Nigeria
Container Shipping from Nigeria to USA

We have lots of experience shipping containers to Nigeria from the USA, more than 25 years to be exact. We use a reliable method of shipment and we have several shipping lines that depart from all major ports in the United States. Many people ship products and goods ranging from Consumer Goods to Capital Goods, and everything in between, such as Foods Feeds & Beverages, Industrial Supplies & Materials, and Automotive Vehicles (Cars, Parts, and Engines).
Here is the way it works:
First, rest assured that we will prepare the appropriate documents to meet export compliance standards, with a goal of handling all your container shipping needs from start to finish. This way, you can take more time to concentrate on building and expanding your business. We take pride in being able to offer our prospective customers with not only relevant information on container shipping to Nigeria, but also detailed price quotes, tracking information, and streamlined shipping operations.
So where do YOU come in? We need to know a few things about your shipment through the quote form: the location of the goods, what you are shipping, the final destination, and the size of the container. This allows us to better assess how much it will cost your company to ship a container to Nigeria. The first thing we do is check for available funds on your credit card (we do not charge it until later), then upon authorization when you place an order, we send out our truck driver to pick up the goods at your specified location with an empty container. The truck driver will wait while the goods are loaded and the container is sealed up, at which time the driver will take the container to the departure port where it will begin its journey to Nigeria. You are responsible for mailing the original notarized Bill of Sale to us so it can be cleared for Customs. Give a copy of this to the truck driver as well as a dock receipt (we will provide it to you). After that is done, payment can be made by credit card, check, or bank transfer to conclude the transaction.

Information For USA Based Companies -
Planning to ship a container to Nigeria? There is one main thing that must be taken care of first, and that is checking to see if a license is required to export certain types of commodities/goods. If you are confused as to whether or not you need one, we can advise you on that once we look over the quote you submitted. Keep in mind, as the exporter, you don’t have to pay import duties in Nigeria; rather those are paid by the importer (receiver) once the product is unloaded at the port.
The United States Department of Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the agency responsible for enforcing laws and regulations for all goods leaving the United States, often delegates their authority onto other government agencies for certain commodities or goods. In these events, commodity licensing requirements should be directed to that agency. An example of this would be a pharmaceutical company in the US that is shipping a container to Nigeria would require a license to export prescription drugs.
Basic commodities/products which may require export licenses, in addition to agency information and phone numbers, are available at U.S. Department of Commerce. Depending on what you are shipping, you can also find contact information for your product at the Bureau of Industry and Security; Department of State; Directorate of Defense Trade Controls; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Drug Enforcement Administration; Nuclear Regulatory Commission; Office of Foreign Assets Control; or the Bureau of the Census websites. These should all offer information from various government agencies that possess export control responsibilities. To brush up on your knowledge of international trade importing/exporting containers, click here: US Customs & Border Protection - Basic Importing and Exporting.
If you are in the US and are trying to go the extra mile for your customer in regards to what they are going to approximately pay in import duties, then contact the Nigerian Embassy in Washington D.C.
The cost of shipping a container to Nigeria depends on many variables, so be sure to fill out the quote form fully. By clicking the green “Get Rates” button, we can also tell you if your particular shipment requires a license for export.
Information for Nigeria Based Companies -
Are you a Nigerian based business looking to import a container from USA? If so, a license may be necessary when importing controlled goods. To find out if your shipment will require a license/permit and what your import duties will be, contact the Nigerian Customs Department. Without the appropriate licenses, a company may have their product confiscated by Nigerian Customs. When receiving goods in Nigeria, make sure you (the receiver) are well-prepared with the local import duties and/or permits, so as to avoid any possible barriers to entry. Generally, import duty is paid by the receiver at pickup in Nigeria, rather than the US based company. Ship Overseas, Inc will ship your container to Nigeria, but we do not provide import duty costs. Call the Nigerian Customs Department to find your Import Duties!
Shipping Container Measurements - 20ft, 40ft, 40ft HC
Check our container dimensions here and be sure to include your desired size when filling out the quote form. This helps us better formulate your shipping costs. We normally ship three sizes for your convenience: 20ft, 40ft, and 40ft HC (High Container) containers. You’ll can notice the height difference between a 40ft container and a 40ft HC in the right-hand photo. Most of our customers choose the 20ft container and the 40ft HC.
Marine Insurance - Protecting Your ProductProtecting your product is important when shipping your goods to Nigeria. Damage and loss can occur, although it is unlikely, so if you have the forethought to get the optional marine insurance, you’ll thank yourself later should something happen. Marine insurance can be beneficial, as, according to COGSA (Carriage of Goods by Sea Act) legally the person or company on the Bill of Lading is entitled to $500 in the event damage or loss takes place. To put this into perspective, if you are shipping something valued at $100,000 (USD), you would only get a $500 entitlement if the product gets damaged in transport. What you will pay for this insurance will vary, as cost is dependent on product value. We strongly recommended getting the marine insurance to protect your assets. Another note: since the ship tends to rock at sea, your valuables could suffer breakage if not packaged in the right way. Ensure the safe transport of your products by wrapping and securing them properly.
Marine Insurance: A little forethought now can save you a lot of hassle in the future!
This is where the container will be shipped. Before arriving, the receiver should be prepared to pay import duties and destination fees (also known as offloading fees). Destination fees are charged by the ship yard. Extra money should be brought just in case. All the paperwork will be organized for the Nigerian shipping agent; therefore, Nigerian Customs clearance should be fast. Be patient if they are taking long. The Nigerian Customs Department has to inspect all containers and must review all paperwork for everybody. They are there to help you, so while you are there, make a new friend especially if you are going to continue your container shipping to Nigeria.
| Arrival Port for Container |
| Apapa, Lagos, Nigeria |
Obviously we will need our container back so the receiver will need to transfer the product to a truck. A local shipping company in Nigeria can easily transport your goods. Alternatively, you can call Nigerian Customs beforehand and they should be able to tell the receiver what local shipping companies normally handle pickups.
Don't worry, once an order is placed, Ship Overseas, Inc will take the initiative to make the whole process easy. We have literally shipped containers to Nigeria THOUSANDS of times. If you have any questions, contact us via email at the bottom of this page.
Why choose us over the competition?
We have a solid track record and are an Accredited Company registered with the Better Business Bureau. Click the BBB image to the left to validate our A+ Accreditation. When shipping a container to Nigeria, both the sender and receiver should only work with a BBB Accredited business.
We are registered with the FMC (Federal Maritime Commission). Click the image to the left and Select "Organization Name" and type in "Ship Overseas". Here is proof of our FMC Certification (also known as a NVOCC License). Never use an international car shipping company who cannot prove they are certified with the Federal Government.
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If you have any questions regarding shipping a container to Nigeria, please feel free to ask below.


