lovehateNG:

Hello All!

I will like to ship a vehicle to Nigeria from NY within the next week or two and need some counsel and assistance.

1.  I understand that ACL/Grimaldi has the safest terminal in Lagos and is the most organised for fast clearing.  However, I also understand they constantly experience backlogs in shipping. As a result, a vehicle delivered to the port may not leave NY for 2-3 months or more if shipped by RoRo and maybe even a month if containerized.  What do people advise given this?  What are alternatives?  My aim is to get the car to Nigeria as soon as possible so I cannot afford these delays.

2.    Cotonou vs. Lagos:  It seems that Cotonou is significantly cheaper for shipping and also for clearing.  So I am considering shipping it to Cotonou instead of Lagos.  I have to ask given the price differential for both shipping and clearing why are many others not shipping and clearing in Cotonou, then driving the car to Lagos.  Am I missing something?  Is there a negative to the Cotonou option that I have overlooked?

3.  Equivalent of ACL/Grimaldi in Cotonou:  Does ACL/Grimaldi have their own terminal in Cotonou?  Is it as safe as their terminal in Lagos?  If shipping to Cotonou should one use ACL or another shipping line, and if another line - what line should be used

4.  Any other direct to West Africa options?  I prefer a direct shipping line for speed and to avoid delays/risks associated with transshipment in Europe.

5.  I understand RoRo is safe for Nigeria if shipped via ACL but not to TinCan?  Is RoRo safe to Cotonou and if so to what terminal in Cotonou/via what line??

What do the Nairaland auto experts advise in connection with the above?

Thanks so much!

[b]With all due respect, i think you are over-thinking things. You are worrying a lot about what you cannot control. Not sure if that's because you have so many mis-information or just micro analyzing the situation.

Starting with, when you deliver a vehicle to the port for shipment, all your documents goes to the customs for approval before ACL can sail it. Depending on the port, the customs process takes between 2-4weeks from the date of delivery. It hard to predict cos there is no way to hurry them up, depend on their workload. They get to you when they get  to you.

Unfortunately, NY port takes the longest to clear customs. Average of 4weeks I would drop it and wait. Your vehicle will not take 3 months. In alternative, you can truck it to Baltimore and sail it from there. You might shave off about 2 weeks.

As for safety, its all relative, being the "safest" port does not mean that you vehicle will not be tampered with. I have had thing stolen form my vehicle shipped thru ACL. The most shocking thing i have witnessed stolen is a Catalytic Converter on a Toyota Camry that i shipped for a Client. So things happen.

Other ones you can use is Hoegh shipping line.

As for Cotonou, if you plan to drive the car in Lagos, just go to Lagos straight. If you clear in Cotonou and drive to Lagos, you might run into Nigeria Customs later and it won't be fun. You vehicle can be seized for not paying Nigeria duty.

And if you plan to pay Nigerian duty, why ship to Cotonuo in the 1st place? That's paying 2 duties 

Why hustle backwards? 

My advise to you is this:

Truck your vehicle to Baltimore and sail thru there. Ship directly to Lagos. Get a good clearing agent. Your agent should be able to help secure the car against theft. NOTHING IS GUARANTEE THOUGH!

Ship thru Grimaldi and don't worry so much

Good luck[/b]

delaw4u: House,
Please share your experiences with me I shipped car from baltimore ports to lagos but I was told now that the car will go through cotonou before it land in lagos pls how sure my car will be safe the shipping line is AES,
Did you ever go through this route how safe is your car
Should I relax my car will be intact
Hope my car will not be vandalize
Thanks