Shipping to Zambia from the USA
Shipping to Zambia from the USA? Compare up to 5 free quotes from international shipping companies for container shipping, air cargo, car shipping and boxes to Zambia. One request, free and without obligation.
- Region
- Africa
- Sea freight via
- Dar es Salaam, Durban or Walvis Bay
- Main airports
- Lusaka
- Sea transit
- Typically about 4 to 8 weeks port to port
- Shipments
- Household goods, cars, boxes and barrels, commercial freight
Container shipping to Zambia
Most household moves to Zambia go by sea container. You can book a container just for your goods (FCL) or share one with other customers (LCL).
| Option | Space (approx.) | Usually fits |
|---|---|---|
| Shared container (LCL) | Pay per cubic metre or foot | A few rooms, up to about 15 m³ (530 ft³) |
| 20ft container (FCL) | About 33 m³ (1,170 ft³) | 1 to 2 bedroom home |
| 40ft container (FCL) | About 67 m³ (2,390 ft³) | 3 to 4 bedroom home, or household goods plus a car |
Not sure how much you have? Use our moving size calculator.
Air cargo to Zambia
Air cargo (air freight) is the fastest way to ship to Zambia. It is ideal for clothes, documents, electronics and things you need as soon as you arrive. Prices are based on the "chargeable weight": the actual weight or the volume weight, whichever is higher, so air cargo is best for smaller, lighter shipments.
Air shipments to Zambia usually arrive at Lusaka.
Car shipping to Zambia
Cars can be shipped to Zambia by RoRo (driven onto a special ship) or inside a container, which can also hold some household goods. Import duties, age limits and registration rules differ by country, so check the rules for Zambia before you buy or ship a car.
- RoRo: the car is driven onto the ship. Often the cheapest option, but you can't pack belongings in the car.
- Container: more protection, and you can combine the car with household goods.
- To export a car from the USA you need the original title, and the documents must be given to U.S. Customs before the car is loaded.
Shipping boxes and barrels to Zambia
Only sending a few things? Shipping boxes, barrels or excess baggage to Zambia is much cheaper than a full move. Many companies collect from your home and deliver door to door.
Commercial freight to Zambia
Shipping goods for your business? Compare quotes for FCL and LCL freight, pallets and air freight to Zambia, including customs clearance.
How much does shipping to Zambia cost?
Every shipment is different, so prices vary a lot between companies. Your price depends on:
- The volume or weight of your goods
- Shared container, full container or air cargo
- Your pickup location in the USA and the destination city in Zambia
- Packing, insurance, storage and door delivery
- Destination charges such as port fees and customs clearance
- Season and current freight rates
Ask each company what is included, especially destination charges. Compare up to 5 free quotes to find the best price.
How long does shipping to Zambia take?
Sea freight from the USA to Zambia typically takes about 4 to 8 weeks port to port. Door-to-door delivery takes longer because of collection, customs clearance and final delivery. Zambia is landlocked, so sea freight arrives at a port in a neighbouring country (often Dar es Salaam, Durban or Walvis Bay) and continues by truck or rail, which adds time. Air cargo usually arrives within a few days to two weeks.
Customs and documents for Zambia
- You will usually need your passport, a detailed packing list (inventory) and, for household goods, proof that you are moving to Zambia, such as a visa or residence permit.
- Many countries allow used personal belongings to enter with reduced or no import duty for people moving there to live. New items are often taxed.
- Some items are restricted or banned. Ask your shipping company and check with the customs authority of Zambia before you pack.
Rules change, so always confirm with your shipping company. See also our guide to prohibited items and how to pack.
Shipping companies to Zambia
We are adding verified shipping companies for Zambia. Send one request and up to 5 companies that serve your route will contact you with quotes.
Frequently asked questions about shipping to Zambia
How much does it cost to ship to Zambia from the USA?
The cost depends on how much you ship (volume or weight), the method (shared container, full container or air cargo), your pickup location in the USA, the destination city in Zambia, and extra services like packing, insurance and door delivery. Compare written quotes to know your real price: Movers World gets you up to 5 free quotes with one request.
How long does shipping to Zambia take?
Sea freight from the USA to Zambia typically takes about 4 to 8 weeks port to port. Door-to-door delivery takes longer because of collection, customs clearance and final delivery. Zambia is landlocked, so sea freight arrives at a port in a neighbouring country (often Dar es Salaam, Durban or Walvis Bay) and continues by truck or rail, which adds time. Air cargo usually arrives within a few days to two weeks.
Can I ship a car to Zambia?
Cars can be shipped to Zambia by RoRo (driven onto a special ship) or inside a container, which can also hold some household goods. Import duties, age limits and registration rules differ by country, so check the rules for Zambia before you buy or ship a car.
What documents do I need to ship to Zambia?
Usually your passport, a detailed packing list and proof of your move such as a visa or residence permit. For a car you also need the title and bill of sale. Your shipping company will confirm the exact list for Zambia.
Is air cargo or sea freight better for shipping to Zambia?
Sea freight is much cheaper for furniture and large shipments, but slower. Air cargo is faster and best for small, urgent or valuable items. Many people combine both: a small air shipment for essentials and the rest by sea.
Shipping to other countries in Africa
- Algeria
- Angola
- Benin
- Botswana
- Burkina Faso
- Burundi
- Cameroon
- Cape Verde
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- Comoros
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Djibouti
- Egypt
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Eswatini
- Ethiopia
- Gabon
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Ivory Coast
- Kenya
- Lesotho
- Liberia
- Libya
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Mauritius
- Mayotte
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Republic of the Congo
- Réunion
- Rwanda
- São Tomé and Príncipe
- Senegal
- Seychelles
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- South Africa
- South Sudan
- Sudan
- Tanzania
- Togo
- Tunisia
- Uganda
- Zimbabwe