Shipping rates: Brisbane to Cape Town (2026)
| Container type | Ocean freight | All-in estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| LCL (per 10 CBM) | $4,350 | $6,147–$7,854 | 5 weeks |
| 20ft Container | $4,200 | $6,228–$7,958 | 5 weeks |
| 40ft Container | $6,500 | $8,622–$11,017 | 5 weeks |
| 40ft High Cube | $6,800 | See calculator | 5 weeks |
Ocean freight includes origin THC at Brisbane. All-in estimates add destination THC ($580), customs clearance ($700), documentation fee, and marine insurance. Rates are indicative and fluctuate with market conditions.
What's included in the port-to-port price
- Ocean freight: The shipping line's charge to move your container from Brisbane to Cape Town.
- Origin THC (Brisbane): Terminal handling at the Australian port — approx. $720.
- Destination THC (Cape Town): Terminal handling at South Africa port — approx. $580.
- Customs clearance (South Africa): Typically $700 for standard cargo. Complex cargo may cost more.
- Bill of Lading documentation: Standard $100–$150 per shipment.
- Marine cargo insurance: ~0.5–1.5% of declared value. Strongly recommended.
Not included: inland delivery from Cape Town to your address (drayage), storage at destination, and import duties or taxes if applicable.
LCL vs FCL on this route
For small shipments under 15 CBM from Brisbane to Cape Town, LCL shared container is typically cheaper at around $435/CBM. A 20ft FCL becomes cost-effective once you have more than 18–20 CBM of cargo. At that volume, the per-CBM cost of a full container works out lower than LCL, and you benefit from faster loading and greater security for your goods.