How to Ship Goods from the USA to Southern Africa (2026 Complete Guide)
Shipping goods from the United States to Southern Africa is a reliable and affordable way to send household items, barrels, boxes, and personal effects to family and friends in Zambia, Malawi, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Lubumbashi DRC.
Whether you are shipping a few boxes, multiple barrels, or bulk household goods, understanding the process ahead of time helps ensure your shipment arrives safely, on time, and without unnecessary delays.
This 2026 guide walks you through everything you need to know—from packing and costs to shipping timelines, customs, and delivery.
What Types of Goods Can Be Shipped to Southern Africa?
AmeZam Shipping, LLC ships a wide range of household and personal goods, including:
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Barrels
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Boxes and cartons
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Clothing and shoes
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Dry food items
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Kitchenware
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Bedding and linens
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Personal household goods
📌 All items must be packed properly and comply with destination-country customs regulations.
Contact Your Regional Manager Before Shipping
Before packing or dropping off your goods, it is very important to contact your AmeZam regional manager. Your regional manager will confirm shipping schedules, approved items, drop-off or pickup options, and any special instructions.
👉 Regional manager contact details can be found here:
Contacting your manager first helps prevent delays, rejected items, or repacking issues.
Contact Your Regional Manager Before Shipping
1. Choose the Right Packaging
Depending on what you are shipping, you may use:
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55-gallon barrels
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Heavy-duty boxes
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Reinforced cartons
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Palletized packages (where applicable)
All packaging must be strong, durable, and suitable for international shipping.
2. Pack and Shrink-Wrap Your Goods Properly
Proper packing is critical for international shipping.
Best packing practices include:
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Pack items tightly to prevent movement
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Place heavier items at the bottom
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Cushion fragile items with clothing or padding
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Shrink-wrap all packages and barrels for added protection
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Secure lids and box seams firmly
Poorly packed goods may be delayed, damaged, or rejected.
3. Be Extremely Careful With Liquids
Liquids are one of the most common causes of shipping problems.
⚠️ Important liquid rules:
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Avoid liquids whenever possible
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If liquids are allowed, they must be:
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Tightly sealed
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Double-wrapped
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Packed in leak-proof containers
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Leaking items may cause the entire shipment to be held or rejected
Always confirm liquid approval with your regional manager before packing.
4. Complete the Official Packing List
A completed packing list is required for all international shipments and is essential for customs processing.
Customers must fill out AmeZam’s official packing list before drop-off or pickup.
👉 Complete the packing list here:
https://amezam.com/packing-list/
Your packing list should include:
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General descriptions of goods (e.g., clothing, dry food, kitchen items)
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Quantities of each item type
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No prohibited or restricted items listed
An accurate packing list helps prevent customs delays and ensures smoother clearance once your goods arrive in Southern Africa.
5. Get a Cost Estimate Using the Shipping Rates Calculator
Shipping costs vary based on size, weight, destination, and shipping method.
Before drop-off or pickup, customers can get an estimated cost using AmeZam’s shipping rates calculator.
👉 Use the shipping rates calculator here:
https://amezam.com/shipping-rates/
This tool provides a helpful estimate so you can plan ahead before shipping.
6. Drop-Off or Regional Manager Pickup
Once packing and paperwork are complete, you may:
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Drop your goods directly to the AmeZam regional manager, or
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Arrange for a manager pickup, where available
Drop-off or pickup arrangements must be confirmed in advance.
7. Payment Is Due at Drop-Off or Pickup
Payment must be completed at the time of drop-off or pickup.
Accepted payment methods include:
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Zelle
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Cash
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Bank deposit
Shipments will not be processed until payment is confirmed.
8. Tracking Number Issued
Once your shipment is received and processed:
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A tracking number will be issued
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You can use this number to monitor shipment progress on our tracking page: https://amezam.com/annual-schedule/
9. Recipient Notification Upon Arrival
When goods arrive in the destination country:
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The recipient will be contacted directly
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Instructions will be provided for pickup or delivery
This ensures a smooth handover once goods land.
Shipping Methods & Transit Times
Ocean Freight (All Southern Africa Destinations)
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Available to: Zambia, Malawi, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Lubumbashi DRC
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Transit time: 10–14 weeks
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Best for: Barrels, boxes, bulk household goods
Air Freight (Zambia & Malawi Only)
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Transit time: 7–10 days
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Best for: Urgent shipments and smaller packages
📌 Air freight is faster but more expensive than ocean freight.
Why Choose AmeZam Shipping, LLC
AmeZam Shipping, LLC is your trusted shipping solution from the U.S. to Southern Africa.
Why customers trust AmeZam:
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Trusted since 2009
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Over 3,000 satisfied customers
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A+ BBB rating
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Experience shipping to Southern Africa
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Reliable ocean and air freight services
📦 Delivering trust — box by box, barrel by barrel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ship food items to Southern Africa?
Yes, dry food items are generally allowed. Liquids and perishable foods must be approved before shipping.
Do I need to handle customs paperwork myself?
No. AmeZam assists with shipping documentation and customs processing.
Can I track my shipment?
Yes. A tracking number is issued once your shipment is received. Use our tracking tool to track your shipment: https://amezam.com/tracking
Quick Shipping Checklist
Before shipping, make sure you have:
✔ Contacted your regional manager
✔ Packed goods securely
✔ Shrink-wrapped all packages
✔ Avoided or approved liquids
✔ Completed the official packing list
✔ Used the shipping rates calculator
✔ Prepared payment
✔ Provided recipient contact details
Ready to Ship Goods to Southern Africa?
If you’re planning to ship goods from the USA to Southern Africa in 2026, working with an experienced and trusted shipping company makes all the difference.