Used Tractor Trucks from China to Africa

A few years ago, a Ghanaian customer asked me on WhatsApp whether I had 6×4 towing units. He had previously imported a second-hand Scania from Europe, but it broke down, and he waited for replacement parts for two months. Later, he replaced it with a HOWO, and the parts were available for purchase in Accra the next day. He said something that I still remember to this day: “I don’t need the best truck. I need one that I can keep running.”

Why African Transporters Are Switching to Chinese Tractor Trucks

• Price difference: For instance, in 2019, the price of HOWO 6×4 CIF Lagos was approximately $30,000, while the same model with the same horsepower from the Japanese Isuzu brand was around $40,000. The prices of Japanese brands are approximately 35% to 50% higher than those of HOWO.
• Maintenance and repair costs: The HOWO brand offers affordable accessories and a wide network of service points. The prices of Japanese brand accessories are approximately 40% higher than those of HOWO.

Which Chinese Tractor Truck Brand Should You Choose?

For Nigerian Port Container Hauling – HOWO 6×4

• Accessories can be purchased in any corner of Lagos Ladipo Market.
• Even a local mechanic can fix things with their eyes closed.

For East African Long-Haul Routes – Shacman F3000 / X3000

• The Weichai WP12 engine is suitable for the high-altitude areas of Kenya.
• The F3000 cab is comfortable, and long-distance drivers are willing to drive it.

For Southern Africa Highway Operations – FAW J6P The

• 420-460HP engine has lower fuel consumption when running at high speeds
• There is an assembly plant in South Africa → Some models can circumvent import restrictions

 How Much Does a Used Chinese Tractor Truck Cost? (CIF Prices 2026)

HOWO 6×4 371HP (2018-2019, 80-100K km)
Unbranded vehicle FOB Tianjin: $14,000 – $18,000
Freight to Lagos: ~$5,000 – $6,500
Insurance + Documents: ~$800 – $1,2000
→ CIF Lagos Delivery: $20,000 – $25,000
Shacman F3000 6×4 385HP (2018-2020, 80-100K km)
Unbranded vehicle FOB Tianjin: $16,000 – $21,000
→ CIF Mombasa (arrival cost): $22,000 – $28,000

6×4 or 4×2 – Which One Do You Actually Need?

• Working as a container hauler in Lagos, driving 40ft containers in and out of Apapa Port every day? → 6×4, no choice.
• Doing light cargo transportation between Nairobi and Mombasa in Kenya? → 4×2, just saving fuel is enough.
• Running cross-border from Lagos to Kano to Niamey? → 6×4 with dual fuel tanks version

What to Check Before You Pay – Real Inspection Points

Last week, I tested a Shacman X3000. The turbo had a whining sound during cold start. The reason is that the exhaust pipe connection is blackened and leaking. Replace the sealing gasket.

I have seen several FAW vehicles with weld repairs on their frames. They can handle light loads but cannot bear heavy loads.

Shipping from China to African Ports – Real Timelines

Last month, we dispatched three HOWO vehicles to Tema by RORO shipping. The vessel set off from Tianjin and arrived at the port on the 19th day. The customer reported that it was 3 days faster than expected.

Required Documents – What You’ll Need for Customs Clearance

The preparation of the documents doesn’t need much elaboration. Here, we’ll just mention the most prone-to-error steps:

• A single character is misspelled in the name on the bill of lading – reissuance fee + time
• The SONCAP model does not match – requeue
• The description on the invoice is too vague – customs revalues

My current standard operating procedure (SOP) is as follows: After the client provides the company name, we first check the company registration system of the client’s country to verify the full name, and then fill it in on the bill of lading. We submit the application for SONCAP on the same day of booking, without waiting until the goods are loaded.

How to Order — The Process From Start to Finish

The actual process looks like this:

1. You tell me what you need — destination, cargo type, budget
2. I send you videos of 2-3 trucks that match from my current stock
3. You pick one, and I do a live video walkaround with you on WhatsApp
4. You pay 30% deposit
5. I inspect, repaint (if needed), and prepare docs
6. You pay 70% balance when the truck is loaded at Tianjin port
7. I sent you the Bill of Lading + all documents
8. 2-3 weeks later, the truck arrives at your port

Q & A

1. Can I go and have a look at that truck myself? Sure. Most of my clients will fly to Shijiazhuang – I’ll pick them up at the airport, and then we’ll spend the whole morning in the yard. They’ll test drive two to three trucks, and then we’ll complete the transaction here. It usually takes two to three days. Can’t make it? No problem. We conducted a live video inspection on WhatsApp – I will show you every weld point, every tire, the cold start process, and the entire process.

2. What if it breaks down a week after delivery?
   We offer a 30-day warranty service for the engine, transmission, and differential. If a major failure occurs within these 30 days, I will work with you to solve it – you can send the parts, or I will compensate. Damage to components caused by normal wear and tear (such as tires, brake pads, batteries) – you are responsible for them after shipment. But I have been in this industry for a long time, so I keep in touch with mechanics in Lagos, Accra, and Nairobi. They are familiar with these trucks. I can recommend suitable personnel for you.
3. Do you offer warranty services?
   We conducted a 30-day inspection of the three major components (engine, transmission, differential). This is not because I’m worried they will break down – most components won’t have problems – but to allow you to sleep well during the first month of the truck’s operation. After that, these trucks are your responsibility, just like any used car.
4. Could you repaint it and add my logo before shipment? Yes. We often do this. Choose a color. Before putting it in the container, I will send you photos first. Re-painting with brand logo stickers will take approximately an additional 3 days, and the cost ranges from $300 to $800, depending on the quality of the paint you want.
5. How can I know that you’re not a fraud?
   This is a reasonable question. Here is the specific process: You first pay a 30% deposit, then I will show you the truck through a live video and let you see it start and move. Then you pay the remaining 70%, and I will transport the car to the port for shipment. And I have some clients who have been buying goods from me since 2021. If you want to inquire, I will be happy to help you contact them.

I get asked all the time: “Which one should I buy?”

If I had to pick one tractor truck for most African buyers, it’s the HOWO 6×4 371HP.
Parts are everywhere. Mechanics know it. It holds its value. Hard to go wrong.

But if your routes are hilly and your drivers are doing long hours, the Shacman X3000It
is worth the extra money. That cabin makes a difference on a 10-hour drive.

Your situation is different from everyone else’s. WhatsApp me your route and cargo,
I’ll tell you which truck earns you more money at your port.

📱 +86 15717687720

🌐https://www.hebeicar.com/used-tractor-trucks/

For a detailed video of the inventory vehicles, please visit:

（https://www.youtube.com/@Used-trucks-china）

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