ALL AFRICA CONTAINERS — SHIPPING & DELIVERY POLICY
At All Africa Containers, we don’t just supply standard, custom, and leased shipping containers—we ensure they are safely transported and expertly positioned at your destination. Because of the extreme weight, size, and logistical requirements involved in moving containers, our shipping procedures are strictly governed by the conditions below.
Please read this policy carefully before finalizing your order.
1. Delivery Areas & Scope
National Delivery (South Africa): We offer comprehensive delivery services across all nine provinces of South Africa, utilizing specialized heavy-vehicle networks.
Cross-Border Delivery (SADC Region): For cross-border logistics (e.g., Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, etc.), deliveries are subject to custom cross-border clearing, international freight charges, and extended timelines. Please coordinate directly with our logistics team for regional cross-border quotes.
2. Transport Methods & Fleet Options
Depending on your site requirements and the size of the container ordered (ranging from 8ft to 40ft High Cubes), delivery will be executed using one of the following methods:
Flatbed Truck (No Crane): Best if you have your own crane, forklift, or rigging crew on-site to offload the container.
Crane Truck / Hiab: Used to self-offload and place 10ft or 20ft containers immediately adjacent to the truck.
Side-Lifter / Swinglift: Typically required for lifting and placing heavily loaded or 40ft containers directly onto the ground parallel to the trailer.
The exact transport vehicle will be agreed upon and detailed in your official quotation.
3. Site Accessibility & Customer Responsibilities
Shipping a container requires significant space and heavy vehicle access. It is the sole responsibility of the customer to ensure the delivery site is accessible. Before the delivery vehicle departs our depot, you must ensure:
Clearance: A minimum clearance width of 3.5 meters and height clearance of up to 4.8 meters (to clear overhanging tree branches, low-hanging electrical cables, or structural entrance gates).
Ground Conditions: The driving and placement surface must be level, solid, and capable of supporting trucks weighing up to 30+ tonnes. We cannot drive over soft mud, wet grass, uncompacted soil, or decorative brick paving prone to cracking.
Turning Space: Massive 12m (40ft) container trucks require substantial turning circles. Ensure the truck has adequate room to maneuver.
Failed Delivery Penalty: If our transport team arrives at the site and cannot safely offload due to site obstruction, poor terrain, or restricted access, the container will be returned to our yard. The customer will remain liable for the full transport fee and will be charged a redelivery fee for subsequent attempts.
4. Lead Times & Fabrication Schedules
Standard Stock Containers (Unconverted): Delivered within 3 to 7 business days following full payment clearance, depending on transport schedule availability.
Custom Modifications & Modular Units: Custom conversions (site offices, ablutions, classrooms, etc.) require structured fabrication timelines. Delivery will be scheduled immediately upon structural sign-off and completion of workshop manufacturing.
Delays: While we strive to meet all delivery timelines, delays caused by bad weather (which makes crane operations dangerous), severe traffic, port congestion, or road closures are beyond our control. We will communicate any unforeseen logistical delays promptly.
5. Delivery Rates & Quotations
Shipping fees are not included in the base price of the containers.
Transport costs are calculated dynamically based on the distance (kilometers) from our closest depot, the vehicle type required (Flatbed vs. Side-lifter), and municipal routing requirements.
All transport fees will be clearly broken down as a separate line item on your proforma invoice.
6. Risk, Liability, and On-Site Damage
Risk Transfer: Risk of loss and damage to the container passes to the customer the moment the container is successfully unhooked/offloaded on your premises.
On-Site Assets: Our drivers are highly trained professionals; however, entering private property with heavy machinery carries inherent risks. All Africa Containers is not liable for structural damage caused to underground pipes, driveways, pavements, or overhead wires if the customer instructs the driver to navigate an unverified path.
7. Customer Collections (Ex-Works)
Customers who wish to utilize their own third-party transport providers may do so:
Collection must be pre-arranged with our yard manager at least 24 hours in advance.
Your third-party transporter must possess the correct equipment, twist-locks, and safety gear to secure the container legally. We reserves the right to refuse loading onto vehicles deemed unsafe or legally non-compliant.
8. Contact Our Logistics Team
If you have any questions about site accessibility or want to track an active delivery, please reach out to our logistics hub:
Email: info@allafricacontainers.co.za
Phone: +27 083 695 3979
Depot Address: 95 Leicester Rd Mobeni, Durban, 4060