China to West Africa Shipping service

China to West Africa shipping service

Shipping from China to West Africa is a well-established trade lane served by major global carriers. The best choice for you depends entirely on your cargo type, budget, and urgency. The main ports of departure in China are Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen (Yantian), and Guangzhou.

The most efficient gateway ports in West Africa are typically Lomé (Togo) and Tema (Ghana) due to their modern infrastructure and lower congestion, though Lagos (Nigeria) handles the largest volume.

Comparison of Shipping Methods from China to West Africa

The table below provides a clear comparison of the primary shipping methods.

Main Shipping Routes and Methods and cost

1. Container Shipping (LCL & FCL)

The most important West African ports include:

Lagos, Nigeria (Apapa & Tincan Island): The busiest port in the region.

Tema, Ghana: A major and efficient hub for Ghana and landlocked neighbors.

Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire: A key gateway for Francophone West Africa.

Lomé, Togo: Known for its deep-water port and status as a transshipment hub.

Cotonou, Benin: Serves Benin and a significant gateway for trade with Nigeria.

Dakar, Senegal: A key port for the westernmost part of the region.

This is the most common method for manufactured goods, machinery, and raw materials.

FCL (Full Container Load): You pay for the entire container (20ft or 40ft). This is cost-effective for large, dense shipments.

LCL (Less than Container Load): You pay for the volume of your cargo (per cubic meter). Your goods are consolidated with other shippers' cargo in a single container. Ideal for smaller shipments that don't fill a container.

Rates vary a lot depending on:

Port of origin in China (Shanghai, Shenzhen, Ningbo, Guangzhou…)

Port of destination in West Africa

Container size (20GP / 40GP / 40HQ)

Whether FCL (full container) or LCL (less than container)

Sea transit time, fuel surcharges, port charges, customs, etc.

Here are some recent estimates:

Typical Transit Time:

From Chinese port to Main West African Hub (e.g., Lomé, Tema): Approximately 30 - 45 days.

To final destination port (e.g., from Lomé to Lagos): Can add an additional 7 - 14 days.

2. Roll-on/Roll-off (RORO) Shipping

This is the primary method for shipping vehicles (cars, trucks, buses, construction equipment) from China to West Africa. Vehicles are driven on and off the specialized vessels.

Main Ports for RORO: Similar to container ports, with Cotonou and Lagos being major entry points for vehicles.

Estimated RORO Rate Ranges

RORO rates are highly dynamic. The following are estimated market ranges for the ocean freight portion only for a standard, operational vehicle. Final all-in costs will be significantly higher.

Standard Sedan or SUV (e.g., Toyota Camry, Honda CR-V):

Ocean Freight Estimate: $2,800 - $4,500 USD

Standard Truck or Bus (e.g., 5-ton truck, minibus):

Ocean Freight Estimate: $4,500 - $8,000 USD

Construction Machinery (e.g., Excavator, Bulldozer):

Priced by CBM/FT: $120 - $280 per Cubic Meter (CBM) or Freight Ton (FT).

Crucial Note: These are baseline ocean freight estimates from major Chinese ports (Shanghai, Tianjin) to major West African hubs (Lomé, Tema). The final "all-in" cost can be 30% to 100% higher when all surcharges, insurance, and destination fees are included.

3. Bulk Shipping

Bulk shipping (non-packaged, large quantities of a commodity) typically incurs lower cost per ton (or per cubic meter) compared to containerized goods, because you don’t need packaging, handling is more continuous, but there are unique costs (loading/discharge, handling, maybe transshipment, gear etc.).

Here are some rough estimates / ranges based on inferred values:

4. Air Freight

The fastest but most expensive option. Suitable for high-value, low-volume, or extremely time-sensitive goods.

Transit Time: 5 - 10 days (including customs clearance).

Main Airports: Ship from PVG (Shanghai) or CAN (Guangzhou) to airports like LOS (Lagos), ACC (Accra), or ABJ (Abidjan).

The following table provides estimated price ranges for general cargo from major Chinese airports (PVG, CAN, PEK) to key West African destinations. These are for reference only to establish expectations.

Critical Factors That Determine Your Final Cost

The prices above are a starting point. Your final quote will be calculated based on the following:

Chargeable Weight: Air freight uses Chargeable Weight, which is either the Actual Gross Weight or the Volumetric Weight, whichever is higher.

Volumetric Weight Formula: (Length x Width x Height in cm) / 6000 (or /5000 for some carriers). This is why low-density, bulky cargo is quoted per CBM.

Cargo Type and Value:

Special Cargo: Dangerous goods (HAZMAT), perishables, pharmaceuticals, high-value items, and live animals require special handling, documentation, and security, leading to significantly higher costs.

Insurance: Typically 0.3% - 0.5% of the cargo's value. Highly recommended.

Urgency and Service Level:

Consolidated (Deferred): Your cargo is grouped with others. Cheaper but slower (5-10 days).

Direct Service: Dedicated space on a direct flight. More expensive but faster (3-7 days).

Express (DHL, FedEx): For parcels and small packages. Much higher cost but door-to-door and very fast (3-5 days).

Market Surcharges:

Fuel Surcharge (FSC): Fluctuates with jet fuel prices.

Security Surcharge: Covers security costs at airports.

Currency Adjustment Factor (CAF): Adjusts for foreign exchange risk.

Origin & Destination Charges:

Origin: Terminal handling, customs clearance, and documentation fees in China.

Destination: The final cost will include import customs clearance, terminal handling, and agency fees at the West African airport. These can be substantial and must be budgeted for.

If you need Viputrans to help you transport goods from China to West Africa, please feel free to contact us.

Lora Yang   E-mail: sales02@viputrans.com   SKYPE|WECHAT|WHATSAPP|MOB:+86 13424468029