From the first click on a car listing in Canada to the moment the vehicle is picked up in Lomé, the journey involves several distinct stages, each with its own requirements. This complete guide walks through the full process so you can move forward methodically, without skipping an important step.
Step 1: Search for and choose the vehicle in Canada
It all starts with searching for the vehicle through classified ad platforms, dealerships, or specialized auction sites. At this stage, it's essential to check the vehicle's history (accidents, mileage, number of previous owners) and confirm the seller holds a clear ownership document. Take time to compare several options before committing, and favor transparent sellers who allow a pre-purchase inspection.
Step 2: Finalize the purchase and gather documents
Once you've chosen a vehicle, the purchase should close with a clear ownership document (registration or title, depending on the province). This document will be required for export formalities. This is also the time to arrange transport of the vehicle, if it isn't already located in Montréal, to the pickup point.
Step 3: Prepare Canadian export formalities
Before the vehicle can leave Canada, certain Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) requirements must be met, including export reporting through the CERS portal and presenting the vehicle with its ownership documents, generally within 72 hours before loading for a used vehicle. These timelines and requirements should always be confirmed directly with CBSA, as they can vary by situation.
Step 4: Book ocean transport with VELOX LOGISTICS
This is where VELOX LOGISTICS comes in. We organize ocean container shipping (20' or 40') from Montréal to the Port Autonome de Lomé, as a full container load or through consolidation depending on your needs. We do not offer RoRo shipping: every vehicle stays protected inside a secure container for the entire transit. Requesting a quote gives you details tailored to your vehicle and schedule.
Step 5: Drop-off and loading in Montréal
The vehicle is presented at the pickup point in Montréal with all required documents. It's visually inspected, then loaded into the container according to maritime safety standards. This step marks the start of the transit to Togo.
Step 6: Ocean transit to the Port Autonome de Lomé
The container travels by sea to the Port Autonome de Lomé. During this period, VELOX LOGISTICS provides updates and shares available information on the shipment's progress. Transit time depends on sailing schedules and port conditions; no fixed timeline can be guaranteed in advance.
Step 7: Arrival at the port and Togolese customs formalities
Upon arrival, the vehicle must go through Togolese customs formalities, managed by the Office Togolais des Recettes (OTR). It's strongly recommended to work with a licensed customs broker in Togo for this step, to ensure all tax and administrative obligations are met. VELOX LOGISTICS forwards the necessary transport documents to the receiver to support this process, but does not perform customs clearance itself.
Step 8: Vehicle pickup and final receipt
Once clearance is complete, the vehicle can be picked up from the Port Autonome de Lomé. The receiver or their representative must present the documents required by port and customs authorities. This is the final step of the journey: receiving the vehicle in Lomé.
Why following this journey methodically matters
Each step of this journey depends on the one before it. A missing document at purchase time can delay export; poor coordination of local transport in Montréal can mean missing a container's departure; insufficient preparation for customs clearance can leave a vehicle stuck at the port. Following this guide step by step significantly reduces the risk of a bottleneck.
How VELOX LOGISTICS helps
VELOX LOGISTICS steps in specifically at stages 4, 5, 6, and partly at stage 7 (document handoff) of this journey: organizing ocean container transport from Montréal, coordinating loading, tracking transit to the Port Autonome de Lomé, and providing document support to facilitate clearance through your Togolese broker. We are not car dealers or customs brokers; our expertise is focused on international ocean transport. Explore our services via the Togo, vehicles, and consolidation pages.
Common mistakes to avoid
Several mistakes come up repeatedly among buyers tackling this kind of project for the first time. The first is finalizing a purchase without first confirming the ownership document will be available in time for export. The second is underestimating the local logistics timeline in Montréal, especially when the vehicle is located in another province and needs to be transported before drop-off. The third is failing to plan ahead for customs clearance in Togo, waiting until the container arrives to look for a broker. Finally, some buyers skip confirming exact requirements with CBSA and the OTR, relying instead on secondhand information. Anticipating each of these mistakes helps you stay in control of the entire journey.
FAQ
Do I need to buy my vehicle before contacting VELOX LOGISTICS?
It's not mandatory, but it's recommended. You can also reach out beforehand to understand transport requirements and plan your purchase accordingly.
What happens if my ownership documents are incomplete?
A clear ownership document is essential for export. Without it, the vehicle may be refused at loading. Make sure you obtain it as soon as the purchase closes.
Is shipping done only by container?
Yes. VELOX LOGISTICS organizes container shipping exclusively (20' or 40'), as a full load or through consolidation. We do not offer RoRo service.
Who handles customs clearance in Lomé?
Clearance falls under the Office Togolais des Recettes and must be handled by a licensed customs broker in Togo. VELOX LOGISTICS forwards the transport documents needed to support that process.
How long does the entire journey take, from purchase to receipt?
Total duration depends on several factors: how quickly the purchase closes, document preparation, sailing schedules from Montréal, and port formalities on arrival. Request a quote for information tailored to your situation.
Can I track the progress of my shipment?
Yes, VELOX LOGISTICS communicates regularly with clients about the status of their shipment, from booking through arrival at the Port Autonome de Lomé.
Conclusion
This journey, from searching for a vehicle in Canada to receiving it in Lomé, involves several parties and steps that shouldn't be overlooked. VELOX LOGISTICS positions itself as your partner for the ocean transport portion of this journey, with rigor and transparency. Check our FAQ or our article on buying a car in Canada for Lomé, then request your booking to get your project started.
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 — 6135, boul. Couture, Saint-Léonard (Montréal), QC H1P 3G7 · WhatsApp 514-718-0282 · info@veloxlogistics.io
