DIY Car Shipping to Togo: What to Expect

When I first considered shipping my car to Togo, I’ll admit I thought it would be fairly straightforward. Buy the car, book a shipping slot, handle a bit of paperwork, and boom—the car arrives at Lomé Port ready to hit the streets. That, I quickly discovered, was a bit naive. Doing it yourself is possible, but it’s far from simple. There are costs to anticipate, paperwork to navigate, and small mistakes that can lead to delays or unexpected fees.

If you’re thinking of taking the DIY route for your car shipment, it helps to know what you’re signing up for, and what pitfalls you might encounter along the way. Here’s what I learned—and what anyone attempting this should expect.

Preparing Your Vehicle for Shipping

The first step, and arguably the one most people underestimate, is prepping your car for its journey. Shipping a car overseas isn’t like driving it across state lines. You need to account for transport conditions, customs inspections, and handling during loading and unloading.

Cleaning your car inside and out is more important than it might seem. Customs officials will inspect the vehicle, and a clean car allows them to check for damage more easily. Remove personal belongings, because anything left inside the vehicle can cause complications or even additional charges. Some carriers are strict: no tools, no electronics, nothing in the cabin.

I remember a friend who forgot to remove a small gym bag from his SUV. The bag wasn’t confiscated, but customs officials made him open it repeatedly, and it added hours to the inspection process. A small oversight, but an easily avoidable delay.

Also, consider the mechanical side. Ensure your car is in working order, at least minimally. Most shipping methods, whether containerized or RoRo (roll-on/roll-off), require that the vehicle can move under its own power for loading and unloading. Disconnect the battery if shipping for an extended period, and make sure the gas tank is only partially filled—usually around a quarter tank is enough. Too much fuel is a fire hazard, while an empty tank can create balance issues during transit.

Choosing a Shipping Method

DIY importers typically face two main options: container shipping or RoRo.

Container shipping involves loading your car into a container—sometimes shared with other vehicles, sometimes dedicated. The advantage is protection. The car is shielded from the elements and has less risk of damage from other vehicles during transit. The downside is cost; container shipping tends to be more expensive, especially for a single vehicle.

RoRo shipping is generally cheaper. Cars are driven onto the ship and secured on the deck, then driven off at the destination port. It’s cost-effective, but exposes your vehicle to more handling and weather. I once saw a 2015 Toyota Hilux arrive with minor scratches from RoRo transport—not serious, but noticeable if you’re particular about condition.

Many DIY importers opt for RoRo when budgeting tightly, and container shipping if the vehicle is high-value or a collectible. Either way, booking your shipment well in advance is critical, especially during peak months when demand spikes.

Understanding the Costs

Shipping fees are only part of the equation. DIY importers often underestimate the total costs, which include:

Freight charges: Cost to move the vehicle from the origin port to Lomé.

Insurance: Highly recommended to cover damage or loss in transit.

Customs duties and VAT: In Togo, these vary depending on vehicle age, engine size, and origin. Knowing what you owe beforehand can prevent nasty surprises.

Port handling fees: Charges at Lomé Port for unloading, storage, and inspections.

Compliance modifications: Sometimes vehicles need adjustments to meet local safety or environmental standards before registration.

I learned this firsthand when I tried a DIY shipment of a used Ford Explorer. The shipping quote seemed reasonable at first—around $2,500—but by the time I accounted for port fees, duties, and insurance, the total nearly doubled. That taught me an important lesson: always budget for contingencies.

Paperwork and Documentation

Paperwork is arguably the most daunting part of DIY shipping. You need to prepare:

Bill of lading from the shipping company.

Commercial invoice or purchase receipt.

Certificate of origin.

Proof of insurance.

Any inspection or compliance documents required by Togo customs.

Even a small mismatch—like a VIN number typed incorrectly—can result in delays or additional inspections. I once helped an acquaintance whose invoice listed a car’s year incorrectly by one year. Customs held the car for two extra days while the error was corrected. Small mistakes add up quickly when you’re doing everything yourself.

Navigating Togo Customs

This is where most DIY importers hit the real challenge. Lomé Port has strict procedures, and regulations may appear inconsistent at times. Cars can be inspected multiple times, fees can vary, and port officials may require clarifications on documentation.

A friend who shipped a Nissan Patrol explained that even though he had all his paperwork, an inspector requested additional proof of the car’s emission standards. It wasn’t listed anywhere in the regulations he had read online. Fortunately, he managed to obtain the documentation quickly, but it was a stressful day he hadn’t anticipated.

Timing and Patience

Expect delays. Even with everything done perfectly, shipping internationally involves many moving parts—schedules at the origin port, weather conditions, shipping line availability, and customs processing. I’ve seen shipments take four weeks, and others six or more. Planning for extra time reduces stress.

Some DIY importers try to cut corners by rushing paperwork or shipping during high-demand periods. That often backfires. Personally, I’ve found that scheduling shipments during slower months and being meticulous with documentation usually saves both money and time.

Insurance: Don’t Skip It

It’s tempting to skip insurance to save a few hundred dollars, but I strongly advise against it. Damage can happen during loading, transit, or unloading, and shipping companies often limit liability. For a $20,000 vehicle, basic insurance coverage is a small price for peace of mind.

When I shipped my SUV, I opted for full coverage, which cost an extra $350. Weeks later, a minor scratch was noted at the port in Lomé. Without insurance, I would have had no recourse; with it, the shipping company covered repairs. That minor expense saved me a lot of frustration.

DIY vs. Using a Broker

A question I hear often is: why not just hire a customs broker or agent? The answer depends on your comfort level and risk tolerance. DIY shipping is possible, but you need patience, attention to detail, and willingness to handle unexpected issues. A broker can take much of the stress off your shoulders but adds a fee.

In my case, doing it myself was a learning experience. I made small mistakes, dealt with delays, and had to coordinate with multiple parties, but I also saved a few thousand dollars in fees. Others might prefer peace of mind, especially when shipping high-value or collectible vehicles.

Final Thoughts

DIY car shipping to Togo can be rewarding—but it’s not for the faint of heart. You’ll learn a lot about logistics, customs, and international shipping regulations, but you’ll also face challenges, delays, and extra costs along the way. Planning carefully, budgeting for contingencies, and being meticulous with documentation are essential.

I still remember the day my car arrived at Lomé Port, cleared and ready to drive. It was satisfying, but I also realized how much smoother it could have been with a broker. For first-timers or those shipping valuable vehicles, professional guidance is likely worth the cost. For those willing to take the plunge, a DIY approach can work—but expect to invest both time and patience alongside your money.

At the end of the day, whether you go DIY or hire an expert, shipping a car to Togo is a mix of planning, persistence, and a little luck. If you keep your expectations realistic and prepare thoroughly, seeing your car finally drive on Togo’s roads is a reward worth the effort.

Published on: Sep 07, 2025

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