Before packing, check this list of items prohibited from entering a particular country or region.
Berthing issues at some ports may delay some shipments. We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience.
Why choose Seven Seas Worldwide
Purpose-built shipping boxes and materials provided
Trusted with your shipments for over 25 years
Pick your own dates for shipment delivery and collection
Enjoy 2 weeks FREE storage before and after shipping
We handle the quarantine and customs clearance process
Often referred to as the land of opportunity, the US offers a variety of fun and adventure that will undoubtedly add a few ticks to your bucket list. From travelling the famous Route 66, photographing Mount Rushmore or taking a ride out on the Everglades, the United States is the place where you can do it all.
If you’re looking to relocate to live the American dream or take a well-deserved holiday, shipping from South Africa to the USA with Seven Seas Worldwide’s international trackable service makes the process easier and more affordable than ever. From knowledge of customs regulations to expertise in transporting skateboards and precious musical instruments to completing all quarantine and customs documents, our express service helps around 1000 customers ship their belongings to the USA each year.
Trusted global shippers to the USA for over 25 years
If you’re frustrated with the process involved with shipping boxes into a foreign country, then rest easy, Seven Seas Worldwide has got your back. We're international shippers of personal belongings, excess baggage and household items that make your experience of moving your goods from their country of origin easy and affordable:
- A hassle-free process from start to finish: from shipping a single box to an entire house move, Seven Seas Worldwide’s years of experience has allowed us to gain global trust in assisting over 40,000 people a year ship their possessions domestically and internationally.
- What you see is what you get pricing: with our free no-obligation quote tool, you will only ever pay the price you receive. Our very own directly controlled network allows us to ensure no surprise charges or additional costs to the quote you receive.
- A capable multilingual support team: our highly experienced customer service team can speak an array of languages, including Thai, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Afrikaans, and know the intricacies involved with shipping to the USA from South Africa.
- Secure storage solutions: need a short-term storage solution between your house move? You can store your belongings for two weeks, free of charge with our international Movecube® and Baggage Worldwide shipping services, or at an affordable cost for a more extended period.
Overseas shipping to the USA in 5 easy steps
Free online quick quote
Our instant quote tool provides a clear, itemised cost with no hidden fees or nasty surprises.
Pick your dates
When placing your order, choose the materials delivery and shipment collection dates that suit you.
Securely pack your items
We deliver your empty shipping boxes or MoveCube®, ready for you to fill.
We collect and ship
Complete the online documentation. Then we'll transport your shipment to its destination.
Delivered to your address
Our team will clear your goods through customs and deliver them safely to your new home.
Don't take our word for it
Our customers love us!
What makes our purpose-built boxes ideal for shipping?
Our toughened shipping boxes are designed to withstand international journeys and storage to ensure your goods arrive at their destination in one piece. The two primary boxes we offer are available in sizes Large and Standard, and they can be delivered straight to your door along with bubble wrap and tape to help you pack your possessions safely.
There’s no limit on the number of boxes you wish to move with Seven Seas Worldwide; you only pay for what you send. However, to protect our drivers, it's important to note that we cannot accept boxes that exceed 30kg/66lbs.
Large box
External dimensions:
61 x 51 x 41cm / 24 x 20 x 16.14 inches
Best for:
- Sports equipment
- Clothes
- Bedding
Standard box
External dimensions:
51 x 41 x 31cm / 20 x 16.14 x 12.2 inches
Best for:
- Files and papers
- Books
- Children's toys
Specialist boxes for shipping to the United States of America
You couldn’t be in better hands when opting for Seven Seas Worldwide’s international shipping service. Once you’ve received your 30-second quote and you’re happy, you can select your preferred collection and delivery dates and place your order. Finally, we’ll then send over the boxes you have requested directly to your door, Then, once you’ve packed all of your items and completed your online documentation, our expert team will take care of the rest.
Furthermore, if you require further specialist containers and packing materials for uniquely shaped or fragile items, we can provide the following:
- A specialist box to accommodate your treasured golf clubs and bag.
- Reinforced boxes for adult and child bikes (although part dismantling will be required).
- Specialist boxes to accommodate all guitar sizes, large or small.
Frequently asked global shipping questions
Our international shipping to the US couldn’t be easier. Our three simple steps below outline how the process works:
- Get a free quote and place your order.
- Then, complete the online documentation that you can find in your account area. The online documentation includes an insurance form, which is optional, inventory and US customs forms, as well as uploading a copy of your passport and visa, if applicable.
- Finally, our expert team of shippers will safely transport your goods to the United States, handling clearance through customs and delivering straight to your destination, we even deal with customs agents and customs documents on your behalf.
Seven Seas Worldwide can send your boxes by sea, sea shipping is our most popular option and will take 130 days to reach the USA. All transit times are from the date we receive full payment and your online documentation has been completed.
Furthermore, to make the process easier, our internal tracking tool helps you monitor the progress of your shipment every step of the way, offering further reassurance.
The best way to get an accurate price on shipping boxes from South Africa to the USA is to use our free instant shipping quote tool. Our simple and transparent process is fast and easy and will give you a complete outlay of all the costs involved, including due payments, customs clearance, import duty, and other related charges.
Whether you’re a student, visitor or entering with a long-term visa looking to ship your household items and personal effects into the USA duty-free, you will need to provide the following required documents:
- Acceptance letter (authorisation approved application) or entry stamp on your passport.
- 1797 (approval notice) or I295 (Petition for the Non-immigrant worker).
- K1 (Non-immigrant Visa for a Fiancé).
- Your items must be for your personal use during your stay.
Additional documentation will be required if you're travelling to the USA with personal and household items that are not for your personal use during your stay - as well as being subject to US taxes and duties which you pay to customs.
Before shipping to the USA with Seven Seas Worldwide, we highly suggest checking our Prohibited Goods page that outlines in detail what items can and cannot be accepted when importing into the USA.
To ensure your goods arrive via the quickest and most efficient method possible, all shipping and air routes are predefined and cannot be altered.
Transit times to ship to the USA from South Africa*
By sea
133 days
*estimated timings dependent on global shipping circumstances
How to easily pack your shipping boxes in 4 steps
Shipping your household items from South Africa to the States is a journey that consists of thousands of miles. Therefore, its important that securely wrapping your goods before their long journey is at the forefront of your mind. Repairing or throwing away your damaged items once they reach their destination is a frustration you can avoid if you follow our four easy steps below (find more detailed information in our Excess Baggage FAQs).
Plan, prepare, prioritise:
After you’ve made your payment and organised a time for collection, we will deliver your boxes, bubble wrap and tape, right to your door to help you pack. After your boxes have arrived, its good practice to write a confidential list of their contents so you know what room they belong in when you unpack. With a system in place, it will help you organise your belongings once they arrive at your destination.
Protect your cherished items:
Although our boxes are strengthened for transportation, its crucial that you safely wrap any fragile items and place them at the centre of the box, surrounded by soft items such as clothes to prevent any bumps or knocks from damaging them.
Securely tape and label your boxes:
Your boxes should be sealed with tape and packed tightly to prevent your goods from rattling around inside. Your job number, name and delivery address should be on both sides of each box and bag. Your job number must also match the online documentation you complete online within your account.
On your marks, get set, go!:
To keep the process running smoothly, please ensure your boxes are outside the front of your house or apartment building on collection day. You must also be mindful that your items do not weigh more than 30kg/66lbs for our drivers safety. Anything over this weight limit is considered too heavy and cannot be accepted by us; therefore, we recommend using bathroom scales to measure the weight of your contents beforehand.
As someone who has moved internationally multiple times, I was expecting things to be very expensive and hard to handle. Seven Seas made the move back to the USA as easy as possible. I was able to communicate with the agent handling my order and figure out what worked best for me. I was also able to adapt the number of boxes, my shipping address, etc with ease. I highly recommend Seven Seas if you are needing to move at all.
