Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Shipping a Car to Togo

A couple of years ago, a friend of mine in Lomé told me he’d spent months coordinating the shipment of a used Toyota Corolla from the U.S. He thought he had everything under control—he even found a seemingly reputable shipping company online—but when the car finally arrived, things went sideways fast. Port fees, paperwork issues, and an unexpected customs hold added weeks of stress and extra costs. By the end, his “smooth import” had turned into a headache he never expected.

Stories like his aren’t rare. Shipping a car to Togo can be an exciting opportunity to get a vehicle you love, but it comes with traps—often small mistakes that snowball into major problems. I’ve watched friends, colleagues, and online forum members run into these same pitfalls over and over. So, if you’re considering sending a car to Togo, it helps to know what not to do.

Here are the top five mistakes people make when shipping cars to Togo, along with tips to avoid them.

1. Skipping Thorough Research on Shipping Companies

One of the most common mistakes is trusting the first company that pops up online. My friend, for instance, assumed that because a website looked professional, it was legit. They had a glossy interface, testimonials, and a tracking system that looked official—but none of it was verified. The result? The car sat at a U.S. port for two weeks longer than expected, while he scrambled to confirm whether the company was real or just another scam.

Togo’s shipping landscape isn’t huge, and most reputable companies are known by word-of-mouth among importers. Checking reviews is useful, but it’s even better to confirm registration with recognized maritime or shipping authorities. The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has a list of licensed carriers. A quick call or email can save you from dealing with unprofessional operators.

Tip: Always verify credentials, ask for real references, and if possible, talk to someone who has shipped a car to Togo through that company. That step may seem tedious, but it can prevent weeks of stress.

2. Misunderstanding Togo’s Customs Regulations

Another big mistake is underestimating the complexity of customs clearance. Many first-time importers assume that once the car arrives in Lomé, it’s just a matter of paying a small fee and driving it off the dock. In reality, Togo has strict regulations, including duties, import taxes, and mandatory documentation.

A friend of mine imported a Nissan Pathfinder and didn’t fully check the required paperwork. The customs office flagged a missing certificate of origin, holding the car for nearly a month. Fees for storage quickly added up. Togo’s regulations are designed to prevent fraud and ensure revenue collection, but they can feel overwhelming if you’re not prepared.

Tip: Before shipping, consult a local clearing agent or someone familiar with Togolese customs. Make a checklist: bill of lading, proof of ownership, export certificate, and any other relevant documents. It may seem like overkill, but skipping a single document can stall your shipment for weeks.

3. Ignoring the Importance of Vehicle Condition

Some importers don’t realize how much the vehicle’s condition affects the shipment and customs process. Cars that are leaking fluids, have missing parts, or appear unsafe can be refused or incur extra inspection fees.

I remember a colleague trying to ship an old Jeep Wrangler. It hadn’t been cleaned thoroughly, and there was significant oil leakage. When it reached the port in Lomé, customs required additional verification to ensure it met environmental and safety standards. That inspection cost time and money he hadn’t budgeted for.

Tip: Clean your vehicle thoroughly, check for leaks, and document its condition with photographs before shipment. This not only speeds up customs clearance but also helps if insurance claims are needed.

4. Failing to Budget for Extra Costs

Many importers focus solely on the shipping fee quoted by the company. They assume that’s the total cost, forgetting that several additional expenses will pop up. Port handling, storage fees, customs duties, taxes, insurance, and clearing agent fees can quickly double the initial shipping quote.

I once helped a friend plan a shipment for a Ford Ranger. The shipping company quoted $1,500 for RoRo transport, but by the time we added customs duty, VAT, agent fees, and small port charges, the total came to nearly $3,000. He’d been expecting something closer to the initial quote and had to scramble to cover the shortfall.

Tip: Always plan for hidden costs. Ask your shipping company for a detailed breakdown, confirm customs rates with an agent, and set aside a contingency fund for unexpected charges. It’s better to overestimate and be pleasantly surprised than underprepare and stress.

5. Not Considering the Timing and Seasonal Delays

Timing is another overlooked factor. Weather conditions, holidays, and port congestion can all affect how quickly a car moves from the U.S. to Togo. Many importers assume a shipment will take two weeks and are caught off guard when it stretches to six.

One friend shipped a Toyota Camry during the rainy season. Storm delays in the Atlantic caused the ship to arrive a week late, and with storage fees piling up at the port in Lomé, he ended up paying more than anticipated.

Tip: Check seasonal trends and port congestion reports if possible. Ship during off-peak times when fewer vessels are arriving, and allow at least a few weeks of buffer for unexpected delays.

Bonus Mistake: Neglecting Insurance

It might seem obvious, but some people skip shipping insurance to save a few hundred dollars. That’s risky because even with reputable carriers, accidents can happen. Storms, collisions in port, or handling errors can damage your car.

A friend of mine once shipped a Honda CR-V without insurance. When it arrived, there was a dent on the rear door from a crane mishap. He had no coverage, so he had to pay out-of-pocket for repairs. Insurance would have cost only about $200 but would have saved him $1,200 in repairs.

Tip: Never underestimate the value of shipping insurance. Consider it part of the cost of doing business rather than an optional add-on.

A Personal Reflection

From my experience and from what I’ve observed in shipping communities, most problems stem from overconfidence. People see a “good deal” online, rush into it, and assume everything will go smoothly. The reality is that shipping a car to Togo is not just about transport—it’s about paperwork, preparation, and anticipating bumps along the way.

I’ve learned that taking the time to research companies, understand customs, inspect the vehicle, budget for extra costs, and plan for timing can save weeks of frustration. And honestly, even when things go wrong, knowing the system makes you feel more in control.

Practical Tips to Avoid These Mistakes

Vet your shipping company carefully. Verify credentials, ask for references, and check official licensing where possible.

Hire a clearing agent familiar with Togo’s ports. It might cost more upfront, but it prevents headaches and costly delays.

Document the car’s condition thoroughly. Photos, inspection reports, and maintenance records can save trouble with customs and insurance claims.

Prepare a realistic budget. Include shipping, duties, taxes, insurance, storage, and potential extras. Add 10–15% as a contingency.

Plan for timing. Account for seasonal delays, port congestion, and holidays that could slow down the process.

Don’t skip insurance. Even a small policy can prevent a huge financial hit.

Why Avoiding These Mistakes Matters

At the end of the day, shipping a car to Togo can be a smooth and rewarding experience if done properly. Avoiding these common mistakes saves money, reduces stress, and ensures your car arrives safely. The difference between a nightmare shipment and a straightforward process often comes down to preparation and attention to detail.

Even though the process can feel bureaucratic and confusing, the payoff—driving a vehicle you love in Lomé or Kara—is worth it. The key is approaching it like a project: research, plan, verify, and always expect the unexpected.

Final Thoughts

Shipping a car to Togo is not just about getting from point A to point B. It’s a combination of research, careful planning, and patience. Mistakes like choosing the wrong shipping company, ignoring customs requirements, neglecting vehicle condition, underestimating costs, and misjudging timing can turn a simple import into a stressful ordeal.

For anyone considering this step, I’d advise taking it slow. Ask questions, verify information, and don’t cut corners. The first shipment might be a learning curve, but once you navigate it successfully, future imports become much easier.

And when your car finally arrives at the port, untouched and ready to drive, it’s an exhilarating feeling. That’s why preparation—and avoiding these common mistakes—makes all the difference.

Published on: Sep 07, 2025

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