Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Jan, 04 2026
How Much Does It Cost To Ship A Container To Zimbabwe?
The cost of shipping a container to Zimbabwe may vary by several factors that will affect its cost. Even though the Three Movers team has already sharpened its expertise in the moving and shipping business, the cost doesn’t always have the same range because our clients’ locations are different. We also know that if we adopt the one-size-fits-all mentality, then some of our needs won’t be attended to. That is why we have multiple options available that you can choose from. The details are listed below.
Three Movers is an international container hauling company that specializes in moving cars, and international freight across the world. We are one of the top shipping companies available, with relocating services for both commercial and personal use! We have every type of transportation option available, whether you need international or domestic moving. Our staff can help you find the perfect combination of hauling services to suit your needs in all shipping lines.
Factors that Affect the Cost of Hauling a Container
When relocating a container in Zimbabwe, there are several factors that will affect the cost. This includes:
- The volume and weight of the container. The more items you fit into your container, the higher the costs will be. The same applies to its weight.
- The mode of transportation used. Commonly, there are two ways for you to ship your items. It’s either via sea or air.
- The distance. The farther you ship it from the destination, the more expensive it will be.
- The peak period. The busiest period in Zimbabwe is from July to October because their game-viewing activities are at their peak. Make sure to plan this months before so you can avoid additional costs.
- The destination port: Zimbabwe’s main port is located in Chiredzi. The reason why this affects the hauling cost is that there are certain country requirements, restrictions, forms, and certificates you need to be mindful of. Some wildlife products are banned through international conventions governing their trade, such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). The Government of Zimbabwe requires the following import documentation: a bill of entry plus relevant invoices, documents such as a bill of lading, freight statements, and certificates of origin, especially for products entering from member states of SADC and the PTA.
Which Size of Container Works Best for Me?
There are two most commonly used types: 20 and 40-foot containers. They differ in their storage capacity and appearance.
The amount of load you have will be a factor to consider in determining the cost of your shipment. The good thing is that if the number of goods is less than the container, then you won’t have to worry about the additional cost because you can share it with other customers. This is what we call the Less Than Container Load (LCL) option. On the other hand, if your items can fit a whole container, it is Full Container Load (FCL).
Besides being cheaper when compared to LCL, FCL is more advantageous because It will be shipped faster, and more secure, and you won’t have to worry about the items you fit in it because you have the space all to yourself.
Average Relocating Rates Estimates
FCL shipping is best for transporting lots of boxes, pallets and anything that will require a full container shipping to Zimbabwe of up to 45,000 lbs.
Full Container Load (FCL) Shipping Rates | |
|---|---|
| 20 ft | $1650 |
| 40 ft | $1855 |
LCL shipping is a more affordable way to transport less to Zimbabwe.
Less Than Container (LCL) Shipping Rates | |
|---|---|
| LCL | $140/CBM |
| Personal Effects | $855 |
| Household Goods | $1350 |
International House moving to Zimbabwe services - quick, easy, and cheap.
International House Moving Costs | |
|---|---|
| Partial House (2000Lbs & Less) | $845 |
| 1 Bedroom (3850 Lbs) | $1740 |
| 2 Bedroom (4500 Lbs) | $2945 |
| 3+ Bedroom (8750 Lbs) | $4460 |
International auto transport services to Zimbabwe via RoRo and container ships. Ship cars, trucks, suvs, atv's, boats, RV's, heavy equipment and more.
Container Car Shipping | |
|---|---|
| Sedan via RORO | $1340 |
| SUV via RORO | $1575 |
| Sedan (Container) | $2340 |
| SUV (Container) | $2410 |
Understanding the Different Types of Freight Transportation
Goods can be shipped to Zimbabwe through either the sea or the air.
- Sea Freight Transportation. This course of action is recommended if there is no pressing time crunch. Although shipment time will be longer than with air freight, you can cut your costs by as much as five times.
