Used Cargo Trucks from China to Africa

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Used Cargo Trucks from China to Africa \u2014 Box Trucks, Flatbeds & Curtain Siders (2026 Guide)

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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.

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Why Choose Used Chinese Cargo Trucks for Africa?

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• Price advantage (30\u201350% vs Japanese/European)
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• Parts availability across Africa
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• Suitability for African road conditions
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• Remote video inspection available
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Types of Used Cargo Trucks You Can Export from China

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1. Used Box Trucks (Van Body )

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Lengths: 6.2m / 7.2m / 8.6m / 9.6m | Payload: 8\u201325 tons | CIF: $8,500\u2013$18,000
Models: HOWO T5G, FAW J6L, Dongfeng D9, Foton Aumark

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2. Used Flatbed Trucks\u00a0\uff08Flatbed truck\uff09

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Lengths: 6.8m / 8.6m / 9.6m / 12m | Payload: 15\u201335 tons | CIF: $9,000\u2013$22,000
Models: HOWO 6\u00d72/6\u00d74, Shacman F3000, FAW J6P

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3. Used Curtain Side Trucks\uff08Side-hung car\uff09

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Lengths: 7.2m / 8.6m / 9.6m | Payload: 10\u201325 tons | CIF: $9,500\u2013$19,000
Best for: flexible loading, East/South Africa growth market

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4. Refrigerated Trucks (Reefer )

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https://www.youtube.com/shorts/hhLEi28lwL4

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\u25b6 Watch the video: HOWO stake body cargo truck unloading \u2014 real footage from our yard, ready for export CIF to your port. Watch on YouTube. For CIF prices to your port and current stock, WhatsApp +86 157 1768 7720.

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Top Chinese Brands for Used Cargo Trucks

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HOWO (Sinotruk) \u2014 The African Favorite

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Models: T5G box, 6\u00d72 flatbed | Engine: WD 220\u2013375HP | CIF: $9K\u2013$18K
Best for: Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania

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

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Shacman (Shaanxi) \u2014 Heavy Load Specialist

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Models: F3000/X3000 flatbed | Engine: Weichai WP10/WP12 336\u2013430HP | CIF: $10K\u2013$22K
Best for: DRC, Zambia, East African mountain routes

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

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FAW Jiefang \u2014 Fuel Efficiency Leader

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Models: J6L box, J6P flatbed | Engine: CA6DM2 220\u2013460HP | CIF: $8.5K\u2013$22K
Best for: South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia (highway)

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Other Brands (Foton / Dongfeng / JAC \u2014 brief mention)

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Used Cargo Truck Price Comparison (CIF 2026) \u2b50

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Should You Buy New or Used? \u2014 Cost Breakdown & ROI

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New ($35K\u2013$70K landed, 18\u201324mo break-even) vs Used ($12K\u2013$30K landed, 6\u201312mo break-even)

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Actual case: 2019 HOWO 6.8m box \u2192 FOB $12K \u2192 CIF Lagos ~$18K \u2192 Market price $24K\u2013$28K \u2192 Profit $6K\u2013$10K/unit

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Shipping Guide

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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.

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1. RORO vs Container: How to Choose?

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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.

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• 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) \u00b7
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• 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. \u00b7
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• Selection suggestion: A single large truck or engineering vehicle \u2192 RORO; Multiple small trucks or those requiring additional spare parts for transportation \u2192 Container
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2. Main shipping routes and ports

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

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• West African route (mainstream): Shanghai/Tianjin/Qingdao \u2192 Lagos (Nigeria), Abidjan (C\u00f4te d’Ivoire), Tema (Ghana), Lom\u00e9 (Togo). The voyage duration is 25-40 days. The shipping schedule is dense, and the cost is relatively low. \u00b7
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• East African Route: Shanghai/Ningbo \u2192 Mombasa (Kenya), Dar es Salaam (Tanzania). The journey lasts 20-30 days and is suitable for inland countries in East Africa (transport via land). \u00b7
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• North African Route: Shanghai/Guangzhou \u2192 Tripoli (Libya), Alexandria (Egypt). The voyage lasts 15 to 25 days, but is greatly affected by regional situations.
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3. List of Required Documents

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

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• 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 \u00b7
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• Importer (Africa): Import license, ECCN (Export Control Classification Number, required in some countries), insurance policy, port of destination customs clearance authorization letter \u00b7
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• 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.
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4. Cost and Timeframe Reference

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• RORO freight: $1500 – $3500 per vehicle (depending on size and destination), delivery time 25 – 45 days \u00b7
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• Container freight: $2000 – $5000 per 40GP (can hold 1-2 dismantled trucks), delivery time 30 – 50 days \u00b7
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• 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)
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5. Common Pitfalls and Avoidance Tips

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• 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. \u00b7
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• 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. \u00b7
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• 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.
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FAQ

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Can I inspect before buying? \u2192 Yes, live video via WhatsApp.

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What documents are needed? \u2192 BL, Invoice, Packing List, Cert of Origin, KRA PIN, IDF.

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How to find a clearing agent? \u2192 We share trusted contacts.

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Why Buy from HebeiCar

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• 10+ years\u00a0in used truck export
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• Full mechanical inspection\u00a0before shipment
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• Flexible RORO & container shipping
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• Professional export documentation
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• \u26a1\u00a0WhatsApp quick response\u00a0\u2014 get answers within hours
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\ud83d\udce7 Email:\[email protected]
\u25b6\ufe0f\u00a0YouTube\u00a0\u2014 truck walkarounds & inventory updates
\ud83c\udfb5\u00a0TikTok\u00a0\u2014 real videos of current stock

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