Our Services

Ocean Freight

We move your cargo across the world and into South Africa with precision. Full container load (FCL) or less than container load (LCL), we secure competitive rates with major shipping lines calling at Durban, Cape Town, and Gqeberha. We track your vessel from departure to berthing, and we are on the ground the moment your container lands.

Air Freight

When time matters most, we put your cargo in the y. Urgent, high-value, or perishable — we handle it all through OR Tambo in Johannesburg and King Shaka in Durban. Our relationships with major cargo carriers give you priority space, faster clearance, and real-time tracking from takeoff to landing.

Customs Documentation & Clearing

Paperwork stops more cargo than port congestion ever will. We prevent that. Our team prepares and submits every SARS customs declaration with accuracy and speed. We classify your goods correctly, secure the necessary permits (PPECB, ITAC, DAFF), and manage inspections so you face no delays, no penalties, and no audit surprises.

Duties & Charges

Duties are not a mystery. They are a calculation, and we calculate them correctly. We advise you on tariff codes, rebates, and duty drawbacks so you never pay a cent more than required. For imports, we pay SARS on your behalf and reconcile every charge transparently. For exports, we ensure you claim your refunds without friction.

Transport Coordination

Getting your cargo out of the port is only half the journey. We move it all the way to your door. From Durban to Johannesburg, Cape Town to Polokwane, and across borders into Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Mozambique, we coordinate road transport that is reliable, trackable, and on time.

Warehousing & Distribution (Optional Add-on)

Short-term and long-term storage solutions in Durban, Johannesburg, and Cape Town. Bonded warehousing available for dutiable goods awaiting clearance.

Stage 1: Pre-Shipment Consulting
We review your Incoterms, commodity type, volume, and delivery deadlines. We recommend the optimal mix of sea, air, or road freight.
You receive: A fixed-cost quotation with all port charges, customs fees, and transport clearly itemised. No hidden surprises.

Stage 2: Origin Coordination & Freight Booking
We book space with our preferred shipping lines (Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM, etc.) or airfreight partners. We issue shipping instructions and verify that your supplier's documentation matches SARS requirements.
You receive: Confirmed vessel/flight schedules, container numbers, and a document checklist.

Stage 3: Pre-Arrival Customs Preparation (The Oceanwave Advantage)
While your cargo is still at sea or in the air, our customs team prepares the SARS customs declaration (SAD500), tariff classification, duty calculations, and any permit applications.
You receive: A customs draft for your approval and a duty estimation.
Benefit: Your cargo is "clearance-ready" the moment the vessel berths.

Stage 4: Arrival & Port Handling
Our operations team tracks the vessel's ETA in real time. Within hours of discharge at Durban Container Terminal (Pier 1 & 2), we submit the entry, manage SARS inspection lanes (if any), and pay duties via our customs bank account.
You receive: Live status updates (discharge confirmed → customs submitted → green lane cleared).

Stage 5: Cargo Release & Transport Coordination
Once SARS releases the cargo, we arrange for the container to be pulled from the terminal onto a truck. For cross-border loads, we handle SADC transit documents (COMESA, SAD 500 T1, or Carnet de Passage).
You receive: Pickup reference numbers, driver details, and GPS tracking links.

Stage 6: Delivery & Proof of Delivery (POD)
Our transport partner delivers the goods to your nominated address (Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, or across borders). We obtain a signed POD with photos.
You receive: Electronic POD, final invoice reconciling all costs, and a release of liability.

Stage 7: Post-Delivery & Continuous Improvement
We archive your files digitally and schedule a brief review call to identify any friction points or cost savings for your next shipment.
You receive: A post-shipment report showing actual vs. quoted costs, transit times, and suggestions for future optimisation.