⚡ Quick Answer: How much does it cost to ship a car to Nigeria?
Shipping a car from the USA to Nigeria costs between $1,200 and $3,100 for ocean freight depending on the vehicle size, US departure port, and shipping method (RoRo vs. Container). Ocean transit takes 22 to 45 days, with primary RoRo vessel discharge at Tin Can Island Port, Lagos. Important: Nigerian Customs duties (Import Duty, Levy, VAT, and surcharges) are calculated via the official NCS VIN Valuation System and typically add 35%–70% to the vehicle’s CIF value upon arrival.
USA → NIGERIA AUTO TRANSPORT & VEHICLE EXPORT LOGISTICS
All TransportDepot coordinates seamless car shipping from any US location to Lagos, Nigeria. Whether you are shipping a personal car, dealer inventory, or Copart/IAAI auction purchases, we manage nationwide ground towing, title validation, US customs export clearance, ocean booking, and arrival port dispatch.
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On This Page
- Service Overview
- RoRo vs. Container Options
- US Gateway Rates & Transit Times
- Nigeria Customs Duty & VIN Valuation Math
- Vehicle Age Limits & Compliance
- Nationwide Towing & Auction Pickup
- Step-by-Step Shipping Process
- Lagos Ports: Tin Can Island vs. Apapa
- US & Nigeria Required Documentation
- Frequently Asked Questions
Professional Car Shipping to Lagos, Nigeria from the USA
All TransportDepot simplifies international car shipping by coordinating the entire US export chain. From residential driveways, auto dealerships, and salvage auctions (Copart, IAAI, Manheim) to ocean departure terminals, we provide single-source vehicle transport directly to Lagos.
Private Vehicle Owners
Door-to-port car shipping for personal relocations or vehicle gifts, backed by transparent title clearance and port guidance.
Auction & Dealer Buyers
Rapid auction release, gate-pass retrieval, storage prevention, and direct transport to US RoRo export ports.
Commercial Automotive Exporters
High-volume shipping management with consolidated documentation, VIN tracking, and tiered freight rates for commercial vehicle fleets.
Vehicle Shipping Options to Lagos
Compare RoRo shipping to Nigeria and container shipping to Nigeria based on vehicle condition, protection requirements, and budget.
MOST POPULAR & ECONOMICAL
Roll-On/Roll-Off (RoRo) Auto Shipping
Your vehicle is driven directly onto a specialized car-carrier vessel and secured below deck for ocean transit to Tin Can Island Port.
- Best For: Fully operational cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, and commercial vans.
- Requirements: Vehicle must start, steer, and brake reliably. No personal belongings inside the cabin.
- Key Benefit: Lowest ocean freight rates and fast terminal handling times.
ENCLOSED & SECURE LOGISTICS
Containerized Car Shipping (FCL / LCL)
Your vehicle is professionally loaded, blocked, braced, and strapped inside a 20ft or 40ft ocean container for complete enclosure.
- Best For: High-value luxury cars, non-running/salvage auction vehicles, or multi-car shipments.
- Requirements: Supports loading personal effects and spare auto parts inside the container.
- Key Benefit: Maximum physical protection against environmental exposure during sea transit.
US Departure Hub Rates & Estimated Transit Times
Ocean freight costs depend on the vehicle’s physical dimensions (Sedan vs. SUV/Truck), running condition, and proximity of the US departure port to Lagos:
| US Departure Port | Primary Ocean Carrier Route | Est. Ocean Freight (Standard Car) | Average Ocean Transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore, MD | Direct / Express Africa Service | $1,200 – $1,550 | 22 – 28 Days |
| Jacksonville, FL / Savannah, GA | Southeast US RoRo Express | $1,250 – $1,600 | 24 – 30 Days |
| New York / Newark (NJ) | Northeast US Gateway | $1,200 – $1,550 | 25 – 32 Days |
| Houston, TX | US Gulf Ocean Route | $1,350 – $1,750 | 30 – 38 Days |
| Port Hueneme, CA / Long Beach, CA | US West Coast Transshipment | $1,850 – $2,400 | 40 – 50 Days |
Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) Duties & VIN Valuation System
Understanding local clearing costs is vital before shipping. The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) utilizes an automated VIN Valuation System to assign standardized customs values to vehicles based on year, make, model, and engine displacement.
CIF Customs Calculation Formula
Customs duties are assessed on the vehicle’s CIF Value:
CIF = Vehicle Purchase Price + Ocean Freight Cost + Transit Insurance
- Import Duty: 20% of CIF value
- Import Levy: 15% of CIF value (for fully built passenger vehicles)
- Value Added Tax (VAT): 7.5%
- Port Development Surcharge: 7% of Import Duty
- ECOWAS Trade Levy (ETLS): 0.5% of CIF value
- CISS Levy: 1% of FOB value
How the VIN Valuation System Works
The automated NCS VIN system prevents under-declaration of imported cars:
- Standardized Assessment: Duty is auto-generated using the vehicle’s 17-digit VIN code.
- Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR): Required for commercial imports and containerized cargo clearing.
- Age Depreciation Factors: Older eligible vehicles receive standard depreciation credits against baseline MSRP, though higher levies apply.
Nigeria Vehicle Import Eligibility & Age Regulations
Before purchasing or shipping a car, ensure your vehicle meets current Nigerian import regulations enforced at Lagos ports:
Vehicle Age Limit Restrictions
Nigeria enforces age caps on imported motor vehicles under standard customs directives:
- Passenger Vehicles: Subject to a maximum age cap (typically 12 to 15 years from manufacture year). Older passenger vehicles risk high penalty surcharges or rejection.
