If you searched “ship a container to Kenya,” USA to Kenya Container Shipping, or just need to get Ocean Freight to Kenya or just need to get Overall International Container Shipping Kenya information, you’re in the right place.
This guide explains how container shipping from the USA to Kenya works, including service options, container types, cargo compatibility, transit times, costs, and documentation requirements.
In general, container shipping is one of the most flexible and widely used methods for exporting cargo to Kenya. Specifically, it supports personal shipments, commercial exports, vehicles, boats, palletized freight, machinery, and oversized cargo, with multiple loading and handling options available.
Meanwhile, All Transport Depot Inc. operates as a licensed and bonded FMC NVOCC (#021693) and coordinates container shipments from anywhere in the USA to major ports in Kenya through established global ocean carriers.
🚢 Ship with Confidence. Partner with world-renowned NVOCCs and leading global ocean carriers.
👉 Get a Rate:
https://alltransportdepot.com/roro-shipping-cost/
👉 Place Your Order:
https://alltransportdepot.com/place-order/
📲 WhatsApp: +1 (470) 791-4497
📞 Call: +1 (678) 528-5794
đź“§ Email: ship@alltransportdepot.com
All TransportDepot Inc.
FMC Licensed & Bonded NVOCC #021693
Get Ocean Freight to Kenya
Container Shipping Services to Kenya
Container shipping services to Kenya are structured to support both private and commercial exporters, while also offering flexibility based on cargo type, loading preference, and location.
🚪 Door-to-Port Shipping
In this case, Door-to-Port shipping includes pickup of cargo from a residential address, business, dealership, or warehouse anywhere in the USA, followed by export handling and ocean transport to Kenya.
Accordingly, this option is commonly used for:
International relocations -Ocean Freight to Kenya
Household goods and personal effects
Boats and vehicles
Commercial exports shipped directly from origin
🏠Container Delivered to Your Location for Loading (Self-Load Option)
Door-to-Port Container Delivery for Client-Managed Loading
As part of Door-to-Port service, a container may be delivered directly to a residence or business for client-managed loading. In practice, this option is selected by shippers who want direct oversight of packing and loading.
In this scenario:
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First, an empty container is delivered on a chassis
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Then, the container remains on the chassis throughout loading
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Next, the client completes loading
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Finally, the container is returned to the terminal for export to Kenya
Accordingly, this option is commonly used for:
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Household goods
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Furniture
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Mixed cargo
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Palletized items
Access & Loading Considerations
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In addition, appropriate loading equipment must be available where required
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Likewise, vehicles or machinery typically require ramps, docks, or lifting equipment
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However, if loading extends beyond the scheduled window, additional charges may apply
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Furthermore, residential or HOA-managed properties may require advance approval
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Ultimately, any third-party costs (property access restrictions, extended truck time, or local fees) are passed through to the shipment account
🏢 Warehouse-to-Port Shipping
Warehouse-to-Port service is ideal for shippers who prefer professional handling and loading. In this case, cargo is delivered to a U.S. export warehouse, where containers are loaded, secured, and prepared for ocean transport.
Accordingly, this option is commonly used for:
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Vehicles
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Boats and marine equipment
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Palletized commercial freight
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Machinery and crated cargo
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High-value or complex shipments
đź”’ Professional Warehouse Loading
Warehouse loading allows trained personnel to handle:
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Blocking and bracing
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Weight distribution
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Cargo separation
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Compliance with ocean carrier and terminal standards
As a result, this approach reduces risk and is recommended for:
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Boats
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Machinery
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Oversized cargo
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Mixed loads
📦 Shipper-Owned Containers (SOC)
Shipper-Owned Containers (SOC) may be used provided the equipment meets port and carrier acceptance requirements. In this case, SOC shipments typically include:
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Trucking
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Export filing
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Ocean booking
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Terminal coordination
SOC containers generally must:
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Be seaworthy and watertight- Before you buy a container, be sure to ask for the seaworthy and watertight certificateÂ
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Be neutralized (no shipping-line branding or prefixes)
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Pass terminal inspection prior to acceptance
However, containers that do not meet acceptance standards may be subject to:
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Additional handling
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Repositioning
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Rebooking charges
What Can Be Shipped in a Container to Kenya?
