More and more families and small business owners in Montreal, Laval and the greater Quebec City area want to ship a motorcycle, scooter or cargo tricycle to Lomé, whether for personal use, for a relative, or to start a local transport business in Togo. This type of shipment requires preparation that differs from sending parcels or furniture.
Unlike a car, a motorcycle or scooter takes up relatively little space in a container, which often makes it a good candidate for consolidation rather than a full container booking. Cargo tricycles, being bulkier, require some extra thought about lashing and available space.
In this article, we walk through the main steps to prepare a two- or three-wheeled vehicle shipment from Montreal to Lomé, the documents typically required, and the questions worth asking before booking.
Why ship a motorcycle or tricycle to Lomé
A growing demand
Motorcycles and cargo tricycles are widely used in Togo, both for passenger transport and for moving goods. Many families in Canada choose to send a used vehicle to a relative, or invest in several units to launch a small transport or delivery business.
Consolidation rather than a full container
Since a motorcycle or scooter takes up relatively little space, it can often be shipped by sharing a container with other cargo, which reduces cost compared to booking a full container for a single vehicle.
The case of cargo tricycles
A cargo tricycle takes up more volume and may require specific lashing depending on its configuration. It is important to discuss this with your forwarder before shipping so the required space can be properly planned.
Preparation steps before shipping
1. Check the vehicle's documentation
- Proof of ownership.
- Vehicle identification number (VIN) or serial number, depending on the vehicle type.
- Purchase invoice, if available.
2. Drain fluids
For maritime safety reasons, fuel tanks generally need to be emptied or reduced to a minimum, and certain fluids may need to be removed or secured before transport.
3. Clean the vehicle
A thorough cleaning is recommended before shipment, particularly to remove dirt or organic residue that could cause issues during inspection on arrival.
4. Protect fragile parts
Mirrors, headlights and other protruding parts can be removed or protected to avoid damage during handling.
Packaging and securing the vehicle
Why lashing matters
A motorcycle or scooter that is not properly secured inside a container can shift or tip during transport, risking damage not only to the vehicle but also to other cargo sharing the container in a consolidation shipment.
Best practices
- Use sturdy straps fixed to the container's designated anchor points.
- Place the vehicle on a pallet when possible, to make handling easier.
- Avoid stacking heavy items directly on top of the vehicle.
- Wrap painted surfaces to reduce the risk of scratches.
Comparison table: motorcycle, scooter and cargo tricycle
| Vehicle type | Approximate volume | Typical shipping method | Main consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scooter | Low | Consolidation | Ease of securing |
| Standard motorcycle | Low to medium | Consolidation | Fuel tank draining |
| Cargo tricycle | Medium to high | Consolidation or partial container | Space and specific lashing |
Documents generally required
For shipping from Montreal
- Proof of ownership or purchase invoice.
- Vehicle identification number.
- Packing list if the vehicle ships with other belongings.
- Bill of lading once the booking is confirmed.
On arrival in Togo
Customs formalities and required documents on arrival can vary based on current Togolese regulations. We recommend confirming these requirements directly with Togolese customs authorities or a local agent before shipping, since rules can change.
If you are planning to ship one or several motorcycles, scooters or cargo tricycles, send us a WhatsApp message to discuss your volume and available consolidation options.
Single vehicle versus multiple units
A single vehicle
For shipping a single motorcycle or scooter, consolidation is usually the most economical option, since the vehicle shares container space with other cargo.
Multiple units
For entrepreneurs looking to ship several motorcycles or tricycles at once, it can be worth evaluating whether the volume justifies a full container. Our team can help compare both options based on your number of units.
Insurance and protecting your shipment
Why consider insurance
Ocean transport carries inherent risks related to handling and transit. Cargo insurance can provide additional protection in case of damage during transport. It is worth discussing available coverage options with your forwarder before booking.
Documenting the vehicle's condition before shipping
Taking photos of the vehicle from multiple angles before loading gives you a reference point should any dispute arise regarding its condition on arrival.
Coordinating onward road transport to other countries
Some clients ship a vehicle to Lomé with the intention of later using it or reselling it in a neighbouring country. In that case, it is useful to know in advance the requirements for cross-border road transport, which can differ from rules applicable only within Togo.
Additional considerations before booking
Choosing the right time to ship
Availability of consolidation departures to Lomé can vary depending on the time of year. Booking a bit ahead of time gives more flexibility, especially if you plan to ship several vehicles at once.
Checking mechanical condition before shipping
Even though the vehicle will not be used during transport, it is useful to check that tires are properly inflated and brakes are functional, which makes loading and unloading easier.
Labelling and identification
Each vehicle should be clearly identified with the recipient's name and contact details, especially when multiple units are shipped in the same consolidated container.
Combining the shipment with other goods
Many of our clients take advantage of a motorcycle or tricycle shipment to combine other items within the same container space, such as furniture or personal belongings. This approach helps optimize transport costs by grouping several types of cargo together.
Communicating with the recipient
Before shipping, it is useful to confirm exact delivery details with the recipient in Lomé, as well as their availability to receive the vehicle and handle customs clearance on arrival. Good communication reduces the risk of unnecessary delays once the container is discharged.
Tracking multiple shipments
If you plan to ship several motorcycles or tricycles over time, keeping a simple record of each vehicle's identification number, invoice, and shipping date can make future reference and customs coordination much easier, both for you and for the recipient in Togo.
Frequently asked questions
Can I ship a used motorcycle to Lomé?
Yes, used motorcycles can generally be shipped, provided you have the appropriate ownership documentation. Specific customs requirements should be verified with Togolese authorities.
Do I need to fully empty the fuel tank?
For safety reasons during ocean transport, the tank generally needs to be emptied or reduced to a minimum. We recommend confirming exact requirements with your forwarder before shipping.
How many motorcycles can I ship in the same consolidated container?
This depends on the space available in the shared container at the time of your booking. Contact our team to evaluate options based on your volume.
Can a cargo tricycle be shipped through consolidation?
It depends on its dimensions. Some tricycles can fit within a consolidated shipment, while larger units may require more container space. We evaluate this on a case-by-case basis.
What documents prove ownership of the vehicle?
Generally a purchase receipt or ownership title, along with the vehicle identification number. Exact requirements can vary.
Does VELOX handle customs clearance in Lomé?
VELOX Logistics is based in Saint-Léonard, Montreal, and coordinates the shipment from Canada. For customs clearance on arrival, we recommend confirming the applicable process with local authorities or an agent in Togo.
Can I ship my motorcycle together with other personal belongings in the same container?
Yes, this is a common practice with consolidation. You can combine your vehicle shipment with other personal items or household goods in the same container.
How long does it take to ship a motorcycle to Lomé?
Transit times vary depending on the carrier, the time of year, and the availability of consolidation departures. We do not guarantee any fixed transit time and recommend confirming estimates at the time of booking.
Conclusion
Shipping a motorcycle, scooter or cargo tricycle from Montreal to Lomé requires careful preparation, from verifying documents to securing the vehicle properly inside the container. Our team in Saint-Léonard can guide you through every step of this type of shipment. Visit our consolidation to Lomé page to discuss your project.
Further resources
These other guides may help:
