Ocean shipping between Canada and Togo for a vehicle follows a precise sequence of logistics steps, from pickup in Canada to arrival at the Port Autonome de Lomé. Here is the full journey as organized by VELOX LOGISTICS from Montreal, along with what to anticipate at each stage.
Why understanding each step matters
When shipping a vehicle for the first time, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the number of parties involved: freight forwarder, Canadian customs authorities, the shipping line, and finally Togolese authorities on arrival. Understanding the full chain helps you know when to act, which documents to prepare, and who to contact if a question comes up. It's also what helps you avoid the most common surprises, such as an incomplete file at loading time.
1. Preparing the shipping file
Before the vehicle even reaches the warehouse, a shipping file is built: vehicle details (make, model, dimensions, weight), sender and recipient contact information in Lomé, and the chosen container option (full container or consolidation). This step also helps estimate the space needed in the container, especially when consolidating with other vehicles or goods.
2. Receiving the vehicle in Montreal
All VELOX LOGISTICS shipments depart exclusively from Montreal. The vehicle is received at our warehouse, where a visual inspection documents its general condition before loading. This is also when ownership documents must be presented. If the vehicle is not drivable, arrangements can be made to bring it to the warehouse through a towing service.
3. Canadian export formalities
Exporting a vehicle from Canada is governed by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). An export declaration must be filed through the CERS system, and for a used vehicle, it must generally be presented with its ownership documents approximately 72 hours before loading — a timeline to confirm directly with CBSA. This administrative step is separate from the ocean transport itself, but it determines when the vehicle can be loaded into the container.
4. Container loading
VELOX LOGISTICS works exclusively with 20-foot or 40-foot containers, not RoRo service. The vehicle is secured inside the container to limit movement during the crossing. The container is then sealed, limiting handling until it is opened at destination. This method also shields the vehicle from direct exposure to sea salt and weather, unlike open-deck loading.
5. Loading at the Port of Montreal
The container is transported to the port terminal and loaded onto the container vessel that will handle the transatlantic crossing and the connection to West Africa. This step depends on vessel departure schedules and can involve a short waiting period between loading at the warehouse and actual departure.
6. The ocean crossing
The vessel sails to the Port Autonome de Lomé, one of the region's major deep-water ports, known for accommodating large container ships. During this phase, the container remains sealed and the vehicle is not handled at any point.
7. Arrival and unloading in Lomé
Upon arrival, the container is unloaded and made available within the port area. Information about port operations is available from the Port Autonome de Lomé. This is when customs clearance procedures can be initiated by the recipient.
8. Customs clearance and vehicle pickup
The recipient or their representative must clear the vehicle through customs with Togolese authorities. VELOX LOGISTICS does not perform this step: we recommend verifying formalities, duties, and required documents directly with the Office Togolais des Recettes (OTR) or through a local customs broker. Arranging a local representative or forwarder in advance makes this final step much smoother.
Factors that can affect the process
Several elements can speed up or slow down the journey described above: how quickly documents are provided, container space availability at booking time, the timelines tied to Canadian export formalities, and finally the customs clearance steps carried out in Togo by the recipient. VELOX LOGISTICS does not control all of these factors, particularly those tied to customs authorities in either country, but we make sure the part we manage — from Montreal through to loading on the vessel — runs in an organized and transparent way.
How VELOX LOGISTICS helps
We coordinate every step of ocean shipping from Montreal: container selection, document preparation on the Canadian side, booking cargo space, and tracking until arrival at the port of Lomé. We do not handle Togolese customs clearance or door-to-door delivery, but we guide you to the right local partners at every stage of the process.
Documents worth keeping throughout the process
It's a good idea to keep a copy of every document shared with VELOX LOGISTICS throughout the process: proof of ownership, booking confirmation, and any correspondence exchanged with our team. These copies can be useful at customs clearance time in Lomé, when the recipient or their customs broker needs to present the full shipment history to Togolese authorities.
FAQ
How many steps are involved in shipping a vehicle to Togo by sea?
The process can be summarized in eight major steps: file preparation, receipt in Montreal, export formalities, loading, departure, the crossing, unloading, and customs clearance.
Does VELOX LOGISTICS only offer container shipping?
Yes, we work exclusively with 20-foot and 40-foot containers and do not offer RoRo service.
Who handles customs clearance in Lomé?
The recipient or their local representative, working with a customs broker. VELOX LOGISTICS does not take part in this step.
Can I track my container during the crossing?
We provide shipment tracking and keep you informed of key milestones, from loading to arrival at the port.
Do shipments only depart from Montreal?
Yes, all our shipments depart exclusively from Montreal.
What happens if my export documents aren't ready in time?
Loading the vehicle may be delayed until the export declaration is completed. It's best to prepare these documents well ahead of the scheduled delivery date at the warehouse.
Conclusion
Ocean shipping between Canada and Togo relies on a well-defined chain of steps, from document preparation in Montreal to customs clearance in Lomé. To arrange your vehicle's shipment, request your quote via /en/booking and check our /en/destinations/togo page or our FAQ.
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
