The-used-truck-market-in-China

How to Start a Truck Import Business in Nigeria

By王豆

With the development of the economy, the demand for trucks in Nigeria is increasing year by year – in construction, mining, and logistics sectors alike. A HOWO 6×4 dump truck was imported from China to Lagos. The landed cost was approximately $27,000. You can sell it for $35,000-$40,000. One vehicle can generate a profit of $8,000-$13,000. However, not everyone can make a profit. The key is how you do it. I’m Bean from HebeiCar.com. I have been involved in truck exports for ten years and have witnessed the successes and failures of many Nigerian buyers. Let me make it clear how to start.

The number of truck imports in Nigeria from 2020 to 2024

Step 1 – Register the company and understand the regulations

Register a company in Nigeria (CAC) and obtain a BN number
The Nigerian customs require Form M, SONCAP, and PAAR
Truck age limit: Different tariffs apply for different vehicle ages. For vehicles over 8 years old, the tariff doubles
It is recommended to hire a customs broker (customs agent), as this is the most cost-effective option

Step 2 – Which Car is the Best Choice for a Successful Sale?

Not all trucks sell well in Nigeria. The top 3 best-selling ones are:

  • HOWO 6×4 371hp Dump Truck – Most in demand for construction sites and sandstone transportation. Available in Nigeria with all necessary accessories.
  • HOWO 6×4 371hp Towing Vehicle – Long-distance logistics, port container transportation.
  • Shacman F3000 6×4 – Heavy-duty for mining areas. In high demand in northern Nigeria and Plateau State.

My suggestion: For beginners, I recommend starting with HOWO dump trucks. Because they have the highest demand, are the easiest to sell, and the spare parts are the easiest to find.

Step 3 – Calculate the costs and profits accurately

Example：

2019 HOWO 6×4 FOB Tianjin: $14,000
Freight to Lagos: $4,500
Insurance: $280
CIF value: $18,780
Customs duties + VAT + clearance: ~$8,000
Total landed cost: ~$27,000
Market price: $35,000 – $40,000
Profit per unit: $8,000 – $13,000
Profit margin: 30%-48%

If you can maintain a stable import volume of 2 to 3 trucks or even more each month, then your business will naturally be extremely prosperous.

Step 4 – Identify Your Buyers

  1. First, identify who your target customer group is: construction contractors? logistics companies? mine owners? government projects?
  2. Through which channels can we reach these customers: Nigerian truckers group on Facebook, WhatsApp groups, Lagos truck market (such as Ladipo market) on Facebook, WhatsApp groups, Lagos truck market (such as Ladipo market).
  3. Informant method: Identify one or two key individuals (such as the owner of a repair shop or a parts store), and offer a commission to them to introduce clients to the company.
  4. My own experience: My clients all came to me through short-video platforms and social media.

Step 5 – Partner with reliable Chinese suppliers

  1. Don’t just focus on the lowest price.
  2. Only those suppliers who can provide vehicle inspection videos, the third-party inspection reports, and real warehouse photos can be regarded as genuine suppliers.
  3. Clarify the following: Does it include export customs declaration? Can you assist with customs clearance documents? FOB or CIF?
  4. 30% deposit + vehicle inspection + 70% balance payment for delivery. This is the standard procedure.

We do this every day at HebeiCar.com. You can come to Shijiazhuang to view the cars. I will send you the current inventory and videos via WhatsApp.

The-used-truck-market-in-China

Step 6 – Delivery and Customs Clearance

  1. Shipment from Tianjin Port, Ro-Ro, or container
  2. Traveling to Lagos takes approximately 25-32 days
  3. Contact the customs clearance agent after arrival at the port and prepare: Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Form M
  4. Customs clearance usually takes 5-14 days
  5. Total time from placing the order to picking up the vehicle: 6-8 weeks

Special Note: As long as the vehicle was purchased through legal and compliant channels, the most likely point of potential issue lies in the maritime transportation process to Laagas. The longer the duration, the greater the variable risks. Therefore, in order to avoid potential loss risks, it is necessary to purchase insurance. To avoid unforeseeable risks.

Common Mistakes (Must-read for Beginners)

  • The budget was insufficient, so we went ahead with the project (only the car price was calculated, but the customs duties and shipping costs were not included).
  • We bought the wrong model (chose a rare model that couldn’t be sold).
  • We couldn’t find a reliable supplier (we were deceived by the low price).
  • We didn’t have a customs clearance agent (got stuck at customs and spent several extra weeks).
  • We started purchasing without a buyer (the car arrived, but there was no one to buy it).

I’ve seen these mistakes happen over and over. Don’t be that person.

Summary

Selling a car is not an easy way to become rich overnight. However, if you do it right, it can be a stable career path.
The fifth step is crucial – finding the right supplier can save you a year of wasted effort.

We have 100+ trucks in our yard in Shijiazhuang. Message me on WhatsApp, I’ll send you what we have and give you honest advice on what sells best in Nigeria right now.

📱 WhatsApp: +86 15717687720
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: https://www.hebeicar.com
▶️ YouTube: @Used-trucks-china
🎵 TikTok: @usedtrucksexport

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