Properly preparing a vehicle before ocean shipping to Togo helps avoid delays at loading, unexpected fees, and surprises on arrival. Preparation goes beyond cleaning the car: it includes a mechanical check, removing personal items, updating documents, and coordinating with the Montreal consolidation point. Here are the concrete steps to follow before handing over your vehicle for container shipping to the Port Autonome de Lomé.
Why preparation matters as much as the shipping itself
A shipping container often carries several vehicles or goods together, and the time available for inspection and loading at the terminal is limited. A poorly prepared vehicle — overfilled fuel tank, undeclared items, an unsecured battery — can lead to a loading refusal, a departure delay, or extra fees. On arrival in Lomé, a clean, well-documented vehicle also makes customs procedures easier for the recipient.
1. Check the general mechanical condition
Before shipping, it's recommended to have the following checked:
- Fluid leaks (oil, gas, coolant)
- Tire condition and brake system
- The battery, which must be properly secured
- Any loose parts that could come off during transport
A vehicle that no longer runs can generally still be shipped, but this must be flagged in advance, since it affects how the vehicle will be handled and loaded into the container.
2. Reduce the fuel level
For maritime safety reasons, the fuel tank should generally not be filled beyond about a quarter of its capacity. Excess fuel poses a risk during transport and may be refused by the carrier at loading time.
3. Remove personal belongings and non-permitted items
Vehicles shipped by container should generally not contain undeclared bulky personal items or goods that aren't allowed in ocean freight. It's best to empty the trunk, glove box, and cabin before handing the vehicle over at the consolidation point, and to confirm the applicable rules with our team if you'd like to include certain items.
4. Clean the vehicle inside and out
A thorough interior and exterior cleaning makes pre-loading inspection easier and may be required depending on carrier or destination requirements. A clean vehicle also makes it easier to document its condition (photos) before departure, which is useful should any disputes arise.
5. Gather and verify your documents
The vehicle's ownership documents must be in order and ready for presentation to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), which generally requires the vehicle to be presented with its paperwork and reported through CERS, typically 72 hours before loading for a used vehicle. These timelines should be confirmed directly with the CBSA (cbsa-asfc.gc.ca), as they can vary depending on the vehicle type and owner's situation.
6. Take detailed photos before departure
Before handing over the vehicle, it's advisable to photograph the interior, exterior, odometer, and any existing damage. These photos serve as a reference if questions arise upon arrival in Lomé and let the recipient compare the vehicle's condition before and after transport.
7. Confirm logistics with the Montreal consolidation point
Each consolidation point may have specific requirements regarding drop-off times, documents to present on site, and access procedures. Confirming these details in advance with VELOX LOGISTICS avoids unnecessary trips and delays on drop-off day.
8. Plan ahead for arrival procedures
Even though preparation happens in Canada, it's useful to inform the recipient in Lomé about the documents accompanying the vehicle, so they can prepare customs clearance with the Office Togolais des Recettes (OTR) and a local customs broker (otr.tg).
Special case: vehicles with added equipment
Some vehicles come with added accessories (roof racks, trailer hitches, modified audio systems) that may need special attention during loading. Flag these items in advance with your consolidation point so that container space and securing can be adjusted accordingly. Likewise, if the vehicle has a sensitive alarm or anti-theft system, it's best to temporarily disable it to avoid it triggering during handling.
How VELOX LOGISTICS helps
VELOX LOGISTICS organizes the consolidation and loading of vehicles into 20' or 40' containers departing from Montreal, exclusively by container — we don't offer RoRo service. Our team can tell you exactly what preparation is required for your vehicle before drop-off at the consolidation point, and help you book ocean space to the Port Autonome de Lomé. We're not responsible for customs clearance at destination, but we can point you to useful official resources.
FAQ
Do I need to completely empty the fuel tank before shipping?
No, but it's recommended to keep it at around a quarter tank or less, for maritime safety reasons.
Can I leave personal belongings inside the shipped vehicle?
Undeclared bulky personal items are generally not recommended. Contact our team to learn the rules that apply to your shipment.
Can a non-running vehicle be shipped?
Yes, in most cases, but this must be flagged in advance so handling and loading can be adjusted accordingly.
What documents do I need to present before loading?
The vehicle's ownership documents, generally presented to the CBSA before loading. Confirm exact timelines directly with the agency.
Should I take photos of the vehicle before handing it over?
Yes, this is strongly recommended to document its condition before transport and make any verification easier on arrival.
Who handles customs clearance once the vehicle arrives in Lomé?
The recipient must arrange clearance with the Office Togolais des Recettes and a local customs broker; VELOX LOGISTICS does not handle this step.
Conclusion
Thorough preparation before ocean shipping helps limit surprises, speeds up loading, and makes arrival procedures easier in Lomé. By following these steps and coordinating drop-off with our team, you give your shipment the best chance of moving without unnecessary complications. Contact VELOX LOGISTICS to request a quote and find out about upcoming loading opportunities.
For more information, see our Togo destination page, vehicles, booking, consolidation, and FAQ pages, as well as our article on buying a car in Canada for Lomé.
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
