Shipping a car to Lomé but worried that a full container (20' or 40') costs too much for just one vehicle? Container consolidation, also called groupage or LCL shipping, lets you share a maritime container with other shippers who are also sending vehicles or goods to Togo. This is a solution VELOX LOGISTICS regularly organizes from Montreal.
What is car consolidation in a shipping container?
Consolidation means loading several vehicles, or one vehicle alongside other cargo, into the same shipping container instead of booking an entire container for a single client. Depending on vehicle size, a 40-foot container can hold multiple passenger cars, or a mix of vehicles and boxes, appliances, or spare parts.
This approach answers a real need: not everyone buying a car in Canada to send to a relative in Lomé needs — or can afford — to book a full container for a single vehicle.
How does the consolidation process work?
1. Vehicle intake in Montreal
The vehicle purchased in Canada is delivered to VELOX LOGISTICS' warehouse in Saint-Léonard (Montreal), where it is inspected, logged, and prepared for loading.
2. Planning the shared container
VELOX LOGISTICS coordinates availability with other shipments heading to Lomé to plan an efficient load. The number of vehicles per container depends on their size (sedan, SUV, pickup) and the space available.
3. Loading and securing each vehicle
Each vehicle is positioned and individually secured inside the container with straps and chocks to prevent movement during the ocean crossing. Remaining space between vehicles may sometimes be used for additional cargo, subject to safety rules and the client's agreement.
4. Ocean shipment to the Port of Lomé
Once the container is full and sealed, it is handed to the shipping line for transport from Montreal to the Port Autonome de Lomé, according to the confirmed route and vessel schedule.
Consolidation (LCL) vs. full container (FCL): what's the difference for you?
Consolidation (LCL — Less than Container Load) is generally suited to people shipping a single vehicle or a limited amount of cargo. Booking a full container (FCL — Full Container Load) may make sense if you're shipping several vehicles at once or want full control over the container's content and loading schedule.
The right choice depends on factors such as the number of vehicles you're shipping, your flexibility on loading dates, and your budget goals. VELOX LOGISTICS can advise you based on your specific situation — we don't quote fixed prices or timelines here, since every shipment is different; a personalized quote remains the best way to get an exact answer.
Points to consider before choosing consolidation
- The vehicle must be compatible with shared loading (dimensions, general condition).
- Ownership and export documents must be ready for every vehicle in the container.
- The loading schedule may depend on the availability of other shipments consolidated in the same container.
Who is consolidation really for?
Consolidation is particularly well suited to people buying a single used car in Canada for family use in Lomé, without needing to ship several vehicles at once. It also suits clients who want to limit the logistics footprint of their shipment while still benefiting from secure container loading. On the other hand, a dealer or a regular importer shipping several cars a month will often prefer a full container for more flexibility on departure scheduling.
Before deciding, it can help to discuss your timeline, the number of vehicles involved, and your constraints with a VELOX LOGISTICS advisor, so you get a recommendation tailored to your situation rather than a generic answer.
Container shipping only — no RoRo
It's important to note that VELOX LOGISTICS ships exclusively by maritime container (20' or 40'), whether consolidated or as a full container. We do not offer RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) service. Container shipping generally provides better protection for the vehicle during the crossing, along with tighter control over loading and securing.
How VELOX LOGISTICS helps
VELOX LOGISTICS acts as a logistics partner, not a vehicle seller. We don't sell cars and don't guarantee any particular purchase; our role is to organize consolidation, the maritime booking, and the secure loading of the vehicle you purchased in Canada, through to shipment to the Port of Lomé. We can also guide you on preparing the documents required for export.
To explore consolidation options suited to your vehicle, or to learn more about our Togo destination services, our team is available to answer your questions before you proceed to booking.
FAQ
How many vehicles fit in a consolidated container?
It depends on vehicle size and the space available in a 20' or 40' container. A VELOX LOGISTICS advisor can assess the configuration possible for your vehicle.
Is consolidation slower than a full container?
The schedule can vary depending on the availability of other shipments to consolidate. We don't provide a guaranteed timeline — request a quote to learn about upcoming loading opportunities.
Can I consolidate a vehicle with personal belongings?
In some cases, yes, depending on available space and loading safety rules. Discuss this with our team while preparing your shipment.
Is consolidation safe for my vehicle?
Each vehicle is individually secured inside the container, independent of the other vehicles or cargo, to limit the risk of damage during the ocean voyage.
Do I need the same documents as for a full container?
Yes. Every shipped vehicle, whether alone or consolidated, must have ownership documents and meet applicable export requirements. Check the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) for current export rules.
Who handles customs clearance in Lomé?
Customs clearance in Togo is handled by the recipient and their customs broker, in coordination with the Office Togolais des Recettes (OTR). VELOX LOGISTICS does not perform customs clearance at destination.
Conclusion
Consolidating vehicles in a shipping container is worth considering if you want to ship a car from Montreal to Lomé without booking a full container. To find out if this solution fits your situation, request a personalized quote from VELOX LOGISTICS today.
Need to ship your vehicle from Canada to Lomé? Submit a booking request or check our FAQ for more details. You can also read our guide to buying a car in Canada from Togo and browse our available vehicles.
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
