Once your car is purchased in Canada, a common question arises: how is it actually loaded into a shipping container for the journey to Lomé? This process requires precision, since a poorly positioned or poorly secured vehicle can shift during the crossing. Here's how VELOX LOGISTICS organizes vehicle loading into containers departing from Montreal.
Step 1 — Vehicle receiving and inspection at the warehouse
Before any loading, the vehicle is received at VELOX LOGISTICS' warehouse in Saint-Léonard (Montreal). A visual inspection is carried out: bodywork condition, leaks, fuel level, personal items left inside, and verification of ownership documents tied to the vehicle. This step helps document the vehicle's condition before loading.
Step 2 — Choosing the right container type
Depending on the number of vehicles and their size, VELOX LOGISTICS determines whether a 20-foot or 40-foot container is more appropriate. A 40-foot container can generally hold several passenger vehicles, while a 20-foot container suits a smaller load. This choice also depends on container availability and the shipping schedule.
Step 3 — Positioning the vehicle
The vehicle is carefully driven or winched into the container, taking into account available space, load balance, and, when applicable, the presence of other vehicles or consolidated cargo. Thoughtful positioning optimizes space while enabling secure tie-down.
Factors considered during positioning
- The vehicle's exact dimensions (length, width, height).
- Weight distribution inside the container.
- Any other vehicles or cargo being loaded in the same container.
- Accessibility for loading and unloading operations.
Step 4 — Securing and tie-down
Each vehicle is secured inside the container using heavy-duty straps attached to the vehicle's anchor points and to the container's tie-down rails. Wheel chocks are also used to prevent movement during transport. This step is essential to limit the risk of damage during the ocean voyage, particularly if the vessel experiences motion.
Step 5 — Final check and container sealing
Before the container is closed, a final check confirms the tie-down is solid and nothing has been left inside. The container is then sealed with a numbered security seal, which confirms it was not opened between Montreal and its arrival at the Port Autonome de Lomé.
Documents and formalities related to loading
Before a vehicle can be loaded into the container, certain documents must be presented: the vehicle's title of ownership, identification for the owner or authorized representative, and export-related information. For a used vehicle exported from Canada, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) generally requires an export declaration through the CERS system, and the vehicle generally must be presented with its ownership documents approximately 72 hours before loading — this timeframe should always be confirmed directly with the CBSA, as it can vary case by case. VELOX LOGISTICS can guide you through the process, but ensuring documents are complete and compliant remains the vehicle owner's responsibility. Vehicle owners shipping from other Canadian provinces to Montreal should also plan enough lead time for inland transport to our warehouse before the loading window opens, since container schedules depend on vessel availability at the Port Autonome de Lomé's connecting routes.
This administrative step is just as important as the physical loading: a vehicle with incomplete documentation may see its loading delayed until the situation is resolved.
Why this process matters to you
Careful loading reduces the risk of damage during transport and helps ensure the vehicle arrives in Lomé in the same condition it left Montreal in. Transparency with the client also matters at this stage: VELOX LOGISTICS can document the vehicle before the container is closed, giving the recipient a clear reference point for its condition at departure.
A few practical tips for clients
- Remove valuables from the vehicle before loading.
- Make sure the vehicle is mechanically safe to drive or move within the warehouse.
- Provide all ownership documents ahead of the planned loading date.
- Ask questions in advance about the container type planned for your shipment.
How VELOX LOGISTICS helps
VELOX LOGISTICS manages the full loading process: receiving the vehicle, selecting the appropriate container, positioning, secure tie-down, and sealing, through to handing the container over to the shipping line for transport to Lomé. We remind clients that VELOX LOGISTICS is not a vehicle seller or dealer: our role is to ensure a professional, secure loading of the vehicle you purchased.
You can visit our consolidation page to understand shared-loading options, or check our Togo destination page for more details on the Montreal-to-Lomé route before completing your booking.
FAQ
Can I attend the loading of my vehicle?
Depending on warehouse availability, some visits may be arranged. Contact our team to learn about options applicable to your shipment.
Is the vehicle insured during loading?
Coverage terms must be confirmed directly with VELOX LOGISTICS at the time of booking, as they vary depending on the shipment type.
How many vehicles fit in a 40-foot container?
It depends on vehicle size. A 40-foot container can hold several passenger cars depending on their dimensions and available space.
What happens if my vehicle has pre-existing damage?
Visible marks or damage are generally documented before loading, to avoid any confusion upon arrival in Togo.
Can I send personal items along with the vehicle?
This depends on safety rules and available space. Discuss this with your advisor before loading.
Who inspects the vehicle upon arrival in Lomé?
Inspection and customs clearance at destination are handled by the recipient and their customs broker, in coordination with the Office Togolais des Recettes (OTR).
Conclusion
Loading a vehicle into a shipping container is a technical step that requires organization and precision. VELOX LOGISTICS oversees every stage, from receiving the vehicle in Montreal to shipping it to the Port Autonome de Lomé. To plan the loading of your vehicle, request your quote today.
Ready to organize your vehicle's shipment? Submit a booking request, check our FAQ, or read our guide to buying a car in Canada from Togo and browse our 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