Josh Haller
Most popular USA destinations
Located on the North American continent, the USA is located between neighbouring countries Canada and Mexico. From the City That Never Sleeps, hot climates in the south, V8 muscle cars, theme parks and incredible scenery along the renowned Route 66, the USA’s variety will always leave you finding more to do. Here're four destinations you should add to your bucket list:
New York
New York City, otherwise known as the Big Apple or the City That Never Sleeps, is full of things to do all year round. From its cluster of yellow taxis and skyscrapers to its iconic Statue of Liberty or the luscious green serenity of Central Park in the heart of Manhattan, New York always has something to offer all year round.
Best time to visit: Visiting during springtime is usually the best time to go as you will find fewer tourists and pleasant weather. Or for tons of events when New York is in its best festive mode is during the winter period from November to December, with the Thanksgiving holiday followed by Christmas and New Year.
How to get around: The best way to get around is by using the subway system as it’s the quickest way to travel the city. Or you can jump in one of New York’s most recognised yellow taxis to get you to your destination.
Neighbourhoods to know: Times Square is the main attraction for NYC. It’s most known for being the hub of the Broadway Theatre District, its cluster of advertisements that light up the area and its famous New Year’s Eve Ball Drop.
Things to do: Among the array of skyscrapers, museums and yellow taxis that fill New York City, taking time out to explore Central Park is an excellent escape from the concrete jungle that surrounds it. Which, at times, doesn’t even feel like you’re in the heart of the city.
California
Unlike the coldness of Alaska located on the northwest corner of North America, California is well-known for its warm climate all-year-round, steep streets of San Francisco and its world-famous City of Angels, Los Angeles; the Mecca of the movie industry.
Best time to visit: Visiting California during spring or fall is ideal for outdoor activities as temperatures are more bearable.
How to get around: If you’re visiting San Francisco, the cable car is the best mode of transport. A car, bus or metro are ideal for getting around Los Angeles, with the metro being the most affordable.
Neighbourhoods to know: Postcard Row, which is probably the most photographed spot in San Francisco, has a beautiful view of the city skyline in the background. Further south, you have Los Angeles, well-known for its outdoor lifestyle.
Things to do: From the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island to looking out towards the City of Angels from the Griffith Observatory Building, California is nothing short of adventure and things to do.
Florida
Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other, the sunshine state of Florida is one of the top destinations among brits to go on holiday. From white sand beaches, boat tours across the Everglades, theme parks, and so much more, you'll never be disappointed.
Best time to visit: Visiting during the spring or fall as temperatures are not at their peak, you can experience the best Florida has to offer.
How to get around: Depending on where you are, a car rental is probably best suited if you’re outside of any major towns or cities. However, in more populated areas such as Miami, people rely on buses for short trips within the city.
Neighbourhoods to know: Explore downtown Miami, known for its vibrant nightlife and white-sand beaches. Or take a trip through the tropical islands of the Florida Keys along the Overseas Highway, home to some of the best fishing, boating, snorkelling and scuba diving.
Things to do: Have a blast on an airboat tour across the Everglades where you’ll see plenty of alligators, or head over to Disney World with the family. Comprising of four theme parks, two water parks, 31 themed resort hotels, Disney World is nothing short of endless amounts of fun and entertainment.
Texas
The state most known for having a warm climate, delicious BBQ brisket, cowboy boots, rodeos and country music. Texas is a place of good fun and warm weather.
Best time to visit: Opt for the springtime as wildflowers are in bloom and scorching summer temperatures haven’t arrived yet making it perfect to explore Texas’ colossal state.
How to get around: Public transport within cities such as Dallas or Houston is the best way to get around and explore its rich arts and culture districts. If you’re planning to head further afield to get a better feel of what Texas has to offer, then a car rental would be the best bet.
Neighbourhoods to know: Sixth Street in downtown Austin is widely known for its great nightlife. From restaurants, bars and entertainment venues, Sixth Street is lit up with plenty to do.
Things to do: If you’re looking to explore Texas at a slower pace, you can visit the countless number of small towns with landmark cafes, the Shiner Beer brewery or the Prada store art installation in Marfa; which has seen the like of Beyoncé go out to visit.