Moving Employees from South Africa to Brazil with Elliott International

International Relocation is never simply about transporting belongings, it is about managing complexity with precision and supporting people through major transitions. In this article, we highlight a recent move from South Africa to Brazil, where our premium Corporate Relocation service transformed a potentially challenging process—coordinating two separate residences and assisting a pregnant employee—into a seamless, structured, and highly satisfactory experience.

A Tailor-made Approach for a Complex Move

This international relocation involved a unique challenge: the client had two residences in South Africa—one in Waterfall, Gauteng, and the other in Cape Town. To ensure minimal disruption and total efficiency, our relocation experts conducted a comprehensive pre-move survey to assess all shipment requirements. This enabled us to carefully plan transport, packing, and collection across both locations.

Each consignment was collected separately and consolidated at our secure Midrand warehouse. From there, we managed the container loading and arranged for sea freight shipping to Brazil.

Prioritising Employee Wellbeing

The client, a corporate employee being relocated by her company, was pregnant during the move. Understanding the importance of reducing stress and offering personal support, our team provided comprehensive packing assistance, helping her prepare for the journey without added pressure. Her feedback? She described the service as stress-free and seamless, a testament to our dedication to employee care and wellbeing.

Handling Special Items with Precision

One of the more technical aspects of this relocation involved the inclusion of two electric bicycles. These were packed securely in their original manufacturer packaging, but due to international shipping regulations around lithium batteries, we excluded the batteries from the container.

Lithium Battery Shipping: What You Need to Know

Due to strict regulations, lithium batteries are not permitted in sea freight consignments. However, we offer two compliant alternatives:

Airfreight the Batteries Separately

We can arrange for batteries to be shipped as unaccompanied or excess baggage, which includes:

• Obtaining a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) from the manufacturer
• Gaining airline approval
• Packaging by a certified Dangerous Goods company in Johannesburg

Client-Carried Batteries in Checked Baggage

Many airlines allow lithium batteries in checked luggage (not carry-on). We recommend clients confirm this with their airline in advance.

As always, Elliott can quote and coordinate these options as part of our end-to-end service.

Real-Time Shipment Visibility

To keep the client informed every step of the way, we assigned a dedicated Move Coordinator, who provided regular updates and direct support. The Coordinator also sent a real-time shipment tracking link, allowing the client to monitor the container’s progress at her convenience.

Why HR Leaders Choose Elliott International

Whether you are relocating an executive or an entire team, Elliott International brings over 40 years of expertise to the table. We combine:

• Moving precision
• Comprehensive risk and compliance knowledge
• White-glove support for employees and families

This recent move from South Africa to Brazil is just one example of how we go beyond shipping to deliver a relocation experience that supports business goals and individual wellbeing.

If you are relocating employees internationally, partner with Elliott International for reliable, responsive, and refined corporate services.