The ins and outs of shipping to Togo
Togo, a small West African nation, plays a significant role in regional shipping and logistics. Its capital, Lomé, hosts a major port that serves as a gateway to West Africa. This guide provides essential information for those considering shipping to Togo, whether you’re sending a car, shipping a container, or household goods.
About Togo and Its Importance in Shipping
Togo is a West African country, strategically located on the Gulf of Guinea. It borders Ghana, Benin, and Burkina Faso. Key points to note about Togo include:
- Capital and largest city: Lomé
- Population: Approximately 8 million
- Official language: French
- Currency: West African CFA franc
The Port of Lomé is one of the few deep-water ports in West Africa, making it a crucial hub for regional trade and transshipment.
Car Shipping to Togo
When shipping a car to Lome ( capital city of Togo), you have two main options. These are Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) and container shipping. Both methods have their pros and cons, depending on your specific shipping needs.
Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) Shipping:
Roro shipping involves driving the vehicle into a specialized shipping vessel, that is designed to transport wheeled cargo.
Pros:
- Cost-Effective: RoRo is typically less expensive than container shipping since it doesn’t require a container and involves less handling.
- Efficiency: Loading and unloading are faster because the vehicle is driven on and off the ship.
- Ideal for Large Vehicles: Larger vehicles like trucks, buses, and heavy machinery can easily be shipped via RoRo.
Cons:
- Limited Protection: Vehicles are exposed to the elements, which may not be ideal for luxury or classic cars.
- Availability: RoRo routes may be limited, especially to certain countries or regions.
- Personal Items: Most RoRo services do not allow you to ship personal items inside the vehicle.
Container Shipping:
This method is ideal if you want to ship additional items together with your car. It involves loading your car in a container for added security.
Pros:
- Greater Protection: The vehicle is fully enclosed, protecting it from weather, theft, and damage during transit.
- Flexibility: You can ship personal items along with the vehicle inside the container, which can be cost-effective.
- Global Reach: Container shipping services are widely available, making it easier to ship to more destinations.
Cons:
- Higher Cost: Container shipping is generally more expensive than RoRo due to the additional handling, loading, and unloading processes.
- Longer Process: The process of loading and unloading a container can take more time, potentially lengthening the overall shipping duration.
- Size Limitations: Larger vehicles may not fit into standard containers, requiring special arrangements.
How much does it cost to ship a car from USA to Lomé,Togo
The cost of shipping a car to Lomé varies depending on the type of the car and the shipping method used;
Estimated rates for RoRo shipping
- Sedan or compact cars: $1,000 – $1,500
- SUV: $1,500 – $2,200
- Trucks and luxury cars: Request quote
Estimated rates for container shipping
- Sedan: $2,000 – $3,500
- SUV: $3,000 – $4,500
- Trucks and luxury cars: Request quote
Container shipping to Togo
Container shipping to Togo is an ideal shipping method, best suitable for shipping household goods, personal items, cars, or any other cargo types.
Container types and estimated costs
When shipping a container to Lome, Togo, you can opt for either a 20ft or a 40ft container.
- 20ft container (TEU): $1,500 – $3,500 (fits 25-29 cbm of cargo)
- 40ft container (FEU): $2,500 – $5,000 (fits 22-23 pallets)
Major routes for container shipping to Togo
| Region | Major Port Routes |
|---|---|
| Europe | Rotterdam, Antwerp, Hamburg, Marseille, Le Havre, Genoa |
| Asia | Shanghai, Singapore, Shenzhen, Mumbai, Chennai, Busan, Port Klang, Jakarta, Tokyo |
| United States | New York, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Savannah |
| Middle East | Dubai, UAE |
| Africa | Abidjan, Dakar, Tema, Lagos, Mombasa |
How much does it cost to ship a container to Lomé from other regions
These are the estimated costs for shipping a container to Lomé, Togo from different ports globally
| Region | Port Route | Estimated Cost |
| United States | New York to Lomé | $2,200 – $4,000 |
| United States | Miami to Lomé | $2,100 – $3,900 |
| United States | Houston to Lomé | $2,000 – $3,800 |
| United States | Savannah to Lomé | $2,100 – $4,000 |
| United States | Los Angeles to Lomé | $3,000 – $5,500 |
| Europe | Rotterdam to Lomé | $1,800 – $3,500 |
| Europe | Antwerp to Lomé | $1,800 – $3,500 |
| Europe | Le Havre to Lomé | $2,000 – $3,800 |
| Europe | Genoa to Lomé | $2,000 – $4,000 |
| Europe | Marseille to Lomé | $1,900 – $3,700 |
| Asia | Shanghai to Lomé | $2,000 – $4,500 |
| Asia | Shenzhen to Lomé | $2,100 – $4,600 |
| Asia | Port Klang to Lomé | $2,000 – $4,200 |
| Asia | Mumbai to Lomé | $1,800 – $3,800 |
| Asia | Singapore to Lomé | $2,200 – $4,700 |
| Asia | Busan to Lomé | $2,500 – $5,000 |
| Africa | Lagos to Lomé | $600 – $1,100 |
| Africa | Dakar to Lomé | $900 – $1,600 |
| Africa | Tema to Lomé | $700 – $1,200 |
| Africa | Abidjan to Lomé | $800 – $1,500 |
Shipping to Togo from USA
At Ameritrans Freight, we offer tailored solutions for individuals and businesses shipping to Togo from the USA. Whether you’re shipping a car, personal goods, or commercial products, you can choose between cost-effective Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) shipping or the more secure container shipping, depending on your needs. Our services provide competitive rates, reliable transit times, and comprehensive support from pick-up in the USA to delivery in Togo. With a focus on affordability and efficiency, we ensure your shipments arrive safely and on schedule, helping you manage your international shipping needs with confidence.
Shipping packages from the USA to Togo
Sending packages to Togo from the USA can be straightforward with the right information and preparation. The costs vary based on the weight and shipping method.
What is the estimated cost of shipping a package from USA to Togo?
- Small packages (1-2 lbs): $30 – $100 (standard), $100 – $150 (express).
- Medium packages (5-10 lbs): $100 – $200 (standard), $200 – $300 (express).
- Large packages (20-30 lbs): $200 – $500.
Note: Actual costs may vary. Check with your carriers for accurate quotes.
Estimated transit times for shipping to Togo
Transit times can vary significantly due to various factors such as weather conditions, customs clearance delays and port congestions:
- Longest transit time: Up to 8-10 weeks for sea freight, often due to customs delays or port congestion.
- Shortest transit time: 2-5 days for express air freight, with sea freight taking 2-3 weeks for direct routes.
Customs and Regulations
Before shipping to Togo, it is important to understand their customs and regulations. Always read up on their tax duty for imports and exports goods, the documentation you need for car shipping, shipping household and personal items. The tax duty ranges between 10% and 20 % but remember to always confirm before shipping.
Import Duty
- Typically ranges between 10% and 20%
- Confirm current rates before shipping
Required Shipping Documentation to Togo
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading
- Import/export duty receipts
- Vehicle title and registration (for car shipping)
- Purchase invoice
Togo Shipping Restricted and Prohibited Items
- Chemicals
- Alcohol
- Currency
- Animals
- Firearms and explosives
- Fresh foods
- Plants and seeds
Conclusion
Shipping to Togo offers exciting opportunities to tap into West African markets. Whether you’re shipping a car, container, or package, understanding the options, costs, and regulations is crucial for a smooth process.
For personalized quotes or more information on shipping to Togo, please contant us.