The True Cost of Shipping a Vehicle
One of the most common questions we receive is: “How much will shipping cost?” The answer depends on several factors, but we believe in full transparency. Here’s a detailed breakdown.
Freight Costs
Shipping rates vary by destination and method:
RoRo Shipping (Roll-on Roll-off)
- West Africa (Lagos, Tema): $800 – $1,200
- East Africa (Mombasa, Dar es Salaam): $1,000 – $1,500
- Caribbean (Kingston, Port of Spain): $1,200 – $1,800
- Middle East (Jeddah, Dubai): $600 – $1,000
Container Shipping (20ft)
- West Africa: $1,500 – $2,500
- East Africa: $1,800 – $2,800
- Caribbean: $2,000 – $3,000
- Middle East: $1,200 – $1,800
Container shipping costs more but allows you to ship personal items alongside the vehicle and offers better protection from the elements.
Insurance
Marine insurance typically costs 1.5% to 2.5% of the vehicle’s declared value. We strongly recommend full coverage — the small premium is worth the peace of mind.
Import Duties and Taxes
This is often the largest cost after the vehicle itself. Rates vary dramatically:
| Destination | Duty Rate | VAT/Tax | Total Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya | 25% | 16% VAT | ~45% of CIF value |
| Nigeria | 20% | 7.5% VAT | ~30% of CIF value |
| Jamaica | 30-40% | 21.5% GCT | ~55% of CIF value |
| UAE | 5% | 5% VAT | ~10% of CIF value |
CIF = Cost + Insurance + Freight (the total landed value at the destination port).
Additional Costs
Don’t forget these commonly overlooked expenses:
- Port handling fees: $100 – $300
- Clearing agent fees: $150 – $400
- Pre-shipment inspection: $100 – $250
- Local registration: Varies by country
- Inland transport (port to door): $50 – $500
How to Save Money
- Book early — shipping rates fluctuate with demand
- Choose RoRo over container if you don’t need the extra protection
- Consolidate shipments — shipping multiple vehicles in one container reduces per-unit cost
- Work with experienced exporters — we negotiate bulk rates with shipping lines
Our Promise
At AutoDeal, every quote includes a full breakdown of all costs. No hidden fees, no surprises. We provide an itemised estimate before you commit, so you know exactly what you’re paying.
Get in touch for a personalised shipping quote today.
