Japan → Durban: service and transit time
Durban is one of the busiest ports in Africa and the gateway to the whole of Southern Africa. Inland movement towards Johannesburg is by rail and truck. Transit is around 45–60 days, varying by carrier, schedule and season. Delays can occur due to weather, port congestion or omitted calls.
Services to Durban mostly involve a transhipment. Cargo can sit at the transhipment port, which widens the range of transit times, but we compare several routings and present the best available at that moment. If your deadline is tight, we can look for a routing optimised for speed.
| Port of loading | Main Japanese ports (Yokohama, Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka/Kobe and others) |
|---|---|
| Port of discharge | Durban (ZADUR) / South Africa, Africa |
| Transit time (guide) | 45–60 daysDelays can occur |
| Containers | 40HCFCLSOC |
Transit times are a guide for representative services and are not guaranteed. They differ by carrier and service, and delays can occur due to weather, port congestion or omitted calls. Confirmed schedules are provided with your quote.
40HC ocean freight rates to Durban and what moves them
South Africa suffers chronic port congestion, and vessels waiting at anchor effectively reduce available space, which pushes rates up in some periods. Where the cargo moves on to a landlocked country, the inland leg and border clearance can exceed the ocean freight. Design the total, not the sea leg.
We compare rates from multiple carriers side by side and present the best available at that moment. Card payment is supported, so you can book without straining your cash flow.
Ports, customs and inland transport for South Africa
Delays from port congestion and bad weather are common here. For landlocked destinations such as Zambia or Zimbabwe, customs requirements differ by destination country.
We will guide you through the required documents and deadlines, so please ask even if this is your first shipment to South Africa. For inland destinations, confirming drayage and onward transport in advance makes the schedule easier to plan.
SOC container also available
For Africa, and especially landlocked destinations, there is often nowhere to return the container and detention builds up. This is where the advantage of SOC containers, which need no return, is greatest.
Other routes in Africa
We also handle other routes to Africa. If the destination is not yet fixed, we will compare options on the all-in cost including the inland leg.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Japan to Durban take?
45–60 days is the guide. It varies with carrier schedules and peak-season congestion, and delays can occur due to weather, port congestion or omitted calls. Confirmed schedules are provided with your quote.
Can you carry through to Johannesburg?
Yes. There are rail and truck connections inland from Durban. The inland leg varies in duration, so we recommend allowing buffer in your plan.
Can you also serve landlocked countries such as Zambia or Zimbabwe?
Yes. Durban is a starting point for transit traffic to the landlocked countries of Southern Africa. Customs requirements differ by destination country, so please tell us the final destination clearly.
I hear delays are common?
Delays from port congestion and bad weather do occur at this port. Storage leads to demurrage, so please also confirm that your consignee can collect promptly.
What is the maximum payload of a 40HC?
Internal capacity is roughly 76 cubic metres and the maximum payload is up to 26.5 tonnes (this can differ by carrier and equipment). Send us your cargo details and we will advise the right container and an estimate.
Are quotes free? How can I pay?
Quotes are free. We accept credit cards (VISA / Mastercard / American Express / JCB). Once you have an account you can quote, book and manage shipments from My Page.
Japan to Durban 40HC, at today’s best rate
Rates compared across carriers, quote to booking online. Creating an account is free.
Create a free account / get a quote