Freight Forwarding Zimbabwe, China, Dubai, South Africa to Your Door
Sea, air, road and rail. One provider from factory to your premises.
The Three Questions Everyone Asks First
These are indicative rates. Your exact cost depends on cargo type, volume and season. Send us the details and we confirm the precise figure in 4 hours.
What We Handle So You Don't Have To
You buy from a supplier. Your supplier puts the goods in a container or on a plane. That is where most importers lose control of the process.
George Steward takes over from there. We book the freight. We handle the documents. We clear customs at the Zimbabwe border. We pay the duty on your behalf. We deliver to your address.
You do not need a freight forwarder, a clearing agent, and a delivery company. You need one point of contact and someone who answers when you ask what is happening.
That is what you get.
The Three Routes We Run
From China
Sea freight to Durban or Beira, then road to Harare. 22 to 25 days on the water. 30 to 35 days door to door.
Air freight through Johannesburg or Nairobi if you need it faster. 5 to 7 days total.
Common cargo: electronics, clothing, hardware, machinery, furniture, auto parts.
If your order is smaller than a shipping container, we consolidate it with other shipments and you pay only for the space you use. This makes small imports viable. Most first time importers from China start this way.
From Dubai
Sea freight to Beira or Durban. 18 to 22 days on the water. 21 to 28 days door to door.
Air freight in 3 to 5 days.
Common cargo: phones, electronics, textiles, cosmetics, everyday household goods, gold.
Dubai is often the better first step if you are testing a product. Minimum order quantities are lower than China. You can mix suppliers in one consignment. Once a product sells, you scale up and order from China directly.
From South Africa
Road freight. Johannesburg to Harare in 2 to 3 days. Durban or Cape Town add one day.
South Africa is part of the SADC regional trade agreement. Goods originating there attract reduced import duty when you have the correct Certificate of Origin. On vehicles, duty halves from 40 to 20 percent. On most other categories, you save 30 to 50 percent.
We check the Certificate of Origin before your cargo leaves South Africa. Not after it is stuck at Beitbridge.
What Happens When Something Goes Wrong
Freight goes wrong. Vessels are delayed. Ports are congested. ZIMRA raises queries. Trucks break down. Every forwarder knows this. Few talk about it.
Here is how we handle it.
If ZIMRA queries the classification
We answer it at the assessment desk. We are licensed agents with direct access to assessors. Most queries are resolved the same day. You do not get a call at 10pm asking how your goods should be classified.
If the vessel is delayed
We tell you before you ask. You receive an update by email or phone call the moment we know, with a revised arrival date and a revised delivery plan.
If your cargo is short landed or damaged
We inspect it on arrival, take photos, and start the claim process with the carrier. If you have cargo insurance arranged through us, we handle the entire claim with the insurer.
If your goods are held
This is the one everyone fears. A hold usually means the documents do not match, or a permit is missing, or the invoice is unclear. We find out what ZIMRA wants within hours, get it to them, and get your cargo released. Average hold resolution time: 24 to 48 hours.
This is not a promise that nothing will go wrong. It is a promise that when it does, we are already on it.
What You Do, Step by Step
Send us your supplier invoice
One email or WhatsApp message with the product details, quantity, and delivery address in Zimbabwe. For vehicles, also send the year of manufacture, VIN and purchase price so we can confirm eligibility before you commit to the purchase.
Get a full quote within 4 hours
Freight cost, clearing fee, duty estimate and total landed cost. Fixed. No hidden add-ons later.
Approve and pay the deposit
You approve the quote and pay the deposit. Cargo is booked once the deposit clears.
We take it from there
You receive an update at every milestone by email or phone call. Booking confirmed. Cargo collected from factory. Loaded on vessel. Arrived at port. Cleared customs. Out for delivery. Delivered.
Receive your goods
We deliver to your door. You sign. You get a full transaction summary by email with all documents for your records.
Protect Your Shipment
George Steward arranges marine and transit cargo insurance alongside your freight. Ask for your insurance quote when you request your freight quote, one message, both covered.
Learn About Cargo Insurance →"George Steward cleared our full 40ft container of mining equipment through Beitbridge in under 36 hours. The freight was booked from Shanghai and arrived exactly when they said it would. One WhatsApp thread, no surprises."David Ncube, Managing Director, Ncube Mining & Resources, Harare
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a container from China to Zimbabwe?
Can I import from China if my order is small?
Do you handle customs clearing as well as freight?
How long does it take from China to Zimbabwe?
What happens if ZIMRA holds my goods?
Do you deliver to my town, or do I collect in Harare?
Related Services
Customs Clearing Zimbabwe
Every consignment includes clearing. See how we handle ZIMRA declarations, product codes and duty.
Learn moreProduct Sourcing China & Dubai
Not sure where to buy? We identify suppliers, verify quality and consolidate cargo from multiple factories.
Learn moreBonded Warehouse Harare
Defer duty payment. Store your goods securely until you are ready to sell.
Learn moreCargo Insurance by Old Mutual
Marine, road, air and vehicle cover underwritten by Old Mutual, arranged alongside your freight.
Learn more