Import Used Trucks from China to Zambia — 2026 Complete Guide (CIF Dar es Salaam Prices & Shipping)
A few weeks ago, a buyer from Kitwe called me. He runs a small mining operation on the Copperbelt — nothing huge, maybe a dozen trucks moving ore out of pits near Chingola. He told me his fleet was dying. One HOWO he’d bought second-hand from a dealer in Lusaka had already blown its third gearbox in two years. He wanted to know how to import used trucks from China to Zambia without getting burned. He asked me straight: “If I buy direct from you in China, what would a decent dump truck cost to land in Zambia?”
So I walked him through it. A HOWO 371 6×4 dump truck — 2019 or 2020 model, serviced, inspected, with a video walkaround before he pays a cent — would run him about $17,000–$25,000 CIF Dar es Salaam. Add another $2,000–$3,000 for inland trucking from Dar to Kitwe or Ndola. He did the math: even with inland freight factored in, he’d still be paying less than half of what a comparable Japanese truck would cost landed in Zambia. That’s the reality when you import used trucks from China to Zambia — you get more truck for your money, plain and simple.
Zambia isn’t a new market for Chinese used trucks. The Copperbelt has been running HOWO and Shacman dump trucks for years. What’s changing is how many buyers are now choosing to buy directly from China instead of going through middlemen in Lusaka or Johannesburg. If you’re planning to import used trucks from China to Zambia in 2026, this guide covers everything you need — what trucks to buy, what you’ll pay, how to ship them, and the paperwork you can’t skip.
Why Import Used Trucks from China to Zambia?
If you’re reading this from Lusaka or Ndola, you already know the situation. New trucks — whether European, Japanese, or Chinese — cost a fortune. Japanese used trucks are available, but they tend to be right-hand drive (RHD) since most come via Japan or South Africa. Zambia drives on the left, so RHD works. But the price gap is real, and parts availability is the real decider. That’s exactly why so many Zambian buyers now choose to import used trucks from China to Zambia.
| Factor | Chinese Used Trucks | Japanese Used Trucks | New Trucks |
| CIF Dar es Salaam Price | $8,000–$28,000 | $15,000–$40,000 (via South Africa/Japan) | $60,000–$150,000+ |
| Steering Wheel | LHD (left-hand drive) | RHD (right-hand drive) | Both available |
| Spare Parts in Zambia | Available in Lusaka, Kitwe, Ndola | Limited, mainly through dealerships | Dealer-only |
| Maintenance Cost | Low to moderate | Moderate | High |
| Suitability for Mining | Excellent — HOWO & Shacman designed for rough terrain | Good | Excellent |
Zambia is a left-hand traffic country, so both LHD and RHD trucks can be registered. Chinese trucks are LHD. That’s perfectly legal in Zambia. And because they’re built with heavy-duty frames and simple mechanical systems, they’re ideal for the haul roads on the Copperbelt and the long-distance routes to Dar es Salaam. Over the past few years, more buyers have decided to import used trucks from China to Zambia for exactly these reasons.
Best Truck Types to Import from China to Zambia
Not every truck works well for Zambia. Here’s what sells fastest and performs best based on what I’ve seen shipping to Zambian buyers:
1. Used Dump Trucks — The Copperbelt Special
The most common truck we ship to Zambia is the 6×4 dump truck. Mining on the Copperbelt — Kitwe, Ndola, Chingola, Mufulira — runs on these. The HOWO 371 6×4 and Shacman F3000 6×4 are the two most popular models. Both have 336–371 HP, heavy-duty transmissions, and reinforced chassis that handle Zambia’s mine haul roads without constant breakdowns. When you import used trucks from China to Zambia for mining, these are the go-to models.
For bigger operations, the 8×4 dump truck (HOWO 371 or 375) is preferred for higher payloads — up to 45–50 tons per trip. These cost a bit more but move more ore per load.
→ Browse Used Dump Trucks Available Now →
2. Import Used Tractor Trucks from China to Zambia — Lusaka–Dar Route
Zambia imports a huge volume of goods through the Dar es Salaam port. Tractor trucks hauling containers and flatbed trailers on the Lusaka–Dar–Ndola corridor are in constant demand. The HOWO 375 6×4 tractor head is the workhorse of this route, known for reliability on long-distance hauls. The Shacman M3000 is another solid option with better fuel economy.
→ Browse Used Tractor Trucks Available Now →
3. Import Used Cargo Trucks from China to Zambia
For general goods transport — food supplies, construction materials, consumer goods — cargo trucks in box or flatbed configurations are a solid choice. The HOWO 371 6×4 cargo truck with a 9.6m box body is the most common unit on Zambian roads.
→ Browse Used Cargo Trucks Available Now →
2026 Price Guide: Import Used Trucks from China to Zambia (CIF Dar es Salaam)
All prices below are estimated CIF Dar es Salaam — ocean freight and marine insurance included. These are the prices you’ll pay when you import used trucks from China to Zambia through the Dar route. Inland trucking from Dar to Lusaka is approximately $2,000–$3,000. To Kitwe or Ndola on the Copperbelt, budget $2,500–$3,500. If routing via Durban port, add about $1,000–$1,500 more to CIF pricing, plus longer inland transit via the Chirundu border post.
| Truck Type | Brand & Model | Year | CIF Dar es Salaam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dump Truck 6×4 | HOWO 371 | 2019–2021 | $17,000 – $25,000 |
| Dump Truck 6×4 | Shacman F3000 | 2019–2021 | $18,500 – $26,000 |
| Dump Truck 8×4 | HOWO 371 | 2019–2021 | $22,000 – $30,000 |
| Tractor Head 6×4 | HOWO 375 | 2018–2021 | $15,000 – $21,000 |
| Tractor Head 6×4 | Shacman M3000 | 2019–2021 | $16,000 – $23,000 |
| Cargo Truck 6×4 | HOWO 371 / FAW J6 | 2019–2021 | $15,500 – $22,000 |
| Pickup Truck 4×4 | Great Wall Wingle 7 | 2020–2022 | $8,000 – $12,000 |
Prices vary based on actual condition, mileage, and current market. Contact us for a quote on specific units in stock.
