The Best Ports for Shipping to Togo from the USA

A couple of years ago, I helped a friend ship a car from the United States to Togo. He was excited, had done some basic research online, and assumed any major US port would do. I remember sitting with him over coffee, scrolling through the list of East Coast and West Coast ports, and realizing that port choice isn’t just about proximity—it can make a massive difference in cost, shipping time, and even the safety of the shipment.

If you’re planning to send anything—from vehicles to containers of goods—to Togo, knowing which US ports are most reliable and cost-effective can save you a lot of headaches. It’s not just about picking the nearest port; geography, shipping lanes, frequency of sailings, and local port efficiency all play into it. Here’s what I’ve learned, based on experience, research, and a few stories from friends who’ve gone through the process.

Why Port Choice Matters

Many first-time shippers assume all ports are created equal. They’re not. Depending on which port you choose, the cost of shipping, the journey duration, and even the risk of delays or damage can vary widely.

For example, East Coast ports are naturally closer to West Africa, which includes Togo. That seems like a clear advantage, but other factors like port congestion, frequency of direct sailings, and inland transport costs can offset that. On the West Coast, ports like Los Angeles and Long Beach handle massive volumes of goods heading to Asia and Europe, so routing a shipment to Togo from there is often longer, more expensive, and may even require transshipment through another European or African port.

I once saw a case where someone shipped from Miami thinking it would be cheaper, only for their container to sit at the port for nearly a week due to paperwork delays. Meanwhile, a friend who shipped from Savannah had a smoother experience because that port handles a steady flow of West African traffic.

East Coast Ports: The Obvious Starting Point

If your goods are heading to Togo, East Coast ports are usually the first place to look. They’re geographically closer, which can mean shorter shipping times and potentially lower costs. Here’s a breakdown of the major players:

1. Port of Savannah, Georgia

Savannah has emerged as one of the busiest ports on the East Coast. It has modern infrastructure, a reputation for efficiency, and frequent direct sailings to West African ports, including Lomé, Togo’s primary port.

From personal experience, Savannah seems to be a favorite among small business owners shipping vehicles and personal goods. The port has relatively low congestion compared to New York or Miami, which can translate into faster turnaround times. One acquaintance had a container shipped from Savannah, and it arrived in Lomé in just under three weeks, including customs clearance—a timeline that felt surprisingly short.

2. Port of Miami, Florida

Miami is naturally close to the Caribbean and Latin America, but it also has established shipping lines to West Africa. Its location makes it convenient for shipments originating in Florida, Georgia, or even southern states like Alabama.

The trade-off with Miami is that it can get busy, especially during peak seasons. I remember a friend who shipped a car in December—his container sat for a few extra days due to holiday traffic at the port. While it wasn’t catastrophic, it added costs in storage fees and insurance coverage.

3. Port of New York and New Jersey

New York/New Jersey is another East Coast option, particularly for shipments from the Northeast. It’s one of the largest ports in the US and has a wide network of shipping lines servicing West Africa.

However, New York tends to have higher terminal handling charges and can experience significant congestion. One importer I know had a container delayed by two weeks simply because there weren’t enough cranes available to unload all the incoming shipments. That said, if your shipment is time-flexible and originating from the Northeast, it can still be a solid choice.

West Coast Ports: When to Consider Them

On the surface, the West Coast may seem counterintuitive for shipments to Togo. The journey is longer, costs are usually higher, and most sailings head toward Asia or Europe first. But there are scenarios where a West Coast port makes sense:

If your cargo is already on the West Coast: For example, vehicles in Los Angeles or Seattle may be cheaper to ship from there than trucking them across the country to the East Coast.

If the shipping line offers a competitive transshipment route: Some carriers use European ports as intermediaries, which can occasionally make West Coast shipping viable.

1. Port of Los Angeles / Long Beach

This is the largest port complex in the US. It has tremendous capacity and handles millions of containers every year. While it’s primarily oriented toward Asia, some shipping lines offer routes to Europe and West Africa.

