Shipping a car from the United States to Ghana isn’t something most people do every day. It’s a big deal, and it can feel a little overwhelming if you’re new to the process. There’s paperwork, inspections, and a bunch of rules that don’t always make sense until you’re knee-deep in them. If you’ve been thinking about sending your car overseas—maybe you’re relocating, buying a vehicle from an auction, or just helping out family back home—then preparation matters. Done right, you save money, time, and a lot of stress. Done wrong? You’ll be stuck with delays, unexpected fees, or even worse, a car that gets held at the port because something wasn’t handled properly.
So, what exactly should you do to make sure your car is ready for the long journey? Let’s break it down.
Understand the Shipping Methods First
Before touching a single wrench, it’s worth knowing how the car is even getting across the Atlantic. You’ll generally have two main options: Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) and Container Shipping.
RoRo is pretty much what it sounds like—your car is driven onto a ship, parked, secured, and then driven off when it arrives in Ghana. It’s usually the cheaper option, and that’s why a lot of people go with it. The downside? Your car isn’t locked away in a private space. It’s on the same deck with hundreds of other vehicles. If your car has personal belongings inside, RoRo isn’t for you. They require the car to be empty of all items except a spare tire, jack, and basic tools.
Container shipping, on the other hand, gives your car its own space—or at least shares it with fewer vehicles. If you’re worried about security or have extra parts and items you want to send along, this might be the better route. Of course, it costs more. Sometimes almost double. That’s a trade-off you’ll need to consider.
Why bring this up first? Because the way you prepare the car can differ slightly depending on which method you choose.
Check the Paperwork—Twice
If there’s one thing that can delay your car at the port, it’s paperwork. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Ghana Revenue Authority both want very specific documents, and missing even one can stall the process for weeks.
Here’s what you’re going to need:
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Original Title: If there’s a lien on the vehicle, you’ll need a notarized letter from the lienholder allowing export.
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Bill of Sale: Especially if you just bought the car at an auction or from a dealer.
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Photo ID and Proof of Ownership: Usually your passport and maybe your U.S. driver’s license.
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Shipping Company’s Instructions: Each company may require additional forms, like a dock receipt or power of attorney.
Now, some people assume scanned copies are enough. They’re not. U.S. Customs typically requires originals. Losing your title is a nightmare scenario here because getting a duplicate can take weeks, and shipping companies won’t budge without it.
A quick tip: make multiple copies of everything. Keep a digital folder, too. It may sound paranoid, but if you’ve ever dealt with shipping agents on both sides, you know how easily documents can “go missing.”
Inspect and Document the Car’s Condition
Before your car leaves U.S. soil, take a hard look at its current condition. And I don’t just mean a quick glance in the driveway. Walk around the vehicle, take photos of every angle—front, back, sides, under the bumper if possible. Why? Because shipping companies have insurance, but claims can get messy without proof. If a dent shows up after arrival and you don’t have before-and-after photos, good luck convincing anyone it wasn’t already there.
While you’re at it, write down the mileage. Some carriers check it before loading, and it’s just good practice. If you’re using RoRo, remember that someone will have to drive your car onto and off the ship. That usually means a few extra miles on the odometer.
Empty the Car (Seriously)
This one catches people off guard. Many think they can stash boxes of clothes, electronics, or spare parts in the trunk to “save shipping costs.” Most carriers have a strict no personal items policy for RoRo shipments. Customs doesn’t want to deal with undeclared goods, and shipping lines don’t want liability for theft or damage. Even if you manage to sneak stuff in, you’re risking delays at the port or outright rejection.
Container shipping is more flexible. You can usually include personal items, but check with your carrier first. They may have weight limits or specific packing requirements. Whatever you do, secure everything tightly. The ocean isn’t gentle, and a loose toolbox can do serious damage inside a container.
Give It a Good Cleaning
Here’s a detail that surprises a lot of first-time shippers: U.S. Customs and even some destination countries don’t like dirt. Literally. If your car has clumps of mud or plant debris, it could be flagged for agricultural inspection. In extreme cases, they’ll make you pay for a cleaning service at the port—at their rates, not yours. A thorough wash before delivery isn’t just cosmetic; it saves you money and headaches.
While you’re cleaning, check for leaks. Shipping lines won’t load cars that are dripping oil or coolant. A tiny leak might seem harmless, but on a ship with hundreds of vehicles, it’s a hazard.
Handle Maintenance Before Shipping
This isn’t the time for a major overhaul, but a few basic checks can go a long way:
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Battery: Make sure it’s charged and securely fastened.
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Tires: Inflate them properly. Flat tires make loading a nightmare.
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Brakes: They should work well enough for safe handling on the ramp.
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Fluids: Top off essentials, but don’t fill the tank. Most carriers require no more than a quarter tank of gas for safety reasons.
If your car doesn’t run, tell the shipping company upfront. Non-running vehicles often require special equipment for loading, and that means extra fees. Trying to hide it won’t end well.
Remove Accessories and Loose Items
Think roof racks, custom spoilers, or anything that sticks out. These parts can break during loading or while at sea, and guess who pays for repairs? You. If you have a fancy stereo system or GPS unit, consider taking those out too. While most shipping companies are honest, ports can be chaotic, and temptation exists.
Understand the Costs and Hidden Fees
The cost of shipping isn’t just the base rate. There are port charges, customs duties, and possibly inspection fees when the car arrives in Ghana. Some shipping companies advertise a low rate upfront, but then you find out about “handling” or “documentation” fees later.
Ask for an itemized quote. If they hesitate, that’s a red flag. Also, factor in Ghana’s import duties and taxes, which can be steep depending on the car’s age and engine size. People often underestimate these charges, and it’s why some vehicles sit at Tema Port for months. In some cases, storage fees pile up until the owner gives up and sells the car at auction.
Insurance—Don’t Skip It
Marine insurance sounds optional, but skipping it is like driving without coverage in a hurricane. Yes, shipping lines carry liability, but it’s usually minimal. If the ship encounters bad weather or a fire breaks out (rare, but it happens), you want protection that covers your car’s actual value.
Plan for Pickup in Ghana
Once the car lands in Tema or Takoradi, the process isn’t over. Clearing customs can take days, sometimes weeks, depending on paperwork, inspections, and—you guessed it—fees. You’ll either need to hire a clearing agent or handle it yourself if you know the ropes. Most people opt for an agent. They’re not cheap, but they know how to navigate the system without unnecessary delays.
Also, make sure you have the right contacts on the ground. Some people think they can just show up at the port and drive off with the car. It doesn’t work like that. Expect to pay for port handling, offloading, and sometimes even a mandatory inspection before release.
A Few Final Thoughts
Shipping a car from the U.S. to Ghana isn’t complicated once you understand the process, but it’s full of small details that can trip you up. Think of it as a chain of steps—miss one link, and everything slows down. Do the prep work: gather documents, clean the car, check for leaks, and budget for more than just the shipping fee.
If I had to sum it up in one piece of advice, it would be this: don’t rush the paperwork. Cars don’t get stuck on ships—they get stuck in ports because someone forgot a signature or assumed a photocopy was good enough. And trust me, paying storage fees at Tema because of a missing form will make you wish you double-checked everything.
That’s pretty much it. Get these steps right, and your car’s journey across the Atlantic should be smooth—or at least as smooth as ocean shipping ever gets.