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For small quantities (1-11 boxes), you can ship books by United States Postal Service.
Details for 1 30 Pound package of books from anywhere in the US to South Africa:
• Approximate shipping cost: $60.00
• Time: 4 to 6 Weeks
• Packaging fees: nominal
• Door to door
Materials needed:
• Box
• Tape
Method:
• Make sure the box is well sealed and packed tightly so the books do not shift and get damaged in transit.
Freighting by Pallet
For medium quantities (1 or more pallets of 12-48 boxes) you can ship books by a freight forwarder. This will be port to port,
although they may be able to help you with the final destination as well. Freight forwarders may or may not offer you a discount
on shipping. Generally, the more pallets you ship, the cheaper it gets.
Details for freighting 1 pallet worth of books
• Number of Boxes: 48
• Dimension of each individual box:15” X 12” X 10”
• Stacked method: four high, four across, and three wide
• Approximate weight including pallet: 1,300 lbs
• Approximate cost for shipping from Oakland, California to Cape Town, South Africa: $300
• Size of finished pallet: 44”x48”x45”
• Port to Port only. You must drop off and pick up the pallet at either end.
Materials Needed:
• 48 corrugated 15” X 12” X 10 size boxes. (This size forms a neat cube on the pallet, are easy to handle
on either end of the shipment, and make the shipping easier and safer.) There are many companies that sell such an item.
• 1 44” X 48” Pallet. A good sturdy pallet is also pretty cheap.
• Several rolls of Packing tape (Carton sealing tape)
• 1 or more one-handed Tape Dispensers (speeds up the packing process)
• Pallet wrap (This is basically large sheets of food plastic wrap that is stretched tight many times around the finished
stacked boxes. The wrap is very strong and secures all of the boxes together, and also protects them during shipment.)
• Pallet wrap, boxes, tape, and other supplies can be found at: www.papermart.com
Method:
• Pack each box as tightly and as fully as possible with books. Make sure to have at least three of the corners of the
top of the box filled to the top. Since each box supports the boxes above them, under packed boxes will be crushed. This becomes
dangerous, as the finished cubes become disfigured and pallets stacked on them may slide off.
• Close the boxes with the packing tape.
• Stack boxes on pallet four high, four across and three wide for a total of 48.
• Secure boxes by wrapping pallet wrap 20 times at least around the circumference of the boxes. Be sure to wrap across
the top edges of the cube as well.
• You will need to move the pallet to the port. There are usually many local companies that can help you with this,
and prices vary greatly on the distance required.
• A cheaper method is to assemble the pallet(s) right at the port inside the warehouse (if you ask nicely).
• Keep in mind that you’ll have to move the pallets to the destination within the country. There are always companies
that provide this service, as this is the most common method for handling goods.
• A cheaper method is to have the recipients pick up the boxes themselves right at the port of entry.
• It’s recommended to work with a freight forwarder or agent. They will take care of the finer points of customs,
fees, tariffs and other charges. They’ll also set up a receiving agent for you at the other end most times. If something
goes wrong, they’ll also act as your advocate. Unless you are very experienced with shipping overseas, a freight forwarder
is a safe and secure way to go. Also, don’t be afraid to ask them many questions about shipping. It’s their job
to have the answers.
Container Rental or Purchase
For Large quantities (up to 20 pallets per container) you can rent or purchase a container. Keep in mind that everything done
at one end of the shipment (packing, palletizing, moving the container, etc.) must be done at the receiving end.
General details for shipping a container:
• Number of pallets: 20
• Container Size: 20ft or 40ft (20ft size is best, as pallets are stacked 2 high. The weight of stacking more than 20
pallets in a 40ft exceeds the allowable weight of a container)
• Approximate weight: 26,000 lbs plus weight of container
• Cost: Varies significantly. Some lines will be willing to give you a significant discount. Prices may range from $700
to a few thousand for port to port shipping only.
• Port to Port
Materials needed:
• Container
• Pallet lift or forklift
• See “Materials needed for pallets”
Method:
• See “Freighting by Pallets” section for assembling one pallet. Items in the container must be palletized.
• You will also need a pallet lift to move the pallets around inside the container, and a forklift if stacking the pallets.
• You will have to deal with the logistics of moving the container from the point of the collection to the port (and
from the port of arrival to the destination). Depending on your location, this could cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars
to significantly more. Some companies will let you keep the container on the “truck” (the part of the trailer
with wheels that the container is placed on) while you pack in the pallets. If you decide to keep just the container, it will
need to be lifted off the truck and place on the ground. When you are ready, you’ll need to pay to have it placed back
on the truck again. This will run into money.
• If purchasing the container, keep in mind that containers are highly useful items in third-world countries. One Books
for South Africa container was donated to the local Cape Town Fire department. It was turned into a fake office environment
and serves as a simulation for search and rescue during fires.
• Also if purchasing a used container make sure container meets the proper specifications and safety regulations for
shipping. A container that is deemed unfit for shipment will not be put on a boat, no matter how much work you put into it.
Don’t be afraid to pay a little extra to make sure it is seaworthy.
• If you work with the shipping lines directly, you will have to navigate all of the customs and documents yourself
which can be very tricky unless you know what you’re doing.
• If you choose to work with a freight forwarder or agent, they can take care of a lot of the finer details for you
and have good experience. They will also act as your agent and advocate should any problems arise. For first timers, it is
recommended to use a freight forwarder. Keep in mind that you’ll also pay more.
• Don’t forget you’ll have to move the container to the recipient destination within the country. There
are always companies that provide this service, as this is the most common method for handling goods.
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