Container shipping Rotterdam to Cape Town
Do you need to ship a container from Rotterdam to Cape Town (ZACPT)? Sea freight is very useful: large items can be shipped for competitive rates, it is great for bulk goods and it’s more than 50% cheaper than air. Exporting a container overseas with food or cars and other vehicles can be arranged by shipping companies such as X-Press Feeders. They offer and a wide range of container types. An important distinction is a full container just for your freight (FCL) and a shared container (LCL). Via this website we offer useful information for the purpose of international transport Cape Town (ZA CPT). We provide practical information about the ways in which you can transport cargo by sea. On this website you can read a export plan in 5 steps. Mail us with your needs and we get you a quote with an attractive price and fast transit time.
- Ocean shipping is a very popular, safe and relatively cheap way to ship your goods to anywhere in the world.
- When we compare this to air freight, you have lower costs and more time for document processing.
- Sea freight is perfect for worldwide relocations and transporting liquid bulk or consumer goods.
- The Port of Cape Town offers excellent transit options in South Africa.
- Frequently used containers types are: 20 footers, 40 footers and Insulated, Dry Van, Flat Rack, Ventilated, Tank, Refrigerated containers.
Main topics
Shipping to Cape Town (ZACPT) from Rotterdam (NLRTM)
Ocean freight shipping is the most common way to transport cargo globally. Your articles are packed tightly in a container. Your freight forwarder will book a container. A shipping vessel will be ready for your goods at the port of origin (POO) Cape Town (ZA CPT), and will be shipped by sea to the agent at the POD (port of destination). There are different kind of options: port-to-port, door-to-door, door-to-port or port-to-door. In the list below we provide you with details about the port of discharge.
| Port of departure | Port of Rotterdam (NLRTM) |
| Country of departure | Netherlands |
| Port of destination | Port of Cape Town |
| Country of destination | South Africa |
| Port Code | ZACPT |
| Transit Time | +/- 31 days |
| Shipping costs | $$ |
| Local address | P O Box 4245 Cape Town, Roggebaai 8000 South Africa |
| customercare.tnpa@transnet.net | |
| Website | www.transnetnationalportsauthority.net |
| Phone | 214493408 |
Freight Forwarder Rotterdam – port of Cape Town
- Cargo details
Enter the port of departure and the POD (port of destination). Determine your container terms: (FCL) full containers or partial shipments (LCL). You can also choose the size of the container (20-foot, 40-foot, or a 40-foot high cube).
- Loading the freight
Firstly, make sure your goods are tightly packaged. To avoid damage, ensure that your cargo is always placed on pallets. Your cargo must also be easily recognizable with labels.
- Customs document
If you ship cargo to Cape Town (ZACPT), you will need various export documents (for correct national customs papers): bill of lading, packing declaration, export/import customs declaration, packing list, certificates of origin. The meaning of a Bill of Lading is a contract provided by a carrier to a shipper to acknowledge that they have received the goods and noticing that the cargo is well packed for transport.
- Determine the transfer of risk (Incoterm)
An incoterm is a set of rules to define obligations, costs, and risks involved in the delivery of goods. The agreed Incoterm determines who is responsible for e.g the cost and risk of transportation, insurance, duties payable and clearing customs. Much chosen incoterms are Ex Works (EXW), Delivery Duty Paid (DDP), Cost, Insurance Freight (CIF).
- Track and Trace shipment
Use sea freight tracking to check where your cargo is right now. You can see 24/7 when the shipping is registered at the POO (port of load), arrived at Port of Discharge (POD) and when the cargo has reached its final destination.
Sea freight from Cape Town (ZACPT) to Rotterdam (NLRTM): pick a container
You need to ship a container from port of Cape Town – (ZA CPT) to port of Rotterdam – (NL RTM)? It is highly recommended to pick the right container type. They come in different sizes (20 ft, 40 ft) and different terms and conditions (FCL shipping or LCL shipment). Well-known shipping lines are CMA CGM, Evergreen, Hapag-Lloyd, K Line, Maersk, MOL, MSC, ZIM. Major towns near the seaport are Cape town, Atlantis, Stellenbosch, Somerset west, Paarl, Malmesbury, Grabouw, Koffiefontein, Mooreesburg, Hermanus, Worcester, Ceres, Saldanha, Robertson, Bredasdorp, Swellendam, Vredendal, Calvinia, Mosselbay, Oudtshoorn. Below you can compare all types and read more about the most popular products. We are happy to provide you with more information about International Movings.
Explanation of the twenty foot container
20 FT containers (also known as dry van) is the most common container worldwide. It’s a very common and efficient size, which results in lower shipping costs. Particularly suitable for the transport of personal items or international movings. Good to know: A TEU is a standard container with a length of 20 feet.
- The most commonly used box for the transportation of cargo via ocean shipments.
- A 20-foot container has the following dimensions: 6058mm x 2438mm x 2891mm.
- You can use 11 pallets on one tier.
- The maximum allowable load is +/- 27.300 kg.
Important specifications of the 40 FT container
The 40-foot container is identical to the 20-foot container, but once the size. They can carry between 23 and 24 Europallets in one tier. This makes it a very popular choice for transporting large loads by sea. Also, people can also opt for the 40 foot container ‘high cube’ deal. Thereby you have a little more height. Ideal for tall items.
- The ideal means of transport for large loads.
- The dimensions of a 40-foot container are: 12031 x 2346 x 2383 mm.
- The 40’ft container can hold up to 24 EU pallets.