- Air Freight Transportation. We advise selecting this alternative if the speed of relocating is an important factor. It will help you save time and make your container safer at the same time. Yet, the price will increase to be at least five times as expensive as the cost of shifting overseas.
Additional Costs
As we already mentioned earlier, there are several factors to consider in shipping a container in Zimbabwe. Among are:
- The volume and weight of the items to be shipped
- The type of transportation used
- Distance
- The destination port
- The peak period
- The shipping line
But that’s not all. You may need to consider other factors due to importing procedures such as:
- Custom fees
- Insurance
- General Rate Increase (GRI)
- Inland Delivery Charges
- Quarantine and Container Inspection fees
Relevant Statistics
- On average, approximately 850 shifting containers are sent to Zimbabwe each month.
- More than 90% of the imported goods in Zimbabwe arrive via containers.
- The cost of relocating a standard 20-foot container to Zimbabwe ranges between $2,000 and $2,500.
- Roughly 75% of the containers destined for Zimbabwe are used for commercial purposes.
- Zimbabwe's main ports handle over 25,000 containers annually, contributing to its robust import-export trade.
General Facts
- Relocating containers are widely used for transporting goods internationally.
- Zimbabwe has a well-established shipping network, making it accessible for container transportation.
- The main ports in Zimbabwe for receiving shipping containers are Beira and Durban.
- Containers can be transported by land or sea to reach Zimbabwe.
- Proper documentation and customs clearance are required for shipping containers entering Zimbabwe.
What’s Next
Now that you’re knowledgeable enough, then you are ready to get a free quote from us so let’s get started by either filling up the form or giving us a call at (888) 202-0036.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost of shipping a container to Zimbabwe typically ranges from 3,800 to 8,500 USD. Pricing is driven by container size (20ft or 40ft), origin country, fuel surcharges, FCL vs LCL, port congestion, and inland delivery after arrival. Routes from China, the U.S., and the UK vary widely in both cost and transit time. For broader pricing context, see our international moving costs breakdown.
Shipping a container from China to Zimbabwe generally costs 4,200 to 7,500 USD for a 20ft container. Rates depend on port of origin such as Shanghai or Ningbo, carrier availability, and whether cargo moves through Durban or Beira. Transit times usually range from 35 to 50 days, with slower routes often offering lower base freight rates.
From the USA, container shipping to Zimbabwe typically costs 5,500 to 9,000 USD. East Coast ports like New York or Savannah are often more economical than West Coast departures. Pricing is influenced by inland trucking distance, container size, seasonal demand, and transshipment routing. Full-container shipments offer clearer delivery windows than shared loads.
Key cost drivers include container size, FCL or LCL selection, origin country, fuel and carrier surcharges, customs duties, and final inland delivery within Zimbabwe. Extra fees may apply for overweight cargo, non-stackable items, or special handling. Understanding these variables reduces unexpected charges during overseas moves. Additional planning details are covered in our moving overseas shipping costs guide.
A 20ft container has a lower upfront price, but a 40ft container often provides a better cost per cubic foot. For shipments over 900 cubic feet, a 40ft container usually lowers overall shipping cost. Final pricing also depends on cargo weight, port handling fees, and carrier limits, which vary by route and season.
Container shipping to Zimbabwe generally takes 30 to 55 days, depending on origin and routing. Most shipments arrive via regional ports such as Durban or Beira before inland transport. FCL shipments typically move faster than LCL because they avoid consolidation delays. Weather conditions and customs inspections can extend delivery timelines.
No, customs duties and taxes are not included in ocean freight charges. Importers must pay import duty, VAT, and possible surtaxes based on cargo type and declared value. Accurate documentation is critical to avoid clearance delays. For shipment structure options, review our international overseas moving tips resource.
Full Container Load (FCL) is usually better for predictable pricing, security, and faster transit. Less Than Container Load (LCL) may suit very small shipments but often costs more per cubic foot and takes longer. For household or commercial cargo to Zimbabwe, FCL typically delivers better overall value, as outlined in our international moving and storage overview.
