Why go through China Trucks Africa rather than buying alone in China

Today, anyone can find a Chinese truck online and contact a seller directly. So why go through an intermediary? Let's be honest: buying alone in China is possible, and some experienced buyers do it very well. But it takes time, precautions and a good dose of vigilance. Here is what a direct purchase involves, and what we do for you.

Buying alone in China: the real risks

The fake supplier

Specialists in trade with China all describe the same warning signs: a price clearly below the market, a seller who pushes for payment, who refuses to provide a business licence, whose photos are copied from elsewhere, or who asks at the last minute to pay into a different bank account. From a distance, without knowing the language or the ground, these traps are hard to spot.

The truck that does not match

Even with a genuine supplier, the delivered truck may differ from what was planned: a different engine, a different gearbox, a different body volume, missing options. Without an inspection before shipment, you find out at the port of arrival, when it is too late to argue.

Logistics and customs

You then have to organise transport to the Chinese port, book sea freight, insure the truck, gather the shipping documents, then prepare customs clearance on arrival. One mistake in the documents, and the truck stays stuck at the port while charges pile up.

Transport risk

Under the International Chamber of Commerce's Incoterms 2020, whether you buy FOB or CIF, the risk passes to you as soon as the truck is loaded on board in China. So you need to know how the transport is insured, and for what amount.

What ChinaTrucksAfrica does for you

A team in China that negotiates with the factories

Our team based in China contacts the partner factories of the brands in our catalogue directly: Sinotruk, Shacman, FAW, Dongfeng, JAC and Foton. It obtains the factory price and checks the availability of the requested configuration. You do not have to search, compare and negotiate in a foreign language.

A clear quote within 48 business hours

You receive a detailed quote that separates the price of the truck leaving China, sea freight and insurance to your port. You know exactly what you are paying.

An inspection before loading

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 engine, gearbox, mileage and bodywork. You approve the report; loading is only authorised with your agreement.

Logistics to your port

We organise sea transport to the main West African ports and work with partner freight forwarders in Lomé, Cotonou, Abidjan and Dakar. You can handle customs yourself or entrust it to us.

A contact close to you

Our sales office is in Lomé. You can reach us by phone, by email or on WhatsApp, Monday to Saturday. You speak French with a team that knows the realities of the region.

Parts after the purchase

Our support does not stop at delivery: we can supply genuine spare parts (engines, clutches, gearboxes…) for all the brands in our catalogue.

And if you prefer to buy alone?

That is your right, and here are the minimum precautions to take:

• check that the name on the seller's business licence exactly matches the bank account holder;
• do not pay 100% upfront: a reasonable deposit, then the balance after inspection;
• have the truck inspected before loading by a trusted person or an independent body;
• confirm any change of bank details by calling a number you have already verified;
• put the specifications, lead times and Incoterm in writing in a contract;
• have the project validated by your freight forwarder before paying.

In summary

Going through ChinaTrucksAfrica means entrusting the search, negotiation, inspection and logistics to a team present in China and West Africa, with a single contact from quote to delivery. We work from a single vehicle. Discover our process in detail or request your quote.