Want to ship a car from Montreal to Lomé but not sure where to start? In short: you book your container spot, gather the vehicle's documents, deliver the car to our Montreal warehouse, we handle loading and departure, and the vehicle travels by sea to the Port Autonome de Lomé. Here is each step in detail, along with the points worth double-checking before you begin.
Why container shipping instead of other methods
Many people preparing a shipment to West Africa wonder which method is best for moving a vehicle overseas. VELOX LOGISTICS has chosen to work exclusively with container shipping, 20-foot or 40-foot, and does not offer RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) service. The vehicle travels sheltered from weather, sea spray, and outside handling for the entire crossing, which reduces exposure compared with open-deck loading. This choice shapes the whole shipment, from how you book to how the vehicle is secured at the warehouse.
Step 1 — Request and booking
Everything starts with a booking request on our /en/booking page. You tell us the vehicle type, approximate dimensions, and the destination (Lomé, Togo). We then propose a container solution — 20-foot or 40-foot — depending on available space and your needs: alone or through consolidation with other vehicles or goods. This step also helps clarify your expectations and confirm the vehicle fits within the available loading capacity.
Important: VELOX LOGISTICS is not a dealership, does not sell vehicles, and does not guarantee any purchase. If you still need to find a vehicle in Canada before shipping, see our article on buying a car in Canada for Togo.
Step 2 — Required documents
To export a vehicle from Canada, you generally need:
- the vehicle's registration certificate or title of ownership;
- a valid ID of the owner or shipper;
- a lien release document if a loan was active on the vehicle;
- any power of attorney if someone else is shipping on the owner's behalf.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) requires an export declaration through the CERS system, and a used vehicle must generally be presented with its ownership documents approximately 72 hours before loading. This timeline is indicative only — always confirm the exact requirements directly with CBSA. An incomplete file is one of the most common causes of delay at this stage, so it is best to gather every document well ahead of your planned delivery date.
Step 3 — Delivering the vehicle to Montreal
All our shipments depart exclusively from Montreal. You can deliver the vehicle yourself to our warehouse or arrange transport to our facility, for example through a towing service if the vehicle is not drivable. A visual inspection is carried out upon arrival to document the vehicle's condition before loading: body condition, tires, any pre-existing damage, and fuel level. This inspection protects both the shipper and the recipient should any question arise about the vehicle's condition on arrival.
Step 4 — Container loading
VELOX LOGISTICS works exclusively with container shipping (20-foot or 40-foot). We do not offer RoRo service. The container keeps the vehicle protected from weather and external handling throughout the voyage. Depending on availability, your vehicle may ship alone in a full container or be consolidated with other vehicles — see our /en/consolidation page to learn more. The vehicle is firmly secured inside to limit movement during road transport to the port terminal and during the ocean crossing itself.
Step 5 — Ocean transport to Togo
Once the container is sealed and loaded onto the vessel, it crosses to West Africa with the Port Autonome de Lomé as its destination — one of the region's busiest deep-water ports. The seal applied at loading time is an added safeguard: it should only be broken on arrival, in the presence of the relevant authorities, limiting handling along the way.
Step 6 — Arrival and customs clearance in Togo
Upon arrival in Lomé, the vehicle must be cleared through customs by the recipient or their representative. VELOX LOGISTICS does not handle customs clearance in Togo: we recommend working with a local freight forwarder or customs broker and verifying all formalities with the Office Togolais des Recettes (OTR). Information about port operations is also available from the Port Autonome de Lomé. It is wise to line up a trustworthy local representative in advance to avoid unnecessary delays picking up the vehicle.
Common mistakes to avoid
Several shippers run into avoidable complications on their first shipment. The most frequent: delivering the vehicle to the warehouse without the original ownership documents, underestimating the vehicle's dimensions relative to the booked space, or failing to plan for the time needed to file the export declaration with CBSA. Reaching out to our team early lets you anticipate each of these points and avoid delays at loading.
How VELOX LOGISTICS helps
Our role is to simplify the logistics between Montreal and Lomé: advice on the right container type, coordination of loading, document preparation on the Canadian side, and tracking the shipment through to arrival at the port. We do not guarantee door-to-door delivery times or handle customs clearance in Togo, but we point you to the right contacts at every step, from the initial booking to pickup in Lomé.
FAQ
Does VELOX LOGISTICS offer RoRo shipping?
No. We work exclusively with containers (20-foot or 40-foot), which offers better protection for the vehicle during transport.
Can I ship my vehicle from a city other than Montreal?
Our shipments depart exclusively from Montreal. You will need to arrange transport of the vehicle to our warehouse if you live elsewhere.
Does VELOX LOGISTICS handle customs clearance in Togo?
No, we do not perform customs clearance in Togo. We recommend working with a local customs broker and verifying requirements with the OTR.
How far in advance do I need to deliver my vehicle?
You should generally plan to present the vehicle with its documents about 72 hours before loading for export, but this timeline should be confirmed with CBSA based on your specific case.
Can I consolidate my vehicle with other goods in the same container?
Yes, this is possible through our consolidation service, which often helps optimize available space.
What happens if a document is missing when I deliver the vehicle?
Our team will let you know about missing documents as soon as possible, but an incomplete file can delay loading. It's best to prepare all documents well before your scheduled delivery.
Conclusion
Shipping a car from Montreal to Lomé follows a structured path: booking, documentation, delivery to the warehouse, container loading, ocean transport, then customs clearance on your end in Togo. To get a solution tailored to your vehicle, request your quote now via /en/booking or check our /en/destinations/togo page and our FAQ.
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
