Used Cargo Trucks from China to Africa

Used Cargo Trucks from China to Africa — Box Trucks, Flatbeds & Curtain Siders (2026 Guide)

The logistics and retail distribution networks in Africa are experiencing rapid growth. From the supermarket supply chain in Lagos to e-commerce delivery in Nairobi, from the transportation of construction materials in Accra to import and export freight in Dar es Salaam, there is a huge demand for cargo-transportation vehicles.
The problem you are facing: Which type of vehicle is suitable for your business? Are new cars too expensive? Hard to find spare parts for second-hand European or Japanese models?
This is where Chinese second-hand vehicles come into play – they offer good value for money, have readily available spare parts, and are suitable for the road conditions in Africa.
In this article, drawing on my 10 years of export experience, I will compare the advantages and disadvantages of box trucks, flatbed trucks, and side curtain trucks for you and provide brand recommendations as well as actual CIF prices.

Why Choose Used Chinese Cargo Trucks for Africa?

• Price advantage (30–50% vs Japanese/European)
• Parts availability across Africa
• Suitability for African road conditions
• Remote video inspection available

Types of Used Cargo Trucks You Can Export from China

1. Used Box Trucks (Van Body )

Lengths: 6.2m / 7.2m / 8.6m / 9.6m | Payload: 8–25 tons | CIF: $8,500–$18,000
Models: HOWO T5G, FAW J6L, Dongfeng D9, Foton Aumark

2. Used Flatbed Trucks （Flatbed truck）

Lengths: 6.8m / 8.6m / 9.6m / 12m | Payload: 15–35 tons | CIF: $9,000–$22,000
Models: HOWO 6×2/6×4, Shacman F3000, FAW J6P

3. Used Curtain Side Trucks（Side-hung car）

Lengths: 7.2m / 8.6m / 9.6m | Payload: 10–25 tons | CIF: $9,500–$19,000
Best for: flexible loading, East/South Africa growth market

4. Refrigerated Trucks (Reefer )

Top Chinese Brands for Used Cargo Trucks

HOWO (Sinotruk) — The African Favorite

Models: T5G box, 6×2 flatbed | Engine: WD 220–375HP | CIF: $9K–$18K
Best for: Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania

https://www.hebeicar.com/howo-used-trucks-buyers-guide-2026/

Shacman (Shaanxi) — Heavy Load Specialist

Models: F3000/X3000 flatbed | Engine: Weichai WP10/WP12 336–430HP | CIF: $10K–$22K
Best for: DRC, Zambia, East African mountain routes

https://www.hebeicar.com/shacman-used-trucks-what-african-buyers-need-to-know-before-buying-2026/

FAW Jiefang — Fuel Efficiency Leader

Models: J6L box, J6P flatbed | Engine: CA6DM2 220–460HP | CIF: $8.5K–$22K
Best for: South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia (highway)

Other Brands (Foton / Dongfeng / JAC — brief mention)

Used Cargo Truck Price Comparison (CIF 2026) ⭐

Should You Buy New or Used? — Cost Breakdown & ROI

New ($35K–$70K landed, 18–24mo break-even) vs Used ($12K–$30K landed, 6–12mo break-even)

Actual case: 2019 HOWO 6.8m box → FOB $12K → CIF Lagos ~$18K → Market price $24K–$28K → Profit $6K–$10K/unit

Shipping Guide

The core of shipping second-hand trucks from China to Africa lies in choosing the right mode of transportation, route, and preparing the necessary documents – if these three aspects are handled correctly, the journey is basically secure.

1. RORO vs Container: How to Choose?

RORO (roll-on/roll-off ships) and containers each have their own applicable scenarios. Choosing the wrong one can lead to wasted money or risks.

• The advantages of RORO: Suitable for heavy trucks, engineering vehicles, and equipment with extremely wide and tall dimensions. The trucks can directly drive on and off without disassembly. The loading and unloading efficiency is high, and the risk of damage is low. The cost is usually 15-30% lower than that of containers (depending on the size and destination) ·
• Container limitations: The standard container has an inner width of 2.35 meters. If a truck exceeds this width, it must be disassembled (with the removal of rearview mirrors, bumpers, etc.). Container loading requires professional reinforcement, which is costly but ensures better sealing of the goods, making it suitable for small trucks or high-value equipment. ·
• Selection suggestion: A single large truck or engineering vehicle → RORO; Multiple small trucks or those requiring additional accessories for transportation → Container

2. Main shipping routes and ports

The air routes from China to Africa mainly cover West Africa and East Africa. The choice depends on your destination and budget.

• West African route (mainstream): Shanghai/Tianjin/Qingdao → Lagos (Nigeria), Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire), Tema (Ghana), Lomé (Togo). The voyage duration is 25-40 days. The shipping schedule is dense, and the cost is relatively low. ·
• East African Route: Shanghai/Ningbo → Mombasa (Kenya), Dar es Salaam (Tanzania). The journey lasts 20-30 days and is suitable for inland countries in East Africa (transport via land). ·
• North African Route: Shanghai/Guangzhou → Tripoli (Libya), Alexandria (Egypt). The voyage lasts 15 to 25 days, but is greatly affected by regional situations.

3. List of Required Documents

The problem of incomplete documents preventing the completion of the process is the most common bottleneck.

• Exporter (China): Commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading (B/L), certificate of origin (CO), export license (for some vehicles required), second-hand vehicle inspection report ·
• Importer (Africa): Import license, ECCN (Export Control Classification Number, required in some countries), insurance policy, port of destination customs clearance authorization letter ·
• Special Note: The vehicle age restrictions vary among African countries (for example, Nigeria prohibits vehicles older than 15 years). Some countries require ASHRAE certification or proof of environmental standards. Please confirm the specific regulations of the destination country in advance.

4. Cost and Timeframe Reference

• RORO freight: $1500 – $3500 per vehicle (depending on size and destination), delivery time 25 – 45 days ·
• Container freight: $2000 – $5000 per 40GP (can hold 1-2 dismantled trucks), delivery time 30 – 50 days ·
• Customs clearance fees: Port duties + Port charges + Customs clearance agency fees, usually accounting for 20-40% of the value of the goods (varies significantly among African countries)

5. Common Pitfalls and Avoidance Tips

• Vehicle age issue: Check the vehicle age restrictions of the destination country in advance. Otherwise, upon arrival at the port, if it is found that it cannot be cleared for customs, it will either have to be returned or auctioned off, resulting in huge losses. ·
• Document consistency: The information on invoices, packing lists, and bills of lading must be completely identical (such as vehicle frame number, engine number, and model). Any discrepancy will result in delays in customs clearance. ·
• Insurance coverage: Marine insurance must be purchased. It is recommended to choose “All Risks” rather than “General Average”. Vehicles transported by RORO have a higher risk during loading and unloading.

FAQ

Can I inspect before buying? → Yes, live video via WhatsApp.

What documents are needed? → BL, Invoice, Packing List, Cert of Origin, KRA PIN, IDF.

How to find a clearing agent? → We share trusted contacts.

Why Buy from HebeiCar

• 10+ years in used truck export
• Full mechanical inspection before shipment
• Flexible RORO & container shipping
• Professional export documentation
• ⚡ WhatsApp quick response — get answers within hours

📧 Email: [email protected]
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