Container shipping supports nearly all cargo types. In general, if cargo can be safely secured and complies with export regulations, it can typically be shipped by container.
Accordingly, common containerized cargo includes:
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Vehicles (cars, SUVs, vans, motorcycles)
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Boats & marine equipment (trailered boats, jet skis, small vessels)
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Household goods & personal effects
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Furniture and mixed cargo
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Palletized freight (commercial or wholesale)
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Machinery & industrial equipment
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Construction materials
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Crated or boxed shipments
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Oversized and non-standard cargo (open-gauge)
Ultimately, if your cargo fits in — or on — a container, it can typically be shipped to Kenya with the correct equipment and documentation.
All Container Types Available for Shipping to Kenya
Different cargo types require different container configurations. Accordingly, available container options include:
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20-Foot Standard Containers
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40-Foot Standard Containers
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40-Foot High Cube Containers
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Open-Top Containers
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Flat Rack Containers
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Open-Gauge Containers
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Refrigerated (Reefer) Containers
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Hazmat-Approved Containers
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Shipper-Owned Containers (SOC)
In particular, open-top, flat rack, and open-gauge containers are commonly used for boats, machinery, industrial cargo, and oversized freight that exceed standard container dimensions.
How Cargo Is Loaded Into Containers
Loading methods vary based on cargo type, size, and origin location. Accordingly, common methods include:
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Warehouse loading using forklifts and professional bracing
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Client-managed loading at a residence or business
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Crane-assisted loading for boats, machinery, or SOC containers
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Ramp or dock loading for rolling cargo
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Palletized loading for boxed or commercial freight
Ultimately, selecting the correct loading method helps ensure port acceptance, cargo safety, and smooth customs processing.
Who Typically Ships Containers to Kenya?
Container shipping to Kenya is commonly used by a wide range of customers. In particular, this includes:
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Families relocating internationally
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Auto exporters and dealerships
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Boat owners and marine businesses
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Furniture and mixed-cargo shippers
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Commercial exporters and wholesalers
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Contractors shipping equipment into the EU
🚢 Ship with Confidence. Partner with world-renowned NVOCCs and leading global ocean carriers.
👉 Get a Rate:
https://alltransportdepot.com/roro-shipping-cost/
👉 Place Your Order:
https://alltransportdepot.com/place-order/
📲 WhatsApp: +1 (470) 791-4497
📞 Call: +1 (678) 528-5794
đź“§ Email: ship@alltransportdepot.com
All TransportDepot Inc.
FMC Licensed & Bonded NVOCC #021693
Why Ship a Container to Kenya?
Kenya is a key logistics gateway to Southern Europe, supported by modern port infrastructure and efficient customs procedures. Consequently, shipping a container to Kenya provides direct access not only to the Portuguese market but also to the broader European Union. Moreover, its strategic Atlantic location strengthens trade routes between North America and Europe. Therefore, many exporters and private shippers select Kenya as their primary EU entry point.
Accordingly, container shipping to Kenya proves particularly well-suited for:
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First, international relocations
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Next, vehicle and boat exports
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Additionally, commercial and wholesale cargo
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Likewise, furniture and personal effects
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Finally, machinery and industrial equipment
Transit Times When Shipping a Container to Kenya
Transit times depend significantly on the African departure port. Generally speaking, estimated ocean transit durations are as follows:
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East Africa (Mombasa): 10–15 days
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West Africa (Lagos): 18–25 days
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South Africa (Durban): 20–27 days
Nevertheless, transit times can vary due to carrier schedules, port congestion, weather disruptions, and seasonal demand. Consequently, early booking and flexible planning are advisable to secure the best sailings.
