If you’ve ever thought about shipping a car from New York to Ghana, you’re not alone. Thousands of vehicles make that journey each year, often heading to Tema or Takoradi ports, which are Ghana’s busiest entry points. On paper, the process might seem straightforward—book a ship, load the car, wait a few weeks, and it arrives. But in reality, the picture is a little more complicated. Costs vary, shipping timelines aren’t always as predictable as we’d like, and hidden fees can catch you off guard. That’s why anyone preparing for this type of shipment needs to understand not just the average cost, but also what factors push those costs up or down, and how long the car will realistically take to get there.
Why New York Is a Common Starting Point
New York is one of the top gateways for shipping cars to West Africa, largely because of its massive port infrastructure and frequent sailings to Ghana. For someone living anywhere along the East Coast—or even in neighboring states like New Jersey, Connecticut, or Pennsylvania—it’s usually the most practical option. Cars can be dropped off at the port in Newark or Brooklyn, depending on the shipping line, and from there they’re loaded onto vessels heading to West Africa.
But New York’s popularity isn’t just about convenience. High competition among shipping companies based in the area often translates into better rates compared to inland states where vehicles must be trucked to port first. For example, someone in Ohio or Michigan will need to budget for ground transportation to New York before their car even sees the ocean. That alone can add $500 to $1,000 to the total bill.
The Two Main Shipping Methods: RORO vs. Container
When you start researching, you’ll quickly notice two primary ways to send a car from New York to Ghana: Roll-on/Roll-off (RORO) or container shipping. Each has advantages, and neither is perfect.
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RORO (Roll-on/Roll-off): The car is simply driven onto the ship, parked in a designated spot, and then rolled off at the destination. It’s straightforward, usually the cheapest, and works best for operable vehicles. But here’s the catch: you can’t ship personal belongings inside the car, and there’s minimal protection against exposure during the voyage.
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Container Shipping: Here, the car is placed inside a sealed container. That container might hold just your vehicle (a single-car container), or it may be shared with others (a consolidated container). The upside is security—you can ship personal goods alongside the car, and the vehicle is shielded from weather or potential scratches on board. The downside? It costs more.
Some people hesitate between the two, and understandably so. If you’re shipping a brand-new SUV, paying extra for a container feels like a safer bet. On the other hand, if you’re sending a used sedan that’s already got a few dents, RORO might be the practical choice.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car to Ghana from New York?
This is the question most people want answered first, and unfortunately, the answer isn’t a neat flat fee. Costs usually fall within a $1,200 to $2,500 range for standard RORO shipments, but the total could be higher depending on circumstances.
Several factors push that number up or down:
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Vehicle Size and Weight: Larger vehicles like SUVs, pickup trucks, or vans pay more than compact cars. A Toyota Corolla might cost $1,300 on RORO, while a Toyota Highlander could be closer to $1,800.
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Method of Shipping: Containers often add $500 to $1,000 more than RORO. A 20-foot dedicated container might cost upwards of $2,500, while sharing a 40-foot container with others can reduce costs.
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Seasonality: Shipping rates are surprisingly seasonal. During peak times (say, before Christmas when many exporters want cars in Ghana), demand drives prices up. Off-peak months can be cheaper.
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Extra Services: Not every car can be driven to port. If the car isn’t roadworthy, you’ll pay for towing or forklift services at both ends. And if you need inland transport from somewhere far from New York, those costs stack up quickly.
An example: imagine someone living in Baltimore with a 2015 Ford Explorer. If they drop it off directly in New York and choose RORO, they might pay about $1,600 to $1,700 all in. Now, take the same vehicle in Chicago—the owner will first have to pay $800 or so for trucking it to port, pushing the total closer to $2,500.
Shipping Timelines: How Long Will It Really Take?
On paper, most shipping companies will tell you that the journey from New York to Tema Port in Ghana takes about 2–4 weeks at sea. That’s technically accurate, but there’s more to the timeline than just sailing days.
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Port Processing in New York: Before your car even boards the vessel, it has to be cleared, inspected, and scheduled for loading. That alone may take several days, sometimes longer if paperwork isn’t in order.
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Transit Time: The actual voyage across the Atlantic, with potential stops at other West African ports like Lagos or Abidjan, typically runs about 18 to 25 days.
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Port Congestion in Ghana: Here’s the wild card. If Tema Port is congested, which happens more often than shipping lines admit, cars may sit for a week or two before customs clearance.
So, in reality, while brochures might suggest “3 weeks,” most shippers will quietly admit you should plan for 4–6 weeks from drop-off in New York to pickup in Ghana. And if there’s a strike at the port or customs delays? Add another week.
Hidden Costs That Catch People Off Guard
Many first-time shippers make the mistake of budgeting only for the U.S. side of the shipment. But Ghana has its own set of fees, and they aren’t always predictable.
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Customs Duties and Taxes: Ghanaian import duties depend on the vehicle’s age, engine size, and type. A car that’s more than 10 years old will face higher duties, and electric vehicles currently enjoy some tax breaks.
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Clearing Agent Fees: Unless you’re familiar with Tema or Takoradi port procedures, you’ll need to hire a clearing agent. Their fees vary, but $400 to $600 is not unusual.
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Storage Fees: If your car isn’t picked up quickly once it arrives, the port charges daily storage fees. These can stack up painfully if paperwork delays you.
I’ve heard stories of people budgeting $1,500 for shipping, only to realize after taxes and clearing, the final cost was closer to $4,000. That’s why it’s important to treat the shipping quote as just one part of the total expense.
Tips for Smoother Shipping
Based on how unpredictable shipping can sometimes be, a few small steps may save you a lot of stress:
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Start Early: Don’t wait until the last minute, especially if you need the car in Ghana by a certain date.
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Double-Check Paperwork: Missing a single document—like the original title—can derail the entire process.
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Get Multiple Quotes: Prices can vary more than you’d expect between shipping lines and freight forwarders.
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Use a Trusted Clearing Agent in Ghana: Having someone reliable on the ground in Tema can make or break your experience.
Is It Worth It?
Some people debate whether shipping a car from New York to Ghana is worth the hassle. On one hand, buying a car directly in Ghana avoids shipping altogether, though local prices tend to be much higher than in the U.S. A used Toyota Camry that sells for $7,000 in New York might fetch $14,000 in Accra. That price difference is the reason so many people still choose to ship.
But it’s not always a win. If the car is old, heavily taxed on arrival, or if shipping delays run long, the savings may shrink. This is where it helps to do the math carefully, comparing the landed cost (purchase + shipping + duties) against Ghana’s local market prices.
Final Thoughts
Shipping a car from New York to Ghana isn’t as straightforward as some shipping companies advertise. Yes, it can be relatively affordable compared to buying locally, but the costs go beyond the shipping quote, and the timeline can stretch longer than expected. If you plan ahead, budget realistically, and work with trustworthy partners both in the U.S. and Ghana, the process becomes much less stressful.
For many people, the savings and control over the car they’re sending make it worthwhile. But going in with realistic expectations—that it may take 4–6 weeks, that clearing fees can sting, and that a “cheap” quote often hides extras—will help avoid nasty surprises.