Your vehicle has left Montréal by sea container and is approaching the Autonomous Port of Lomé. So what actually happens next? In short: picking up a car at Lomé port means presenting the vehicle's documents, going through customs formalities with the Office Togolais des Recettes (OTR), paying any applicable charges, and finally collecting the vehicle from the port area, usually with the help of a freight forwarder or licensed customs broker.
What happens when the container arrives
Once the vessel docks in Lomé, the container is unloaded and placed in the terminal's storage yard under port authority supervision. An arrival notice is usually sent to the consignee or their local representative through the shipping line or freight forwarder. From that point, time matters: most ports charge demurrage (storage fees) after a set number of free days, so starting the paperwork promptly is important.
Who is allowed to collect the vehicle?
Generally, the person named as consignee on the bill of lading is entitled to claim the vehicle, or anyone they formally authorize, such as a licensed clearing agent. The name on the documents must match the person presenting them to avoid administrative delays.
Documents you will typically need
Before heading to the port, gather the following:
- The original or authorized copy of the bill of lading
- A valid ID for the consignee
- The Canadian ownership and registration documents for the vehicle
- The purchase invoice, if available
- A power of attorney, if someone else is acting on your behalf
These documents will be reviewed during the customs clearance process. Requirements can change, so it's best to confirm the exact list with OTR or a licensed customs broker before the vehicle arrives.
Practical steps to collect your vehicle
1. Track the arrival
Stay in touch with your freight forwarder or the shipping agent to confirm the exact arrival and unloading date at the Autonomous Port of Lomé.
2. Customs declaration
A customs broker prepares the import declaration and files it with OTR. This is a mandatory step, covered in more detail in our article on customs clearance.
3. Pay applicable charges
Import duties and taxes, plus any port and storage fees, must be settled before the vehicle can be released. Amounts vary by vehicle and current regulations — only OTR and your broker can give you an exact figure.
4. Inspection and release
Once formalities and payments are complete, the vehicle can be released from the port area, usually after a visual inspection.
5. Local transport
After release, you'll need to arrange local transport from the port to the vehicle's final destination in Lomé or elsewhere in Togo, often via a local driver or tow service.
Tips to avoid delays
- Prepare your documents well before the container arrives to avoid storage fees.
- Work with a recognized freight forwarder or customs broker in Lomé.
- Double-check that all details (name, VIN, model) match exactly between your Canadian and Togolese paperwork.
- Keep a digital copy of every document, easily accessible.
Factors that can affect pickup time
Several elements can speed up or slow down vehicle pickup at the Port of Lomé. The completeness of your paperwork is probably the most decisive factor: a missing bill of lading, an inconsistent invoice, or an expired ID can hold up a file for several days. Customs workload, the time of year (the year-end holiday season, for example, often brings a surge of imports), and your customs broker's availability also play a role.
It's also worth knowing that every imported vehicle is assessed by Togolese authorities to determine applicable duties and taxes. This assessment can take into account the vehicle's age, engine size, and value. For reliable, up-to-date information on these criteria, it's best to consult the Office Togolais des Recettes directly or a customs broker established in Lomé, rather than relying on online estimates.
Plan ahead before the shipment even leaves
Picking up a vehicle at the port actually starts well before the container arrives. As soon as you purchase the vehicle in Canada, keep all original documents carefully: purchase invoice, registration certificate, and any proof of ownership transfer. Once scanned, these documents can be sent ahead to your Togolese forwarder so they can prepare the clearance file while the vehicle is still at sea. This head start can meaningfully reduce the time spent at the port once the vessel arrives.
How VELOX LOGISTICS helps
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 is a Montréal-based logistics company specialized in ocean container shipping of vehicles to Africa, including Togo. Our role is to organize the shipment from Montréal to the Port of Lomé: booking, consolidation of vehicles into a 20' or 40' container, secure loading, and shipment tracking. We provide the shipping documents (bill of lading, packing list) your local agent will need in Togo. We are not a car dealer and we do not handle customs clearance in Lomé; we recommend working with a trusted local customs broker for that part of the journey. Check available sailings from Montréal on our vehicles page or make a booking.
FAQ
How soon after arrival can I pick up my vehicle?
It depends on customs processing time and how quickly you gather the required documents. Start as soon as the vessel's arrival is announced to limit storage fees.
Can someone else pick up the vehicle for me?
Yes, provided you give them a power of attorney and the required documents — typically a licensed forwarder.
What if I lose the original bill of lading?
Contact the shipping line immediately. Procedures exist for this, but they can add extra delays.
Does VELOX LOGISTICS handle customs clearance in Lomé?
No. We handle ocean transport from Montréal; clearance must be done by a broker licensed with OTR.
Can the vehicle be delivered directly to my home?
We do not offer door-to-door delivery promises; pickup happens at the port, and local transport is arranged separately.
Conclusion
Picking up a car at the Port of Lomé takes organization, but it becomes straightforward once you know which documents to prepare and who to contact. To make the Montréal-to-Lomé leg of your project run smoothly, request a quote from VELOX LOGISTICS today.
VELOX LOGISTICS — Montréal, Canada 📍 6135, boul. Couture, Saint-Léonard (Montréal), QC H1P 3G7 · WhatsApp 514-718-0282 · info@veloxlogistics.io 🌐 https://veloxlogistics.io/
See also our FAQ and our guide on buying a car in Canada and shipping it to Lomé.