- In terms of weight fits maximum: +/- 28.100 kilogram.
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Information about FCL containers
When you want to ship large quantities of goods, then you better book an exclusive private full container. Within the logistics sector this is called FCL (Full Container Load). All cargo space is used exclusively for you. This has multiple advantages: It guarantees a faster transit time, a smaller chance of damage to the freight and the rates are more favorable. There are of course also drawbacks: the transport over land is more complex (truck) and it is harder to unload the FCL shipment. Have your cargo depart from another port? See also Antwerp to Cape Town (ZACPT) or Hamburg to Cape Town (ZACPT).
- FCL means that the whole container is intended for one shipper.
- Ideal for bulk items and large-volume products.
- It is cheaper when the shipment uses more than 10 pallets.
- Available at: e.g. MSC, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, COSCO, ONE.
(LCL) Less than container
With a small freight, then your freight will be bundled with other freights. Logistics management organization handles this as a LCL (Less Than Container Load). With LCL transport, you just pay for the amount of space used in a single container. There are many positive aspects to mention like: perfect for shipping small loads, storage and insurance is advantageous and it is faster during peak-season. Pay attention: if you have a cargo load that is more than half a container unit, then FCL is probably your best bet. LCL cost is calculated by volume, usually in cubic meters (CBM).
- LCL means that a partial container is booker for the freight.
- An excellent choice for cargo volumes between 2,5 m3 & 14 m3.
- Deal for cargo that does not fill the entire container.
- Wide availability in all months of the year.
- Available at: e.g. POL, Wan Hai, HMM, Yang Ming, Evergreen.
Special containers for special freight
The range of boxes is very varied for the shipment of your goods. Each type of cargo has its own characteristics and methods. The Dry van is suitable for many common goods. Special boxes are also being used for oil, petroleum, and freshwater, onions, potatoes, vegetables or unique high value cargo. Our expert has laid out a list below. You can also look further at transport options in Aqaba (JOAQJ), port of Suape Marine Terminal (BRIPO), Liverpool (CALIV) harbor and terminal Brest (FRBES).
- Bulk Containers: often used for dry bulk cargo like grain and coal.
- Flat Rack Containers: it is flat and cargo can be loaded either from the sides or from the top.
- Hard-Top Containers: for shipping heavy to very heavy cargo.
- High-Cube Containers: it is 1 foot taller than the standard height of shipping containers.
- Insulated Containers: ideal for Storage or Shipping Dry Goods.
- Open-Top Containers: also have end doors, like closed containers, to give flexibility for loading and unloading.
- Palletwide Containers: the ideal type for transporting many euro pallets.
- Refrigerated Containers: reefers are ideal for moving temperature-sensitive cargo.
- Tank Containers: ideal for transport and distribution of bulk liquids.
- Ventilated Containers: are fitted with additional ventilation holes.
Important types of ocean cargo: which items do you want to transport by sea?
Shipping goods by sea from Rotterdam (NLRTM) to Cape Town (ZACPT) has a lot of pluses: attractive tariffs, very safe and secure and it’s better for the environment than air freight. Much seen ocean cargo that are transported by sea are: containerized, roll on/roll off, liquid bulk, neo bulk, break bulk. Below you can read more information about it.
- Car shipping: it saves money and time to to have your vehicle shipped.
- House Moving: fast and cheap way for international relocations.
- Removals (Household Goods): Ships your household effects / furniture quickly and affordable.
- Liquid Bulk: e.g. biofuels, hydrogen, chemicals, gasoline, diesel, kerosene.
- Dry Bulk: iron ore, grain, coal and sugar, salt, lumber, cement.
- Roll on Roll off (RORO): vessel type used for the transportation of cars and other automobiles.
- Breakbulk: ships carrying break-bulk cargo are often called general cargo ships.
- Retail & other: items like toys, clothes, electronic goods, medical/pharmacy, art and antiques and machines, drinks, fashion, furniture, shoes.
FAQ: everything you need to know about international transport
Shipping a container from Rotterdam (NL) to Cape Town lasts about 31 days. The total distance is about 7500 nautical miles (M). That equates to 13890 km. If you choose transport by sea, you have to pay close attention to ETD and ETA. ETD means the date and time the vessel will leave the dock. ETA is the date that the shipment arrives in the destination country. The actual shipping time depends on the speed of the boat, wind force and wind direction and cargo flows.
Shipping rates from Rotterdam (Netherlands) to Cape Town (South Africa) are average. The total cost is subject to a number of factors like container size, the total distance to the delivery destination and other costs like stacking and siting. Fill in the application form for the best rates and current transit times.
When you are exporting goods to Cape Town, then the customs clearance will also pass. The following documents are needed for the customs handling procedure: Packing List, Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Import/export Licenses, Certificate of Origin, Letter of Credit. For more information, then we advise you to contact the customs of South Africa or take a look at the website (www.transnetnationalportsauthority.net).
Incoterms are a widely used system to define, simplify and clarify transactions between an exporter and an importer. For transport by ship we usually use CIF and FOB. CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) means the exporting party bears responsibility for the costs of transporting the cargo to the named port of destination. With Free on Board (FOB), we mean that the seller is responsible for the entire logistics process for delivering and loading the product onto the ship. Other Incoterms 2000 you can choose from are: Free Carrier (FCA), Delivered Duty Paid (DDP), Ex Works (EXW), Free Alongside Ship (FAS) and Delivered At Place (DAP), Delivered at Place Unloaded (DPU), Cost and Freight (CFR).