For many Togolese residents of Quebec, sending a car to family back in Lomé is a common and deeply meaningful act of support, often planned months in advance. Between choosing the vehicle, gathering the right documents, and coordinating with a carrier out of Montreal, here's how to organize this kind of shipment step by step, with a clear understanding of the logistics and customs realities involved.
Define the plan together with family in Togo
Before taking any action, it's essential to have a clear conversation with relatives in Lomé about the type of vehicle needed, its intended use, and the overall budget, including the vehicle cost, shipping, and arrival fees. Many families underestimate the costs tied to customs clearance and Togolese formalities, which come on top of the ocean freight cost. Involving the family from the start helps avoid misunderstandings once the vehicle arrives in Togo.
Who will be responsible on arrival?
It's important to clearly designate who in Togo will handle picking up the vehicle at the port and managing formalities with the Office Togolais des Recettes (OTR). That person should ideally work with a licensed customs broker or freight forwarder, since customs clearance is not handled by the carrier from Canada.
Prepare the vehicle and documents in Canada
Once the vehicle has been purchased in Quebec, you'll need to gather the ownership title and, if applicable, the bill of sale. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) generally requires an export declaration through the CERS system, and used vehicles typically need to be presented around 72 hours before loading. It's strongly recommended to confirm these timelines directly with CBSA, as they can vary depending on circumstances.
Shipments always depart from Montreal
For Quebec residents, the logistical advantage is clear: the vehicle can be delivered directly to the drop-off point in Montreal, with no additional interprovincial transport needed. For Togolese families living elsewhere in Canada, the vehicle needs to be brought to Montreal, the only departure port used for shipments to Togo.
Choosing between a dedicated container or consolidation
Two main options exist for shipping: a full container (20' or 40') reserved solely for your vehicle, or consolidation with other shipments to share space and potentially add personal items intended for the family (clothing, appliances, small parcels). Consolidation is an appealing option for families who want to send several types of goods along with the vehicle.
Why container shipping instead of RoRo
VELOX LOGISTICS does not offer RoRo service and works exclusively with containers. For a family shipment, a container has the advantage of protecting the vehicle from weather and handling throughout the crossing, while also allowing other goods intended for loved ones to be added.
Staying in touch throughout the process
Once the booking is confirmed, ask your carrier to keep you updated on key milestones: loading confirmation, container number, estimated departure date, and transmission of the bill of lading. Share this information with your family in Lomé so they can track progress and prepare for customs clearance upon arrival at Port Autonome de Lomé.
Anticipate Togolese formalities
The family at destination will need to deal with formalities from the Office Togolais des Recettes and, depending on the situation, duties and taxes applicable to importing a vehicle. These vary and should be confirmed directly with the OTR or a local customs broker rather than assumed in advance.
Planning around important occasions
Many families choose to organize a shipment around a specific occasion: a wedding, a birthday, a permanent return home, or the start of a relative's local transport business. In these cases, it's wise to build in extra time, since ocean transit and customs formalities are never guaranteed down to the exact date. It's better to start the process several weeks, or even a few months, ahead of the target date rather than waiting until the last minute.
Budgeting beyond just shipping
The total cost of a shipment to Togo includes not only ocean freight, but also possible vehicle preparation fees, duties and taxes applicable on import, and fees for a local freight forwarder handling customs clearance. These amounts vary depending on the type of vehicle and current regulations, and should be confirmed directly with the OTR or a customs broker. Planning this budget margin together with family in Togo avoids surprises and extra delays when it's time to pick up the vehicle.
How VELOX LOGISTICS helps
Based in Montreal, VELOX LOGISTICS helps Togolese families in Quebec organize container shipping (20' or 40') to Port Autonome de Lomé. We support the preparation of export documents and logistics coordination from Montreal, while being transparent: we don't sell vehicles, we don't guarantee purchases, and customs clearance in Togo remains the recipient's responsibility with support from a local broker.
To organize your shipment, check our vehicles page to understand available options, our consolidation page if you'd like to combine several shipments, and proceed with your booking when you're ready.
FAQ
Can I send a car to my family without them having to handle customs alone?
Customs clearance remains the recipient's responsibility in Togo, but it can be supported by a local freight forwarder or customs broker, which greatly simplifies the process.
How far in advance must the vehicle be presented before departure?
For used vehicles, CBSA generally requires presentation about 72 hours before loading. Confirm exact timelines directly with CBSA based on your situation.
Can I send other items along with the vehicle?
Yes, consolidation often makes it possible to add personal items or other parcels intended for family in the same container.
Does the vehicle always depart from Montreal?
Yes, all VELOX LOGISTICS shipments depart from Montreal, regardless of where the sender resides in Canada.
Who should pick up the vehicle on arrival in Togo?
It's recommended to designate a trusted person in Lomé, ideally working with a licensed freight forwarder, to handle pickup at the port and formalities with the OTR.
How can I track the shipment's progress?
Your carrier should provide the container number and bill of lading once the vessel has departed — information you can share with your family in Lomé.
Sending a car to family in Togo from Quebec takes good coordination, but it's entirely achievable with a transparent partner. Request a personalized quote today to plan your shipment with confidence.
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
