JLog is a Cape Town-based freight forwarder specialising in international shipping, customs clearance, and specialist cargo logistics for art, furniture, and high-value goods. Direct accounts with FedEx and DHL, SARS-registered customs clearing, and a proprietary technology platform that detects stuck shipments in real time. From our Woodstock base, we move freight to over 40 countries — door to door.
JLog (JetLog Pty Ltd) is a full-service freight forwarder and cargo agent in Cape Town, South Africa. We handle air freight, sea freight documentation, export and import customs clearance, HS code classification, SARS compliance, transit insurance, and door-to-door international shipping. JLog holds direct carrier accounts with FedEx (account 951394440) and DHL (account 305020169), and is the official logistics carrier for the Investec Cape Town Art Fair. Our Woodstock facility includes custom crating, climate-controlled storage, and white-glove handling for high-value goods.
A freight forwarder is a logistics specialist that arranges the transportation of goods on behalf of shippers. Unlike a courier, which operates fixed routes with standardised pricing, a freight forwarder manages the full complexity of international cargo — from selecting the right carrier and mode of transport (air, sea, or road) to preparing export documentation, clearing customs, calculating duties, and coordinating last-mile delivery at the destination. A freight forwarder acts as the intermediary between you and the carriers, shipping lines, and customs authorities that move your goods across borders.
In Cape Town, freight forwarding is essential for any business or individual shipping goods internationally. South Africa's customs regime, administered by SARS (South African Revenue Service), requires precise documentation for every export and import. HS codes must be correctly classified. Commercial invoices must match the goods being shipped. Export declarations (SAD500 forms) must be filed. Duties and VAT must be calculated. For certain goods — wine, art containing protected materials, food products — additional permits and certificates are required. A freight forwarder handles all of this so you don't have to.
JLog is a freight forwarder based in Woodstock, Cape Town. We are not a global corporation with a call centre — we are a specialist local operation that handles your shipment personally from start to finish. What sets JLog apart from other freight forwarders in Cape Town is our combination of direct carrier relationships, in-house customs clearing, and specialist expertise in high-value goods. We hold direct accounts with FedEx (JetLog account 951394440, Embark account 695311400) and DHL (account 305020169) — which means we're not a reseller marking up someone else's rates. We are a SARS-registered customs clearing agent, so your clearance is handled by the same team that manages your freight. And we specialise in goods that need more than a standard box-and-ship approach: original artworks, designer furniture, antiques, wine, exhibition goods, and other high-value cargo that demands careful handling, custom packaging, and accurate documentation.
Whether you're a gallery shipping paintings to London, a furniture maker exporting to the United States, a wine producer sending cases to Amsterdam, or simply need to move personal effects overseas — JLog provides the freight forwarding expertise, customs clearance capability, and hands-on service that makes international shipping from Cape Town straightforward.
From air freight and sea freight to customs clearance and door-to-door delivery — JLog manages every stage of your international shipment.
Time-sensitive international cargo via air freight through Cape Town International Airport. JLog books air freight directly with DHL, FedEx, and airline cargo divisions. Express delivery to Europe, the UK, and the US in 3–5 business days. Consolidation options available for cost-effective air shipments. Full documentation including airway bills, commercial invoices, and export declarations handled in-house.
International shipping →For larger shipments, sea freight offers a cost-effective alternative to air. JLog prepares all sea freight documentation: bills of lading, packing lists, certificates of origin, and export declarations. We coordinate with shipping lines for both full container load (FCL) and less-than-container load (LCL) shipments from Cape Town port. Typical transit times range from 2–6 weeks depending on destination.
JLog is a SARS-registered customs clearing agent handling both import and export clearances in South Africa. We file all customs declarations electronically, manage SARS queries in real time, and ensure your goods clear without unnecessary delays. Our customs platform includes proprietary stuck-shipment detection that alerts us the moment a clearance stalls.
Correct HS (Harmonised System) code classification determines your duty rate, VAT liability, and whether any permits are required. Misclassification can result in overpaid duties, shipment delays, or penalties from SARS. JLog classifies goods against the South African tariff schedule with precision, ensuring you pay the correct amount and your clearance proceeds smoothly.
Navigating SARS regulations requires specialist knowledge. JLog ensures full compliance with South African customs law — from correct valuation methods (transaction value, CIF) to applying the right duty rates, rebates, and trade agreement preferences. Our platform automates duty calculations using live tariff data so you know your exact landed cost before the shipment arrives.
JLog provides complete door-to-door service: collection from your premises in Cape Town, packaging or custom crating, export clearance, international transit, import clearance coordination, and final delivery to the destination address. For high-value goods, we offer white-glove door-to-door service with specialist handling at every stage.
JLog ships to 40+ countries. These are our most popular freight forwarding routes from Cape Town, with indicative transit times for express air freight.
Express: 3–5 days. Sea: 3–4 weeks. High demand for art, furniture, and wine exports. UK customs handled by destination agent with JLog documentation.
Express: 4–5 days. Sea: 4–5 weeks. US Customs and Border Protection clearance coordinated. FDA requirements managed for food and wine shipments.