The downside? Congestion and longer transit times. During peak periods, containers can wait days just to be loaded onto the vessel. Insurance costs may also be higher for extended waiting times.

2. Port of Oakland, California

Oakland handles slightly smaller volumes than LA, but it’s often seen as more efficient for containerized cargo. Some exporters use Oakland when shipping luxury cars or electronics because the port offers extra security measures.

That said, direct sailings to West Africa are less frequent, meaning containers may have to be transshipped in Europe or another African port before reaching Lomé. That can increase costs and transit time.

Choosing the Right Shipping Method

Port choice goes hand-in-hand with shipping method. For Togo, most people use either roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) for vehicles or container shipping for personal goods or cargo.

RoRo: Cheaper, but your vehicle is exposed to the elements and less secure. Best for standard cars without high value modifications.

Container shipping: Offers more protection and the ability to ship multiple items, but it costs more.

From my own experience, friends shipping luxury vehicles or cars with aftermarket parts almost always opt for container shipping, regardless of which US port they choose. It’s a peace-of-mind decision, and for me, worth the extra cost.

Transit Times and Frequency

One thing that surprises first-time shippers is the variation in transit times depending on the port.

Savannah to Lomé: Typically 18–22 days direct, faster than most other East Coast ports.

Miami to Lomé: About 20–25 days, depending on the shipping line.

New York to Lomé: 22–28 days, slightly longer but with multiple weekly sailings.

Los Angeles to Lomé (via Europe): Can take 35–45 days, sometimes longer if transshipment is needed.

Frequency matters too. Savannah and Miami tend to have weekly or biweekly departures to West Africa. New York also has frequent sailings, but delays are more common due to congestion. West Coast sailings are rarer and often tied to European transshipment schedules.

Real-World Anecdotes

A vehicle shipment from Savannah: My friend’s Mazda CX-5 shipped in a container. It left Savannah on a Monday and arrived in Lomé exactly three weeks later. Minimal handling, clear paperwork, and a smooth customs clearance made it a stress-free experience.

A shipment from Miami: Another acquaintance sent electronics in a container. Because it was December, the container waited an extra five days at the port, incurring storage fees. The goods arrived safely, but the timing and cost were impacted.

A shipment from Los Angeles: A car shipped to Togo via LA went through Rotterdam for transshipment. The total journey took 42 days. The car arrived in excellent condition, but the insurance and additional handling costs were higher than expected.

These examples highlight that port choice isn’t just about cost—it’s about timing, risk, and logistics.

Tips for Choosing the Best Port

Consider proximity to your goods. Don’t ship from the East Coast if your cargo is already on the West Coast unless the cost difference is justified.

Check direct sailing options. Fewer transshipments usually mean lower costs, shorter transit times, and reduced risk.

Compare port efficiency. Congestion, staffing, and frequency of sailings can impact both cost and delivery times.

Factor in inland transport costs. Trucking or rail to a port can erase any apparent savings from a cheaper port.

Ask about hidden fees. Some ports have extra handling or security fees that aren’t in the initial quote.

My Personal Take

After helping friends and researching multiple shipments, I’ve come to see Savannah as the sweet spot for most shipments to Togo from the US. Miami and New York are strong alternatives, especially if your goods originate nearby. West Coast ports? They work in specific situations, but usually, they’re not the most practical choice unless you’re shipping from California or seeking a very specific transshipment route.

One thing I tell everyone: don’t pick a port purely because it sounds convenient or cheap. Look at the bigger picture—transit time, direct routes, risk of delays, and total cost. The port you choose is like the foundation of a house: if it’s solid, the rest of the shipping process will go smoothly.

Shipping to Togo from the USA doesn’t have to be a guessing game. With a little research, some guidance from experienced forwarders, and careful planning, you can choose a port that balances cost, safety, and speed. Whether it’s Savannah, Miami, or even Los Angeles in certain cases, the right choice can make your shipment smoother, faster, and less stressful.

Published on: Sep 07, 2025

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