Sedan, SUV, pickup, van, motorcycle, or light commercial vehicle: what types of vehicles can actually be shipped from Canada to the Port of Lomé? The answer depends on the vehicle type, its condition, and both Canadian export and Togolese import requirements. Here's a clear overview to help you plan before you buy.
Vehicle types commonly shipped to Lomé
Passenger cars (sedans, compacts)
Sedans and compact cars — such as the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, or Nissan Sentra — are among the most frequently shipped vehicles to Togo, thanks to reasonable fuel consumption and easier maintenance.
SUVs and crossovers
Sport utility vehicles like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, or Hyundai Tucson are also in high demand, particularly for their higher ground clearance, useful on certain roads in and around Lomé.
Pickups and utility vehicles
Pickup trucks and some light utility vehicles can also be shipped in a container, provided their dimensions are compatible with a 20-foot or 40-foot container.
Motorcycles and tricycles
Motorcycles and tricycles can generally be shipped, often alongside a vehicle as part of a consolidated load, depending on available space in the container.
Accident-damaged or parts vehicles
Some clients choose to export accident-damaged vehicles intended for repair or parts recovery in Togo. This option is possible but carries specific risks and requires careful verification before purchase.
Factors that determine if a vehicle can be shipped
- Vehicle dimensions: it must fit and be secured within a 20-foot or 40-foot container.
- General condition: a non-running vehicle may require different handling during loading (such as winching).
- Ownership documents: a vehicle without a clear title generally cannot be legally exported.
- Canadian export requirements: certain steps, such as filing an export declaration, apply to most used vehicles leaving Canada.
- Togolese import rules: vehicle age and other criteria may affect eligibility for import into Togo; these rules should be verified with the Office Togolais des Recettes (OTR) or a local customs broker.
Commercial vehicles and special cases
Some clients want to ship light commercial vehicles, minibuses, or vehicles intended for professional use in Lomé, such as taxis or goods transport. These cases are possible, but each vehicle must be assessed individually based on its dimensions and intended use. It's recommended to discuss this type of project with an advisor before purchasing, to confirm the feasibility of container shipping and anticipate specific needs, such as a dedicated container rather than consolidation.
Container shipping: the only method offered by VELOX LOGISTICS
Regardless of vehicle type, VELOX LOGISTICS ships exclusively by maritime container (20' or 40') from Montreal. We do not offer RoRo service. This method generally provides good protection for the vehicle during the crossing, whether it's a sedan, an SUV, or a pickup truck.
A practical tip before you buy
Before purchasing a vehicle in Canada for export to Lomé, it's worth confirming two things: that the vehicle fits your actual needs (personal use, taxi, family transport), and that its dimensions, condition, and documents are compatible with container shipping. A VELOX LOGISTICS advisor can help you assess these factors before you finalize your purchase. In all cases, an independent mechanical inspection before purchase remains strongly recommended, regardless of the vehicle type chosen, to avoid unpleasant surprises once the vehicle arrives in Lomé.
Checking roadworthiness before you ship
Beyond dimensions and ownership documents, it's worth confirming the general roadworthiness of a vehicle before committing to a purchase for export. A pre-purchase mechanical inspection by an independent garage can flag issues that are easy to overlook in photos or a quick test drive, such as corrosion, worn suspension components, or prior accident repairs. While VELOX LOGISTICS does not perform mechanical inspections, we always encourage buyers to arrange one before finalizing a purchase, since the vehicle will need to be in a condition suitable for safe loading and for eventual use once it arrives in Lomé.
Vehicles that typically require extra planning
A few vehicle categories tend to need more upfront planning than a standard sedan or SUV. Larger pickup trucks or extended vans may approach the practical limits of a 20-foot container and are often better suited to a 40-foot unit. Vehicles with aftermarket modifications, such as lift kits or oversized wheels, should be measured carefully, since even small changes in height or width can affect how they fit and get secured inside a container. Similarly, vehicles equipped with large roof racks or towing accessories may need those components removed or adjusted before loading.
Why documentation matters as much as the vehicle itself
Even a vehicle that is technically well suited for container shipping can face delays if its ownership documents are incomplete. A title with an unresolved lien, a mismatched name between the bill of sale and the registration, or missing identification numbers can all slow down the export process. Buyers planning to ship a vehicle to Lomé should treat the paperwork with the same level of attention as the vehicle's mechanical condition, gathering everything well before the planned shipping date.
How VELOX LOGISTICS helps
Whether you've purchased a sedan, an SUV, a pickup truck, or a motorcycle, VELOX LOGISTICS organizes the ocean transport of your vehicle from Montreal to the Port Autonome de Lomé. We help you evaluate vehicle dimensions, the most appropriate container type, and the documents required for export. We remind clients that VELOX LOGISTICS is not a dealer: we don't sell vehicles and don't handle customs clearance at destination.
Browse our selection of vehicles for inspiration, check our consolidation page for shared-loading options, or visit our Togo destination page before completing your booking.
FAQ
Can any vehicle age be shipped to Togo?
Eligibility rules based on vehicle age fall under Togolese regulations. Verify these criteria with the Office Togolais des Recettes (OTR) before purchasing your vehicle.
Can electric vehicles be shipped?
Electric vehicles can generally be shipped in a container, but certain battery-related precautions may apply. Discuss this with your advisor before booking.
Can a non-running vehicle be shipped?
Yes, in some cases, but loading may require different handling, such as winching. Inform VELOX LOGISTICS of the vehicle's actual condition before shipment.
Are motorcycles shipped the same way as cars?
Motorcycles are generally shipped in a container, often alongside a vehicle in a consolidated load, depending on available space.
Can I ship several vehicles in a single container?
This depends on vehicle size and the space available in the chosen container (20' or 40'). An advisor can suggest the most suitable configuration.
Who verifies that my vehicle meets Togolese import standards?
This verification is handled by the recipient and a local customs broker, in coordination with the Office Togolais des Recettes (OTR).
Conclusion
Most passenger cars, SUVs, pickups, and motorcycles can be shipped from Canada to the Port of Lomé in a maritime container, subject to dimensions, condition, and required documents. To find out if your vehicle is eligible for shipping, request a personalized quote from VELOX LOGISTICS.
Ready to organize your vehicle's shipment? Submit a booking request, check our FAQ, or read our guide to buying a car in Canada from Togo.
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