Express: 3–5 days. Sea: 3–4 weeks. EU customs entry point for continental Europe. Strong demand from South African art galleries and designers.
Express: 4–6 days. Sea: 4–5 weeks. Australian biosecurity (BICON) requirements managed. ISPM-15 compliant crating built on-site at JLog.
Express: 3–4 days. Sea: 2–3 weeks. Growing route for luxury goods, art, and furniture. UAE free zone customs procedures handled.
Express: 3–5 days. Sea: 3–4 weeks. Major European logistics hub. German customs clearance coordinated through destination network.
Express: 4–5 days. Sea: 3–4 weeks. Southeast Asian trade hub with efficient customs. Strong corridor for exhibition and commercial freight.
Express: 4–5 days. Sea: 5–6 weeks. West Coast entry for US market. Popular route for furniture exports and art fair logistics.
JLog is the official logistics carrier for the Investec Cape Town Art Fair — one of Africa's most prestigious art events. We handle original artworks, designer furniture, antiques, and luxury goods with the care they demand: condition reports, climate-controlled storage, custom ISPM-15 compliant crating, and insured door-to-door delivery. This isn't a side offering — it's our core expertise. When a gallery needs to ship a R500,000 painting to a collector in New York, they call JLog because we understand the stakes. Learn more about our art logistics and art shipping guide.
Most freight forwarders in Cape Town rely on manual processes and only discover a customs delay when SARS sends an email — sometimes days after the issue arose. JLog runs a proprietary customs technology platform that monitors every clearance in real time. The moment a shipment stalls, a query is raised, or documentation is requested, our system detects it and alerts our team immediately. This means faster resolution, fewer storage charges, and no shipments sitting in limbo without anyone noticing. It's a genuine technological advantage that our competitors simply don't have.
JLog holds direct carrier accounts with FedEx (JetLog account 951394440, Embark account 695311400) and DHL (account 305020169). This is an important distinction: many freight forwarders in South Africa are simply resellers, booking through a third party and adding a margin. JLog's direct accounts mean we access base rates, priority handling, and direct support channels with both carriers. For you, that translates to competitive pricing, faster collection times, and better service when issues arise during transit.
JLog is not a faceless multinational. When you work with us, you deal directly with the people handling your freight. You get a direct WhatsApp line, not a ticket number. Your questions are answered by the person who packed your crate or filed your customs declaration — not a call centre in another country. This direct, personal approach is why clients come back to JLog shipment after shipment. We're based in Woodstock, Cape Town — you're welcome to visit, see our facility, and meet the team. Our address is Unit 12C, 10 Railway Street, Woodstock, Cape Town, 7925.
From your first enquiry to final delivery, here's how we handle your international shipment — step by step.
Tell us what you're shipping, the dimensions and weight, and the destination. We calculate the chargeable weight (the greater of actual weight vs volumetric weight), select the best carrier and route, and send you a detailed quote — typically within a few hours. No hidden fees.
We prepare all required documentation: commercial invoices, packing lists, export declarations (SAD500), HS code classification, and any additional certificates (CITES, phytosanitary, certificates of origin). You review and approve before we proceed.
We collect the goods from your premises in Cape Town or you deliver to our Woodstock facility. If needed, our team packages or builds custom crates on-site. Every item is photographed, measured, and logged in our system.
Our SARS-registered team files the export clearance electronically. Our platform monitors the clearance in real time — if SARS raises a query, we respond immediately. Once cleared, the shipment is released to the carrier for international transit.
Your shipment is tracked from Cape Town to the destination. We coordinate import clearance at the other end through our destination agent network. You receive tracking updates, and for white-glove shipments, proof of delivery with photographs.
JLog has deep experience handling goods that require more than standard freight forwarding — items where packaging, documentation, and care make the difference between a successful delivery and a disaster.
Original paintings, sculptures, prints, and mixed media. Museum-grade packaging, custom crating, condition reports, and transit insurance. Official carrier for the Investec Cape Town Art Fair.
Tables, chairs, lighting, and bespoke pieces by South African designers. Custom crating for oversized and fragile items. Blanket-wrap and white-glove handling for finished surfaces. Furniture export guide →
Period furniture, decorative arts, and collectibles. CITES permit management for items containing protected materials. Careful packing and documentation for high-value, irreplaceable objects.
SAWIS-compliant wine exports from Cape Town's winelands. Temperature-managed storage and transit. All liquor export documentation and permits handled. Wine export logistics →
Garments, fabrics, and fashion accessories for international retail and wholesale. Careful handling, branded packaging options, and fast dispatch via express air freight.
Servers, audio equipment, specialist electronics, and prototypes. Anti-static packaging, shock-absorbent crating, and lithium battery compliance documentation for air freight.
Temporary export and re-import of goods for trade shows, art fairs, and exhibitions worldwide. ATA Carnet coordination, round-trip logistics planning, and deadline-driven scheduling.
JLog runs on proprietary technology purpose-built for freight forwarding and customs clearance in South Africa. This isn't off-the-shelf software — it's a platform we developed to solve the specific problems freight forwarders face every day.
