Why is My Car Shipment to Togo Delayed?

A few years ago, a friend of mine decided to import a 2018 Toyota Land Cruiser from Miami to Lomé. He was thrilled when he booked the shipment, imagining the car arriving in a few weeks so he could finally take his family on that long-planned weekend getaway. Weeks passed. Then months. Calls to the shipping company were met with vague updates. Somewhere between Miami and Lomé, the shipment had become a mystery. By the time the car arrived, almost three months later, he was exhausted, stressed, and far less enthusiastic than before.

If you’ve experienced—or are worried about—a similar scenario, you’re not alone. Car shipments to Togo can be delayed for a variety of reasons, and understanding them can save you both time and frustration. From paperwork mishaps to port congestion, there’s often more going on behind the scenes than most importers realize.

Understanding the Shipping Timeline

It helps to first understand what “normal” looks like. Shipping a car from the U.S. to Togo generally takes 4–6 weeks, sometimes slightly longer depending on the port of departure and shipping method. RoRo (Roll-on, Roll-off) ships are typically faster but less protected, whereas container shipping provides more security but may add a few days due to handling procedures.

Even under ideal circumstances, delays are not uncommon. Shipping is not as straightforward as booking a package online; you’re dealing with international logistics, customs regulations, and multiple parties along the chain.

I remember my friend asking me repeatedly, “Why is it taking so long? The tracking says it’s at sea!” The answer isn’t always simple—there are layers of bureaucracy, inspections, and unforeseen events that can slow things down.

Paperwork Problems

One of the most frequent causes of delays is documentation. Togo has strict import rules, and any missing or incorrect papers can hold a shipment at the port for weeks. Essential documents include:

Bill of Sale

Vehicle Title and Registration

Certificate of Origin

Import Permit from Togo

Insurance Certificate

Commercial Invoice

Even minor errors—like a typo in the VIN or mismatched names—can trigger delays. I once helped a friend whose shipment was held because the color listed on the bill of sale was “silver,” while customs inspectors saw a “light grey” car. They refused to process the clearance until the discrepancy was resolved with notarized documents.

Sometimes the paperwork is technically correct but incomplete. For example, shipping companies often request a packing list for container shipments, even if it seems redundant. Skipping it might save a day or two upfront, but can create a bottleneck once the car arrives in Togo.

Customs Clearance in Togo

Even with perfect paperwork, customs procedures in Lomé can take time. Vehicles are inspected for compliance with local standards, duties and taxes must be calculated, and the import permit verified.

Delays often occur during peak periods when multiple shipments converge at the port. I once saw an importer frustrated because his car was stuck for over a week simply due to heavy congestion. In Togo, customs can process dozens of shipments a day, but when multiple ships arrive simultaneously, even minor bottlenecks can become multi-day delays.

Shipping Company Issues

Sometimes the delay isn’t on your end at all—it’s the shipping company. Overbooking, vessel maintenance, or labor shortages at the port of departure can push back departure dates. In my friend’s case, the RoRo ship he booked was delayed due to mechanical issues at the Miami port. He had assumed once the car was loaded, it would be smooth sailing. Reality, of course, was different.

Shipping companies also rely on multiple intermediaries: freight forwarders, port operators, and inland transport providers. A delay at any of these stages cascades down the line, affecting your expected delivery.

Weather and Force Majeure

International shipping is vulnerable to weather. Hurricanes in the Atlantic, storms off the West African coast, or heavy rains can delay departures or cause ships to reroute. I once tracked a shipment that left Florida, only for the captain to divert to another port for safety reasons. The car eventually arrived, but the delay added nearly ten days.

Other “force majeure” events—strikes, political instability, or port closures—also contribute. While these aren’t common, they’re worth keeping in mind when planning a shipment.

Payment and Banking Delays

Sometimes the delay is financial. Customs duties, VAT, and shipping fees must often be paid before the car is released. If there’s a delay in transferring funds—especially international transfers—it can hold up clearance.

A friend imported a Honda CR-V and assumed online payment would be instantaneous. Unfortunately, a bank error caused the payment to arrive a day late. That one day delayed the release of his car by another week, as customs refused to proceed without confirmation.

Import Permit Issues

The import permit from Togo is non-negotiable. If it hasn’t been issued before the car arrives, customs will hold the vehicle. Some importers underestimate the time it takes to get this permit. My friend initially thought a week would suffice, but it took closer to three weeks due to additional verification requirements for his SUV.

For first-time importers, this is often the single most frustrating delay. Even if everything else is perfect—the shipping company, insurance, and documentation—the permit alone can hold the car at the port.

Vehicle Inspection and Compliance

Togo, like many countries, has specific requirements for vehicles entering the country. Inspections verify:

VIN and chassis numbers match documents

Vehicle is roadworthy and meets safety standards

Engine capacity and emissions comply with local regulations

Non-compliance can cause major delays. For example, a left-hand drive car may require special approval, which could take weeks. I once helped someone import a high-end pickup that was technically compliant but flagged for emissions verification. Customs held it until the tests were complete.

Common Misconceptions

Many importers assume delays are always the fault of the shipping company. In reality, delays often result from a combination of factors: paperwork errors, customs backlogs, weather, and communication breakdowns.

Another misconception is that paying extra will guarantee faster clearance. While premium shipping services can speed the transport, they cannot override customs inspections or missing documentation. I’ve seen cases where people paid top dollar for expedited shipping, only for their cars to sit at Lomé port for weeks because their import permit was incomplete.

How to Reduce the Risk of Delays

From my own experiences and helping friends, here are some practical tips:

Double-check all documents before shipment, including VINs, names, and addresses.

Secure the import permit early—don’t wait until the car is on the vessel.

Work with a reputable clearing agent in Togo who knows local procedures and contacts.

Track your shipment carefully but remain patient; shipping updates can be slow.

Prepare for unexpected costs like storage fees if delays occur at the port.

Consider timing—avoid peak shipping periods or times when customs might be congested.

In my friend’s case, if he had started the import permit process earlier and double-checked his documents, the shipment would likely have arrived on time. Instead, a combination of minor mistakes and external factors turned a simple shipment into a stressful ordeal.

Managing Expectations

It’s worth acknowledging that delays are sometimes unavoidable. Shipping internationally involves coordination across multiple countries, agencies, and service providers. Even under perfect conditions, a delay of a few days or a week is normal.

When I speak to first-time importers, I often say: expect the unexpected. Plan for a window longer than you hope for, and try to remain calm when things don’t go perfectly. A little patience goes a long way in preventing stress from turning into frustration.

Conclusion

If your car shipment to Togo is delayed, it’s likely not a single issue but a combination of factors: paperwork, customs, shipping schedules, weather, or permits. Understanding the process, preparing all documents meticulously, and working with experienced agents can significantly reduce the risk of delay—but it can’t eliminate it entirely.

Reflecting on my friend’s Jeep adventure, the takeaway is clear: international car shipping is part logistics, part paperwork, and part patience. When you anticipate potential bottlenecks, prepare thoroughly, and remain realistic about timelines, the process is far less stressful. By the time the car finally arrives and you see it roll out of the port, all those weeks of waiting start to feel worth it—even if you still shake your head at the chaos that got you there.

Published on: Sep 07, 2025

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