Africa Car Shipping Services: Expert RoRo & Container Transport from the UK
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Shipping a car, commercial truck, van, or heavy machinery to Africa requires trusted international logistics, precise documentation, and reliable shipping lines. Whether exporting a personal vehicle, commercial fleet, or classic car, we provide comprehensive Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) and Container Shipping options tailored for major African ports. Choosing the right ocean freight route ensures a smooth, secure transit from UK departure ports directly to major African destination ports.
Flexible Shipping Options: Choose cost-effective RoRo shipping for running vehicles or dedicated 20ft & 40ft container shipping for high-value cars, non-runners, electric vehicles (EVs), or combined household belongings.
Pre-Shipment Inspection & Compliance: Full assistance with country-specific pre-shipment inspections, including QISJ (Kenya), CNCC (Cameroon), and ITAC / NRCS Letter of Authority (South Africa).
UK Export & Customs Clearance: Seamless export declarations filed directly with HMRC, original V5C logbook processing, and Bills of Lading issuance.
Door-to-Port & Door-to-Door Delivery: Fully insured UK vehicle collection to departure ports (Tilbury, Sheerness, Teesport) with reliable sea freight to West, East, and Southern African destinations.
1. Major UK Departure Ports & Direct African Routes
We coordinate direct and reliable shipping corridors leveraging premier UK handling terminals and frequent weekly and bi-weekly sailings:
Primary UK Port: Tilbury Port (utilizing official Grimaldi Lines and direct RoRo carrier networks).
| Destination Region | Key Destination Ports | Major Countries Served | Standard Transit Time |
| West Africa | Lagos (Tin Can / Apapa), Tema, Banjul, Takoradi | Nigeria, Ghana, Gambia | 14 – 24 Days |
| Southern Africa | Durban, Cape Town, Walvis Bay | South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia | 18 – 35 Days |
| East Africa | Mombasa, Dar es Salaam | Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda | 21 – 35 Days |
| North Africa | Alexandria, Port Said | Egypt | 10 – 18 Days |
2. How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car to Africa?
The total cost to ship a vehicle to Africa depends on the chosen method, vehicle dimensions, and destination port:
Estimated Route-Based Ocean Freight Prices (GBP)
| Destination Port / Region | RoRo (Roll-On/Roll-Off) | Container Shipping (20ft / 40ft) |
| Lagos (Nigeria) | £800 – £950 | £1,250 – £1,800 |
| Tema (Ghana) | £850 – £1,000 | £1,300 – £1,900 |
| Casablanca (Morocco) | £750 – £900 | £1,150 – £1,700 |
| Durban / Walvis Bay (Southern Africa) | £1,040 – £1,600 | £1,500 – £2,100+ |
Key Cost Factors & Additional Fees
RoRo vs. Container: RoRo is the most economical choice for standard roadworthy vehicles. Container shipping typically costs more, but is necessary for non-runners, high-value cars, or destinations requiring secure enclosed loading.
Vehicle Size: Standard saloon cars fit standard pricing tiers, whereas larger 4x4s, SUVs, and commercial vans incur higher freight fees due to extra height and volumetric space.
Local Customs Duty & VAT: Freight rates cover sea transport and UK export filing. Destination import duties, VAT, and port handling charges are determined by local customs authorities based on vehicle age, engine size, and valuation.
3. Destination Import Regulations & Documentation Requirements
To avoid customs delays and ensure smooth port clearance in Africa, the following documentation is required prior to departure:
V5C Registration Document (Logbook): Original UK registration document proving legal ownership.
Passport & ID Copy: Photo page copy of the named consignee receiving the vehicle at the destination port.
Bill of Sale / Commercial Invoice: Proof of vehicle purchase price for customs valuation.
Import Permits & Inspections: Valid country-specific documentation (e.g., ITAC permit for South Africa or JEVIC / QISJ certificate where mandatory).
Bill of Lading (B/L): Official transit documentation confirming carrier loading and vessel routing.
Vehicle Age & Steering Restrictions: Many African ports enforce strict maximum age limits on imported used vehicles (ranging from 5 to 10 years) and specific rules regarding left-hand vs. right-hand drive configurations.
4. Why Choose CARshippingUK for Your African Export?
Direct Carrier Partnerships: Eliminates middleman costs, allowing us to offer highly competitive rates for both private vehicle owners and commercial exporters.
End-to-End UK Logistics: We arrange fully insured UK trailer transport to pick up your vehicle from any location nationwide and deliver it safely to port for customs processing.
Ready to Ship to Africa? Get Your Instant Quote Today
Experience 15+ years of trusted expertise in international vehicle logistics and shipping corridor management.
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