Our platform monitors every customs clearance in real time. The moment a shipment stalls — whether due to a SARS query, missing documentation, or an HS code dispute — our system detects it instantly and alerts our clearing team. This is the single biggest differentiator between JLog and other freight forwarders in Cape Town. While competitors wait days for email notifications from SARS, we're already resolving the issue.
Track your freight from collection in Cape Town through customs clearance, international transit, and final delivery. Status updates are visible in our system and can be shared with your customers. For express shipments via DHL and FedEx, tracking integrates directly with carrier systems for real-time location data.
Know your exact landed cost before goods arrive. Our platform calculates import duties and VAT using live SARS tariff data, the correct HS code classification, and the applicable CIF value. No surprises at the border. We also identify potential rebates and trade agreement preferences that can reduce your duty liability.
Every document related to your shipment — commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, airway bills, customs declarations, permits, and certificates — is stored digitally in our platform. You can access your full shipment history at any time. No more chasing paper or wondering which version of an invoice was submitted to SARS.
A courier handles small, standardised parcels on fixed routes with set pricing. A freight forwarder manages the entire logistics chain for larger, more complex shipments — including documentation, customs clearance, carrier selection, HS code classification, and multi-modal transport (air, sea, road). JLog operates as both: we handle express courier shipments via our direct DHL and FedEx accounts, and we manage complex freight forwarding for art, furniture, oversized cargo, and commercial shipments that need full customs clearance.
Standard customs clearance in South Africa takes 1–3 business days when all documentation is in order. However, clearance can take longer if SARS requests additional documents, if the HS code classification is disputed, or if the shipment is flagged for physical inspection. JLog's proprietary customs platform includes real-time stuck-shipment detection, which means we identify delays the moment they occur and act immediately to resolve them — rather than waiting days for SARS to notify us.
To export from South Africa you typically need: a commercial invoice with item descriptions, values, and HS codes; a packing list; a bill of lading or airway bill; and a customs export declaration (SAD500). Depending on the goods, you may also need certificates of origin, CITES permits (for protected species), SAWIS documentation (for wine), or phytosanitary certificates. JLog prepares all export documentation as part of our freight forwarding service — you provide the commercial details, and we handle the rest.
Yes. JLog has experience handling CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) permits for items that contain protected materials — such as antique furniture with ivory inlays, tortoiseshell, or certain hardwoods. We guide you through the application process with the relevant South African authority, ensure permits are obtained before shipping, and include all CITES documentation in the export paperwork. Attempting to ship CITES-regulated items without permits can result in seizure at customs.
JLog offers comprehensive marine and transit insurance for international shipments. Coverage is available on an all-risk basis, meaning the goods are insured against damage, loss, and theft from the point of collection to final delivery. We recommend insurance for all high-value shipments — especially art, antiques, and fragile goods. Insurance premiums are calculated as a percentage of the declared value and are quoted alongside your freight costs.
JLog ships to 40+ countries regularly, including the UK, USA, Netherlands, Germany, Australia, UAE, Singapore, and across Africa. We can arrange freight to virtually any destination via our DHL, FedEx, and sea freight partners. Some destinations have restrictions on certain goods (e.g., food products, hazardous materials), and we advise on these before booking. Contact us for a route-specific quote.
Import duties in South Africa are calculated based on the HS (Harmonised System) code of the goods, the declared customs value (CIF — cost, insurance, and freight), and the applicable duty rate set by SARS. VAT at 15% is then applied on top of the customs value plus duty. JLog's customs platform automates duty calculations using real-time SARS tariff data, so you know the exact landed cost before your goods arrive. We also advise on tariff rebates and trade agreements that may reduce your duty liability.
A bill of lading (B/L) is a legal document issued by the shipping line or carrier that serves three purposes: it acts as a receipt for the goods shipped, a contract of carriage between the shipper and carrier, and a document of title that allows the consignee to claim the goods at the destination port. For air freight, the equivalent document is an airway bill (AWB). JLog prepares and manages all bills of lading and airway bills as part of our freight forwarding service.
Yes. JLog provides full door-to-door international shipping — from collection at your premises in Cape Town to final delivery at the destination address anywhere in the world. This includes packaging or crating, export customs clearance, carrier booking, transit tracking, import clearance coordination at destination, and last-mile delivery. For high-value or fragile goods, we offer white-glove door-to-door service with specialist handling at every stage.
This is where JLog's proprietary customs platform provides a real advantage. Our system includes real-time stuck-shipment detection — the moment a clearance stalls or SARS raises a query, we're alerted automatically. We don't wait for an email from SARS days later; we see it in real time and respond immediately with the required documentation or clarification. Most stuck shipments are resolved within 24–48 hours when handled proactively. If your shipment is currently stuck with another agent, contact us — we can often take over the clearance and resolve the issue.
Tell us what you're shipping, the dimensions and weight, and the destination. We'll send you a detailed quote — typically within a few hours.
Unit 12C, 10 Railway Street, Woodstock, Cape Town, 7925 · Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00