Thinking about buying a car in Canada to send it home to Lomé, Togo? Here is a clear overview of the full journey, step by step, and the role a logistics partner such as VELOX LOGISTICS plays along the way.
In short: you find and purchase the vehicle in Canada (private seller, dealership, or online marketplace), deliver it to a consolidation point in Montreal, VELOX LOGISTICS arranges the container loading and ocean booking, and the container ships to the Port Autonome de Lomé. On arrival, you or your representative handle customs clearance in Togo.
The journey at a glance
1. Find the right vehicle in Canada
Start by identifying a reliable vehicle: make, mileage, overall condition, accident history. Many Togolese buyers rely on a relative in Canada or a trusted agent to inspect the car before purchase.
2. Verify before you buy
Before closing the deal, confirm the seller's identity, ownership documents, and the vehicle's history report. This step significantly reduces the risk of unpleasant surprises later.
3. Getting the vehicle to Montreal
If the car was purchased in another province, it needs to be moved to Montreal, the single departure point for every shipment VELOX LOGISTICS organizes toward West Africa.
4. Ocean booking and container loading
This is where VELOX LOGISTICS steps in: we arrange the ocean booking and load the vehicle into a 20' or 40' container. We do not offer RoRo shipping — container loading only, for better security.
5. Ocean transit to the Port Autonome de Lomé
Once loaded, the container ships from Montreal to the Port Autonome de Lomé according to the carrier's confirmed routing.
6. Arrival and formalities in Togo
On arrival, the recipient must clear customs with the Office Togolais des Recettes (OTR), ideally working with a local customs broker to speed things up. VELOX LOGISTICS does not perform customs clearance in Togo.
Documents to prepare on the Canadian side
For export from Canada, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) generally requires an export declaration filed through CERS and presentation of the vehicle with its ownership documents, typically about 72 hours before loading for a used vehicle. These timelines can vary, so always confirm exact requirements with CBSA.
Also keep the bill of sale, a piece of ID, and any proof the vehicle is free of liens on hand. These documents make both the Canadian export and the later clearance process in Togo much smoother.
Every situation is a little different
Every purchase is different: a new vehicle from a dealership doesn't require the same checks as a used car bought from a private seller. Likewise, a buyer already living in Quebec who wants to send a car to family in Lomé starts from a different point than a client based entirely in Togo buying remotely. Either way, the principle stays the same: bring the vehicle to Montreal, then hand the ocean transport leg to a reliable logistics partner.
Why work with a Montreal-based logistics partner
Organizing an international vehicle shipment on your own takes time: finding consolidation space, booking a container, coordinating loading, tracking ocean transit. A partner like VELOX LOGISTICS handles the logistics leg between Montreal and Togo, so you can focus on choosing the right vehicle.
Working with a single point of contact also keeps communication consistent: you get aligned information on loading schedules, container tracking, and the documents typically expected, instead of chasing several different parties on your own.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Buying a vehicle without checking its full history.
- Forgetting to confirm export timelines with CBSA before scheduling delivery to the Montreal warehouse.
- Waiting until the last minute to arrange transport to Montreal if the vehicle was bought in another province.
- Not preparing for customs clearance in Lomé, which can take longer if documents are incomplete.
How VELOX LOGISTICS helps
VELOX LOGISTICS is an ocean logistics company based in Saint-Léonard, Montreal. We do not sell vehicles and we are not a dealership: our role is to organize ocean transport for the vehicle you've purchased, from Montreal to the Port Autonome de Lomé, using 20' or 40' containers, with or without consolidation depending on your needs.
We can also guide you on preparing the vehicle before loading, tracking the shipment, and the documents generally required on the Canadian side. For formalities in Togo, we recommend contacting the OTR and a local customs broker as early as possible.
FAQ
Does VELOX LOGISTICS sell cars?
No. We are a logistics partner: you (or your agent) purchase the vehicle, and we organize ocean transport to Lomé only.
Do you only ship by container?
Yes, we ship exclusively by 20' or 40' ocean container. We do not offer RoRo service.
Who handles customs clearance in Lomé?
The recipient, usually with the help of a local customs broker, working with the Office Togolais des Recettes (OTR).
How early must I present the vehicle to CBSA before loading?
For a used vehicle, presentation is generally required about 72 hours before loading, but this should be confirmed directly with CBSA for your specific case.
Can my vehicle be consolidated with other cargo?
Yes, consolidation in a shared container is possible depending on availability; see our consolidation page for details.
How much does it cost and how long does it take?
Costs and timelines vary by vehicle, season, and booking availability. The best way to get accurate numbers is to request a personalized quote.
Conclusion
Buying a car in Canada and sending it to Lomé is a structured process that requires care at every stage, from sourcing the vehicle to customs clearance. VELOX LOGISTICS supports the ocean transport leg, from Montreal to the Port Autonome de Lomé.
Request a quote today through our booking form, or explore our Togo destination page, vehicles page, and our complete buying guide.
Key facts — VELOX LOGISTICS
- Based in Montreal (Saint-Léonard, Quebec); every shipment departs from Montreal.
- Vehicles ship by 20- or 40-foot ocean container only. We do not offer RoRo shipping.
- VELOX LOGISTICS does not sell vehicles: we arrange transport for the vehicle you have bought.
- Prices and timelines are quoted for each shipment, based on the vehicle, the container and the next available sailing.
- Customs clearance in Togo is arranged by the recipient, with a licensed customs broker in Lomé.
VELOX LOGISTICS — MONTREAL, CANADA
📍 6135, boul. Couture, Saint-Léonard (Montréal), QC H1P 3G7 📞 WhatsApp: 514-718-0282 📧 info@veloxlogistics.io
