Shipping Guide
We export used trucks to 20+ countries across Africa, Middle East, Central Asia, Southeast Asia, and South America. As a leading source for shipping used trucks from China, we handle booking, loading and insurance end to end.
Two Shipping Methods – shipping used trucks from China
RORO: Truck driven onto vessel. Best for dump/tractor/cargo trucks. Cost: $1,500–$3,500.
Container: For smaller trucks. Cost: $2,500–$4,500.
Transit Times from Tianjin Port – shipping used trucks from China
Nigeria (Lagos): 22–28 days
Ghana (Tema): 22–28 days
Kenya (Mombasa): 22–28 days
Tanzania (Dar es Salaam): 25–32 days
Zambia (Dar es Salaam → inland): 28–35 days
Ethiopia (Djibouti): 25–32 days
UAE (Jebel Ali): 12–16 days
Southeast Asia: 7–12 days
Understanding Trade Terms — FOB vs CIF vs DDP
When comparing prices, you will see terms like FOB, CIF, or DDP. These Incoterms define who pays for what and where responsibility transfers. The diagram below shows exactly what each term covers:
FOB (Free On Board) — We deliver the truck to Tianjin Port and load it onto the vessel. You arrange and pay for ocean freight, insurance, and import clearance at your end. Best if you have reliable shipping partners.
CIF (Cost, Insurance & Freight) — We cover shipping and insurance to your destination port. You handle customs clearance and local delivery. This is our most common quote — it gives you the best balance of convenience and cost control.
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) — We handle everything including import duties, taxes, and delivery to your yard. Highest price but completely hassle-free. Great if this is your first import.
Which one should you choose? For most first-time buyers, we recommend CIF. You know the total cost upfront (truck + shipping + insurance), and you only need a local clearing agent at arrival. If you already have shipping in place, go FOB. For a turnkey experience, choose DDP.
Shipping Cost Breakdown
Freight is quoted per unit and depends on the method, the port and the season. These are the working ranges we quote from Tianjin:
| Method | Best for | Typical cost per truck | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| RoRo | Dump, tractor and cargo trucks that drive | $1,500 – $3,500 | Cheapest and fastest; unit must run and roll onto the vessel |
| Container | Smaller trucks, pickups and spare parts | $2,500 – $4,500 | Cab-in-container or fully crated; best protection from weather |
| Break-bulk / flat-rack | Oversize or non-running units | Quoted per case | Used when a truck cannot be driven or does not fit a container |
Ocean freight moves with fuel prices and vessel capacity, so we confirm the exact figure on the day we book. Ask for a quote and we will show the freight line separately from the truck price.
What a CIF Quote Includes
- Truck price – the unit itself, at our yard in Shijiazhuang.
- Inland transport – from the yard to Tianjin port, plus loading.
- Ocean freight – to the destination port named in the quote.
- Marine insurance – against loss or damage in transit.
- Export documentation – invoice, packing list and certificate of origin.
It does not include import duty, port charges or clearing at destination, which your local agent handles. If you want those covered too, ask for a DDP quote.
Documents You Receive with Every Shipment
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- Bill of Lading (original or telex release)
- Certificate of Origin
- Export declaration and customs release
- Photos and video of the unit before loading
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does shipping take from China to Africa?
22-28 days to Lagos, Tema or Mombasa, 25-32 days to Dar es Salaam or Djibouti, and 28-35 days for inland destinations such as Zambia. Jebel Ali takes 12-16 days.
Is RoRo or container cheaper?
RoRo is usually cheaper for full-size trucks that can be driven, while containers suit pickups, small trucks and spare parts and give better protection from weather and salt air.
Can you handle customs clearance at my port?
We provide the export documents and work with your clearing agent at destination. For a landed, duty-paid delivery, request a DDP quote.
Total Timeline
Day 1: Select truck → Day 2: Video inspection → Day 3–5: Payment & docs → Day 6–10: Port loading → Day 10–35: Ocean transit → Arrival: Customs clearance
Related guides
If you are working through the next step of an import, these guides answer the questions buyers ask us most: