Courier & Shipping Fees
Updated March 2026 · Logistics & E-commerce
Whether you are sending documents across Lusaka, mailing a parcel to the Copperbelt, or importing stock from China and the USA, compare the latest Domestic and International Freight Rates.
Domestic Delivery (Within Zambia)
Local courier options range from cheap inter-city buses to premium door-to-door tracked couriers like Mercury and FedEx.
Local Lusaka Delivery (Motorbike)
ZMK 40 – 80
Same-day delivery for documents and small parcels within Lusaka.
Inter-City Bus Courier (e.g., PowerTools)
ZMK 50 – 150
Affordable overnight parcel delivery between major towns (Lusaka to Kitwe, etc).
Mercury/FedEx Domestic (Small Parcel)
ZMK 120 – 250
Tracked, door-to-door domestic delivery (1-2 days).
International Shipping & Freight
Shipping goods from overseas (China, UK, USA) is usually priced per Kilogram (Kg) for Air Freight, or per Cubic Meter (CBM) for Sea Freight. Often quoted in USD.
| Freight Service | Estimated Rate |
|---|---|
| China to Zambia (Air Freight per kg) Takes 7 to 14 days. Cheaper slower routes start around $8, while express routes are $14-16. | $8 – $16 / kg |
| China to Zambia (Sea Freight per CBM) Takes 6 to 8 weeks. Essential for bulky goods. FCL 20ft containers range from $1,800 to $3,500. | $150 – $300 / CBM |
| USA/UK to Zambia (Shop & Ship services) Services like Tigmoo, EPS, or Mercury for importing Amazon/eBay orders. | $15 – $25 / kg |
| DHL/FedEx Document (Zambia to Europe) Premium express shipping for urgent legal documents (3-5 days). | ZMK 1,500 – 2,500 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I shop from Amazon/Shein and ship to Zambia?
Most international retailers don’t ship directly to Zambia, or charge exorbitant DHL fees. It is cheaper to use a freight forwarder (like Tigmoo, EPS, or iSanqa). You send your parcel to their address in the US, UK, or China, and they consolidate it and air-freight it to Lusaka for around $15-$20/kg.
What is the cheapest way to send a parcel to the Copperbelt?
The cheapest method is using passenger buses (like Power Tools, Mazhandu, or Shalom). You hand the parcel to their dispatch office at Intercity Bus Terminus in Lusaka, and the receiver collects it at the destination bus station the next morning. It usually costs between ZMK 50 and ZMK 150.
Does Air Freight cost include customs duty?
Some freight forwarders from China and Dubai offer "door-to-door, customs cleared" rates (around $14-$16/kg), meaning they handle ZRA duties. However, if you use standard DHL/FedEx, Zambian Revenue Authority (ZRA) will invoice you separately for duty and VAT upon arrival.
How long does Sea Freight take from China to Lusaka?
Sea freight usually takes 6 to 8 weeks to arrive via the ports of Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), Beira (Mozambique), or Durban (South Africa), before being trucked to Lusaka.