→ Full Used Truck Price Guide from China →
Shipping Routes for Importing Used Trucks from China to Zambia
Zambia is landlocked, so shipping requires a combination of ocean freight plus inland trucking. If you plan to import used trucks from China to Zambia, here are your two main options:
Option A: Dar es Salaam Port (Tanzania) — Most Common
- Ocean transit: 18–25 days from Chinese ports (Shanghai, Tianjin, Guangzhou) to Dar es Salaam
- Shipping method: RORO (roll-on/roll-off) for trucks, or container shipping for smaller units
- Inland trucking: 5–7 days from Dar to Lusaka (via Tunduma–Nakonde border), 6–8 days to Kitwe/Ndola
- Cost: $2,000–$3,000 inland freight per truck
Option B: Durban Port (South Africa) — Alternative
- Ocean transit: 20–28 days from China to Durban
- Inland trucking: 7–10 days from Durban to Lusaka (via Chirundu border post)
- Cost: Higher inland freight ($3,000–$4,000) but sometimes used by buyers who also pick up other cargo in South Africa
Most of my customers choose Dar es Salaam. It’s faster, cheaper, and the route is well-established. The Tunduma–Nakonde border crossing is busy but efficient for truck shipments.
→ Detailed Shipping Guide from China to Africa →
Import Duties, Taxes, and Documentation for Used Trucks from China to Zambia
Here’s what you need to clear a used truck through Zambian customs when you import used trucks from China to Zambia:
Documents Required
- Bill of Lading (B/L) — Original or telex release
- Commercial Invoice — Showing truck value, year, model, VIN/chassis number
- Certificate of Origin — Issued by Chinese customs or chamber of commerce
- Packing List
- Import Declaration (IDF) — Filed at Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) before shipment arrives
- Vehicle Logbook / Title Deed — Chinese registration certificate showing export status
Estimated Import Costs
| Item | Estimated Cost / Rate |
| Import Duty | 15–25% of CIF value (varies by truck type) |
| VAT | 16% of (CIF value + duty) |
| Clearance & Port Fees | $500–$1,000 |
| Inland Trucking (Dar → Lusaka) | $2,000–$3,000 |
ZRA has become stricter in recent years about truck valuations. They use a reference price database, so undervaluing on the invoice won’t save you much — and can trigger audits. I advise clients to declare the real purchase price. We provide full supporting documentation with every shipment to make customs clearance straightforward.
How to Choose a Supplier to Import Used Trucks to Zambia
I’ve been in this business long enough to know that the biggest risk when you import used trucks from China to Zambia isn’t the truck — it’s the supplier. Here’s what I tell anyone looking to buy:
- Insist on a live video inspection. If a supplier won’t show you the actual truck running, move on. We do video walkarounds for every single truck — you see the engine start, hear it idle, watch the hydraulics cycle.
- Check references. Ask for the WhatsApp numbers of previous Zambian buyers. A real exporter will have no problem connecting you with past customers.
- Get everything in writing. Price, year, model, VIN, delivery timeline, warranty terms. If it’s not in writing, it doesn’t exist.
- Don’t pay 100% upfront. Standard practice is a 30% deposit, 70% before shipping, after video inspection approval.
→ How to Find a Reliable Used Truck Supplier in China →
FAQs: Importing Used Trucks from China to Zambia
Can I import used trucks from China to Zambia?
Yes. Zambia allows the import of used trucks from China with no age restrictions. Trucks older than 10 years may face additional inspection requirements, but most buyers import 2018–2022 models.
What’s the total cost to import a used dump truck from China to Zambia?
For a HOWO 371 6×4 dump truck (2019–2021), budget approximately $22,000–$30,000 all-in — including CIF Dar es Salaam, import duty and VAT, clearance fees, and inland trucking to Lusaka.
How long does shipping take when importing used trucks from China to Zambia?
Ocean freight to Dar es Salaam takes 18–25 days. Add 5–7 days for inland trucking to Lusaka. Total transit: roughly 4–5 weeks from departure to arrival in Zambia.
Is LHD or RHD better for Zambia?
Zambia drives on the left, so both LHD and RHD are legal. Chinese trucks are LHD. That’s fine — thousands run on Zambian roads without issues. Some drivers prefer RHD for better visibility on narrow roads, but LHD offers better resale value across the region.
Do you ship to Kitwe or Ndola directly?
We ship CIF Dar es Salaam. From Dar, we can arrange inland trucking to any city in Zambia — Lusaka, Kitwe, Ndola, Chingola, even Solwezi. The truck is delivered to your yard or preferred clearing agent.
Ready to Import Used Trucks from China to Zambia?
I’ve shipped HOWO and Shacman trucks to buyers across the Copperbelt and beyond. Every truck comes with a full mechanical inspection, live video walkaround, and all the export documents you need for smooth clearance in Zambia.
Contact us on WhatsApp: +86 15717687720 — send me your requirements and I’ll share current inventory with real photos and prices.
Or visit our Zambia-dedicated page → for a quick overview of trucks and prices.
