Do I need a letter of authority from NRCS?
Most imported vehicles require a Letter of Authority (LoA) from the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications. We guide you through this process.
Ship Your Vehicle
Request a Quote → | Call: 076 982 0036