How an order works, from China to your door

Ordering a truck from China when you are in Lomé, Cotonou or Abidjan can seem complicated: a factory thousands of kilometres away, a sea voyage, customs. In reality, an order always follows the same steps. Here is how it works at ChinaTrucksAfrica, and how much time to allow.

Step 1: you describe your needs

It all starts with a message, on WhatsApp or through our quote form. The more precise your request, the faster and more accurate the answer:

• the type of truck (tipper, tractor, tanker, rigid…);
• the desired load or volume;
• your preferred brand, if you have one (Sinotruk, Shacman, FAW, Dongfeng, JAC, Foton);
• the quantity;
• the port of delivery.

You can also start from a specific model in our catalogue. We work from a single vehicle.

Step 2: we negotiate with the factory and send you a quote

Our team in China contacts partner factories directly to obtain the real price of the truck. Within 48 business hours you receive a quote that shows separately:

• the price of the truck leaving China (FOB price, at the port of Shanghai or Tianjin);
• the estimated sea freight;
• insurance.

The total corresponds to a CIF price: cost, insurance and freight to your port of destination. Customs duties and VAT in your country are not included; they vary from country to country and remain your responsibility.

Step 3: production or preparation at the factory

Once the quote is approved, the truck is produced or prepared at the factory. Generally allow 2 to 4 weeks for this step, depending on the model and availability.

Step 4: inspection before loading

This is the step that protects your purchase. Before shipment, we physically inspect the truck at the factory:

• high-definition photos of all sides;
• a video of the start-up;
• verification of the specifications: engine, gearbox, mileage, bodywork.

You receive this report and you are the one who approves it. We only authorise loading once you have agreed.

Step 5: sea transport

The truck is then loaded onto a ship bound for your port. Sea transit to West African ports generally takes 20 to 30 days.

Good to know: under the International Chamber of Commerce's Incoterms 2020 rules, for both CIF and FOB sales, the risk is transferred to the buyer as soon as the goods are loaded on board the ship. This is why transport insurance matters, and why you can ask for broader cover than the minimum provided for under CIF.

Step 6: arrival at the port and customs clearance

On arrival, the truck must be cleared through customs before it can leave the port. We work with partner freight forwarders in the main West African ports: Lomé, Cotonou, Abidjan and Dakar. You have two options:

• handle customs yourself with your own freight forwarder;
• entrust the whole procedure to our network.

In Togo, foreign trade formalities go through the SEGUCE single window at the port of Lomé, which is connected to the customs system. Your freight forwarder handles the declarations; you pay the corresponding duties and taxes.

Step 7: handover of the truck

Once cleared, the truck is handed over to you ready to use. The registration formalities in your country then remain. In the WAEMU, regulation no. 14/2005 provides that an imported heavy vehicle must pass a technical approval before being registered.

How long in total?

Allow 6 to 10 weeks between order confirmation and arrival at the port: 2 to 4 weeks at the factory, then 20 to 30 days at sea. You then need to add the time for customs clearance, which depends on the port and on how well the documents are prepared.

For details of each step and frequently asked questions, see our How it works page, or request your quote directly.