Shipping Rates to Kenya (Africa → Kenya)
Shipping costs vary according to container size and departure location. Typically, estimated rate ranges include:
20-Foot Container, For Example
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East Africa: $2,200 – $3,200
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West Africa: $2,700 – $3,800
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South Africa: $3,000 – $4,000
40-Foot Container, For Example
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East Africa: $3,800 – $5,000
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West Africa: $4,100 – $5,300
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South Africa: $4,500 – $6,000
Still, rates fluctuate based on container type, port of origin, cargo specifics, and carrier fees.
Main Ports in Kenya for Container Shipping
Kenya boasts a modern and efficient seaport and maritime logistics system that supports international container shipments, RoRo vehicle transport, project cargo, heavy machinery freight, bulk commodities, breakbulk shipments, and oversized equipment exports. Consequently, choosing the appropriate Kenyan destination port is essential for ocean transit time, inland trucking distribution, intermodal rail connections, customs clearance, import processing efficiency, and last-mile delivery when shipping containers to Kenya.
Below are the two primary international container ports in Kenya commonly used for Africa–Kenya ocean freight, full-container-load (FCL) shipments, consolidated cargo, commercial exports, household goods relocations, and vehicle imports.
⚓ Port of Mombasa — Coastal Kenya
Best for: Containers, vehicles, household goods, commercial cargo, international relocations, RoRo shipments, palletized freight, project cargo, personal effects, import/export shipments
The Port of Mombasa is Kenya’s largest and most strategically located seaport, serving as the country’s main international gateway for container shipping, RoRo vessel operations, vehicle imports, and commercial ocean freight. Situated on the Indian Ocean coast, it offers direct access to Mombasa city and Kenya’s interior regions, making it the premier destination port for Africa–Kenya container shipping, inland delivery, and East African distribution.
Therefore, key advantages include:
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Extensive container terminal infrastructure and advanced cargo-handling facilities
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Robust road and rail intermodal connectivity for inland freight transport
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Efficient Kenyan customs clearance and port processing
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Regular ocean sailings from major African and international container ports
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Excellent access for inland trucking across Kenya and neighboring countries
In practice, shippers frequently use the Port of Mombasa for:
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Household goods and personal effects shipments
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Vehicle and motorcycle imports to Kenya
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Commercial and palletized export cargo
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Mixed, consolidated, and full-container-load (FCL) shipments
đź”— Kenya Ports Authority (Port of Mombasa):
https://www.kpa.co.ke
⚓ Port of Lamu — Northern Coast Kenya
Best for: Containers, bulk cargo, industrial freight, project shipments
The Port of Lamu, located on Kenya’s northern coast, is an emerging deep-water port designed to enhance regional trade. Specifically, it supports containerized cargo, bulk shipments, industrial equipment, and project freight destined for northern Kenya and neighboring countries. Moreover, its strategic position improves inland connectivity across East Africa.
Accordingly, key advantages include:
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First, modern deep-water container terminals with expansion potential
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Next, efficient handling of bulk and industrial cargo
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Additionally, strong logistics links to northern Kenya and East Africa
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Furthermore, reduced inland transport times for northern destinations
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Finally, reliable handling of oversized and project cargo
For these reasons, shippers often select Lamu for:
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In particular, bulk commodity imports and exports
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Likewise, industrial machinery and equipment
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Also, project cargo and oversized shipments
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As well, containerized commercial cargo
đź”— Lamu Port Authority:
https://www.lamuport.go.ke
Choosing the Right Port in Kenya
When shipping a container to Kenya, generally, the choice between Mombasa and Lamu depends on several important factors. Specifically, these include:
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First, the final delivery location within Kenya or East Africa
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Next, cargo type, size, and handling requirements
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Additionally, inland transport and distribution logistics
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Finally, customs clearance and documentation preferences
Ultimately, both ports can accommodate standard containers, high-cube units, open-top containers, flat racks, and oversized cargo, depending on shipment specifics.