- Commercial Trucks & Heavy Equipment: Subject to flexible age guidelines but require technical roadworthiness inspection.
Driving Orientation & Fuel Compliance
- Left-Hand Drive (LHD) Permitted: Unlike East Africa, Nigeria permits standard Left-Hand Drive (LHD) vehicles manufactured in the United States.
- EV & Hybrid Guidelines: Electric and Hybrid vehicles require battery isolation disclosures prior to US port receiving and RoRo vessel loading.
Nationwide US Auto Transport & Auction Towing
You do not need to live near a coastal export port. We coordinate door-to-port tow trucks across all 50 states to collect vehicles from residences, dealerships, auto repair shops, and major salvage auctions.
Supported Auto Auctions
- Copart & IAAI Express Pickup: Fast dispatch to prevent auction storage fees.
- Manheim & Adesa Dealer Auctions: Direct transport with gate passes and lot releases handled.
- Non-Running Towing Service: Winch-equipped car haulers assigned for non-operable vehicles.
Required Towing Details
- Exact pickup ZIP code and contact phone number.
- Auction Lot Number and Buyer ID Number (if applicable).
- Confirmation of vehicle operational state (Runs/Drives vs. Inoperable/Rolls).
- Original Certificate of Title availability.
How Our USA to Nigeria Car Shipping Process Works
1. Rate Quote & Booking Confirmation
Submit your vehicle details, pickup location, and preferred port to receive an itemized shipping proposal.
2. Vehicle Dispatch & Collection
Our licensed auto haulers collect your car and deliver it directly to the designated US export terminal.
3. US Customs Export Validation
We submit the Original Title and Bill of Sale to US Customs & Border Protection for export clearance verification.
4. Ocean Vessel Loading
Your vehicle is inspected, assigned an ocean Booking Number, loaded onto the RoRo or container vessel, and dispatched.
5. Bill of Lading & Tracking Release
We issue the official Ocean Bill of Lading (BOL) and tracking updates as the vessel sails to West Africa.
6. Lagos Port Discharge & Customs Clearance
Upon arrival at Tin Can Island or Apapa Port, your appointed local clearing agent generates the NCS assessment, settles duties, and secures port release.
Lagos Port Destinations: Tin Can Island vs. Apapa Port
Ocean car carriers from the US anchor at two primary maritime terminals in Lagos, Nigeria:
Tin Can Island Port (TCIP) — Primary RoRo Terminal
Tin Can Island is West Africa’s premier terminal for Roll-On/Roll-Off car carrier vessels. Most dedicated vehicle shipments from Baltimore, Jacksonville, and Newark discharge directly at TCIP ramps for fast vehicle inspection and release.
Apapa Port Complex — Primary Container Terminal
Apapa is the primary hub for containerized ocean freight. If you are shipping your vehicle inside a 20ft or 40ft container alongside personal effects or commercial cargo, your shipment will likely enter via Apapa Container Terminals.
Required Shipping & Customs Documentation
US Export Documentation (Origin)
- Original Certificate of Title: Must be clear of unreleased liens (stamped clean for export).
- Bill of Sale / Invoice: Required for customs valuation and purchase confirmation.
- Shipper Identification: Passport copy or US Driver’s License.
- EIN / Tax ID: Required for US Customs AES/EEI export filings on vehicles valued over $2,500.
Nigeria Import Documentation (Destination)
- Ocean Bill of Lading (BOL): Issued by All TransportDepot upon sailing.
- Form M & PAAR: Required for commercial container importers via the Nigeria Single Window portal.
- Tax Identification Number (TIN): Required by the consignee for customs duty assessment.
- VIN Assessment Certificate: Generated via the NCS automated clearing portal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shipping a Car to Nigeria
How much is customs duty on a car in Nigeria?
Customs duty is calculated using the official NCS VIN Valuation System based on your vehicle’s CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) value. For passenger vehicles, standard duties include a 20% Import Duty, 15% Import Levy, 7.5% VAT, and minor port surcharges—totaling approximately 35% to 70% of the CIF value.
What is the ocean transit time from the US to Lagos, Nigeria?
Direct RoRo sailings from US East Coast ports (Baltimore, Jacksonville, Newark) take 22 to 30 days. Shipments originating from the US Gulf (Houston) take 30 to 38 days, while West Coast origin shipments take 40 to 50 days.
Can I put personal belongings inside my car when shipping via RoRo?
No. Maritime security rules prohibit personal items inside vehicles shipped on RoRo vessels. Only factory-installed equipment (spare tire, jack, owner’s manual) is allowed. If you need to ship personal items or auto parts with your car, you must use Container Shipping.
Can All TransportDepot pick up my car directly from Copart or IAAI?
Yes. We regularly tow salvage and clean-title auction purchases from Copart, IAAI, Manheim, and Adesa facilities nationwide directly to our nearest export port terminal.
What port does RoRo car shipping land at in Lagos?
RoRo car carriers primarily land and discharge at Tin Can Island Port (TCIP) in Lagos, Nigeria.
Request Your Car Shipping Quote to Nigeria
Get a competitive ocean freight rate for your car, SUV, truck, or auction purchase today. Send us your vehicle’s VIN, pickup ZIP code, make, model, and running condition.
Ian Miriams serves as Project Cargo & Commercial Freight Coordinator with All TransportDepot Inc., an FMC-licensed and bonded NVOCC (License No. 021693). He supports commercial ocean freight, heavy machinery transport, vehicle shipping, container service, and project cargo movements, with attention to cargo dimensions, equipment condition, carrier requirements, terminal acceptance, documentation, and destination handling. All TransportDepot Inc. manages export logistics from the United States to destinations worldwide.