Cross-Border Road Freight

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Cross-Border Road Freight

Reliable overland freight connecting South Africa to its neighbours. ExpressRoad handles the collection, the customs paperwork, the border clearance and the final delivery — so your goods move door to door across Southern Africa without you managing a single crossing.

Destinations & transit times

CountryTransit timeKey routes
Mozambique3–5 business daysMaputo, Beira, Nampula
Zimbabwe3–5 business daysHarare, Bulawayo, Mutare
Botswana2–4 business daysGaborone, Francistown, Maun
Namibia3–5 business daysWindhoek, Walvis Bay, Oshakati
Eswatini2–3 business daysMbabane, Manzini
Lesotho2–3 business daysMaseru, Leribe
Zambia4–7 business daysLusaka, Livingstone, Ndola
Malawi5–7 business daysLilongwe, Blantyre

Transit times are typical door-to-door estimates and can vary with border volumes, customs and destination distance.

Customs & documentation

Every cross-border shipment needs customs paperwork. ExpressRoad manages the process to keep your goods moving:

  • Commercial invoices — we make sure documentation meets the destination country's requirements.
  • Customs clearance — our agents clear your goods at the border posts on your behalf.
  • Duties & taxes — guidance on the duties, taxes and import rules that apply to your shipment.
  • Permits & licences — help with special permits for restricted or regulated goods.
  • SAD 500 forms — preparation of the South African customs declaration.

Accurate paperwork is everything. Complete, correct documentation is the single biggest factor in avoiding border delays. Provide detailed goods descriptions, correct HS codes and honest declared values for everything in the load.

What you can ship cross-border

Commercial goods

Merchandise, retail stock and wholesale distribution loads.

Materials & components

Manufacturing inputs, parts and industrial supplies.

Agricultural products

Produce and agricultural goods, with the required permits.

Personal effects

Household goods and personal effects for relocations.

Documents & samples

Business documents, samples and promotional materials.

Machinery & equipment

Industrial machinery and heavy equipment.

Why ship cross-border with ExpressRoad?

  • Experienced border agents at all major crossing points
  • Door-to-door service — collection in SA, delivery to the final destination
  • Full tracking across borders with real-time status updates
  • Consolidated shipments to reduce cost on smaller loads
  • Goods-in-transit insurance covering the whole journey

Frequently asked questions

Do you handle customs clearance for me?
Yes. Our agents prepare the documentation and clear your goods at the border on your behalf, including the SAD 500 declaration. You supply accurate descriptions, HS codes and values; we manage the crossing.
Who pays the duties and taxes?
Duties and import taxes are set by the destination country and are normally payable by the importer. We guide you on what applies to your shipment so there are no surprises at the border.
How are cross-border shipments priced?
On the higher of actual or volumetric weight (÷ 5000), rounded up to the next whole kilogram, plus the route and any customs handling. Check your billable weight on the calculator.
Can I track my shipment across the border?
Yes — you get real-time status updates from collection in South Africa through to final delivery in the destination country.

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Tell us your destination, goods description and shipment size — get an instant quote or call 086 9990 559.

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