Customs & Documentation (Kenya – 2026)
When shipping a container to Kenya, customs clearance is a vital step. Therefore, shippers must prepare all necessary documents beforehand. Typically, required paperwork includes:
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First, the Bill of Lading
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Next, a Commercial Invoice and Packing List
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Additionally, a valid passport or company registration documents
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If applicable, vehicle registration and title documents
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Likewise, export declarations as required by the country of origin
Import Duties & Taxes – International Container Shipping Kenya
Upon arrival in Kenya, customs authorities may levy import charges. As a result, importers should expect the following:
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Primarily, customs duty based on HS code classification
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Furthermore, VAT, port handling fees, and inland transport charges
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In certain cases, additional fees for restricted or regulated goods
📞 Kenya Revenue Authority (Mombasa Customs): +254 41 222 0000
FAQs – Shipping Containers to Kenya
Can a container be delivered to a home for loading?
Yes. In many cases, Door-to-Port service delivers the container directly to a residence or business for client-managed loading, subject to access and scheduling considerations.
When a container is delivered to my door, will it be placed on the ground or remain on a chassis?
Typically, the driver keeps the container on a chassis during the loading window. Ground placement remains uncommon and may require special equipment, permits, or additional fees.
How long can I keep the container for loading?
In most cases, we schedule a loading window—often 1–3 days—although some locations allow only a short live-load period (such as two hours). Additional time may result in daily charges.
Can boats and vehicles ship in containers?
Yes. In general, we ship boats, vehicles, and marine equipment using standard, open-top, flat rack, or open-gauge containers. Although this may be true Roro is a great alternative.
Do services support oversized cargo?
Yes. Accordingly, we offer open-top, flat rack, and open-gauge container options.
Do I need special equipment to load heavy cargo?
Yes. As a matter of fact, You may need forklifts, ramps, cranes, or docks to load vehicles, boats, or machinery.
Is export documentation handled?
Yes. We typically handle U.S. export filings and coordination together with Ocean Freight to Kenya
What documents are required to ship to Kenya?
Generally, you must provide export filings, commercial invoices, packing lists, vehicle titles (if applicable), and consignee identification. Above all
Generally, this includes export filings, commercial invoices, packing lists, vehicle titles (if applicable), and consignee identification.
Will I need to pay duties or taxes in Kenya? USA to Kenya Container Shipping
Yes. Depending on the shipment and Ocean Freight to Kenya. Portuguese customs may assess import duties, VAT, or clearance fees.
Can customs clearance be arranged in Kenya?
Yes. Additionally, local agents can assist with destination customs processing to help with International Container Shipping Kenya
Is marine insurance available?
Yes. Additionally, we can arrange marine cargo insurance upon request. this is not part of Ocean Freight to Kenya.
Can I track my container during transit? USA to Kenya Container Shipping
Yes. Moreover, we can arrange inland delivery from the port to the final Port destination. All things considered, when considering USA to Kenya Container Shipping
Start Your 2026 Shipment to Kenya- International Container Shipping Kenya
All Transport Depot Inc. All in All actively provides Door-to-Port, Warehouse-to-Port, and SOC container shipping services from anywhere in the USA. From pickup through export documentation and ocean transport, For instance our team manages every shipment with precision, professionalism, and care.
👉Place Your Order:
https://alltransportdepot.com/place-order/
đź“§ Email: ship@alltransportdepot.comÂ
📞 Call: +1 (678) 528-5794
📲 WhatsApp: +1 (470) 791-4497

Kevin is a skilled auto mechanic specializing in vehicle inspections at Big Apple Auto Shippers. His thorough inspections guarantee that every car is in optimal condition before embarking on its journey. Kevin’s dedication ensures the reliability of every shipment.