Shipping Textiles from Durban to Boston via Ocean Freight

For moisture-sensitive fashion products, select an inner sealed liner for each unit or bundle, then place items in double-wall boxes. Add silica gel for longer or ocean shipments, and ensure cartons are fully closed and taped to keep out humidity and splashes.

Most clothing can move in general-purpose containers or regular parcel cartons, as long as they are shielded from water. For bulk textiles, our team suggests palletized or racked loading to prevent edge damage, and in humid lanes, adding moisture-control liners is advisable.

High-value designer clothing benefit from limited transfers, sealed packaging, and use of cages to avoid snagging. Instruct handlers to keep apparel off the floor, avoid rough surfaces, and not to crush lightweight Clothing cartons.

Yes. Many countries require proper customs coding and clear fabric breakdown, plus manufacturing origin on documents for clothing & textiles. Some trade agreements and quota systems still affect certain Textile categories, so check with your customs agent before exporting large volumes.

Insuring garments is strongly recommended, especially for high-value items or large wholesale orders. Cargo insurance can cover total loss and relies on accurate packing lists to validate claims, so always keep detailed records of what garments were shipped and their declared value.

When shipping clothing and textiles, it is important to ensure that items are properly packaged to protect them from moisture and damage during transit. Additionally, the cargo should be stowed in a way that allows for ventilation to prevent mold and mildew, which can be a concern during ocean transport.

Required documentation typically includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and any necessary export permits from South Africa. Importers in the United States may also need to provide a customs declaration and comply with regulations set by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, including potential tariffs on textiles.

Once onboarded, you are assigned a dedicated support team led by a Client Success Officer, so you work with real people who know your freight instead of call centers or scripts.

Our company takes ACH, wire transfer, and credit card payments, with payment terms set during onboarding and adjustable for specific enterprise requirements.

SAMMIE’s predictive DNA Expert Date uses highly accurate dynamic forecasts based on historical data, vessel telemetry, weather, and port congestion so you can plan ahead, reduce rush freight costs, and avoid stockouts.