Shipping a car from the United States to Ghana sounds straightforward, but the costs involved can surprise many first-time shippers. At first glance, you might think the price simply depends on the size of the car and the distance between ports. While those factors matter, the reality is a little more layered. Multiple hidden charges, taxes, and even seasonal price fluctuations can change what you end up paying.
If you’ve been researching this topic, you’ve probably come across wildly different estimates. One website says $1,200, another quotes $3,500. Which is right? The truth is, they both might be—depending on how the shipment is handled and what extras sneak into the bill. Let’s break down what goes into the total cost so you have a clearer idea before committing.
1. The Base Shipping Method: RoRo vs. Container
The first—and often biggest—decision is whether to use Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) or container shipping. Each option has its own cost implications, and the choice isn’t always as obvious as it seems.
RoRo is the budget-friendly option most people consider. Essentially, you drive the car onto a specialized vessel, and it’s secured for the journey. When the ship arrives in Ghana, the car is driven off. Simple, right? Well, that simplicity is why it’s cheaper. You’re looking at rates starting around $1,200 to $1,800 for a sedan from a major U.S. port like Newark or Baltimore to Tema. But here’s the catch: your car will be exposed to the elements, and you can’t ship personal belongings inside it. If you were planning to pack extra tires, tools, or even household goods, that’s not allowed with RoRo.
Container shipping is more expensive, but it comes with perks. Your vehicle is sealed in a 20-foot or 40-foot container, which means added security and the option to include other items. Prices usually start around $2,500 and can go past $3,500 depending on whether you share a container or book a full one. The flexibility can justify the cost, especially if you’re moving more than one car or sending household goods.
Still, there’s a nuance that often gets missed. Some shippers try to save money by sharing a container with other customers, but delays can occur because the container won’t move until it’s full. That means your car might sit at the port for weeks. Is saving $500 worth that risk? For some people, yes. For others, the delay is a deal breaker.
2. Distance and Port Choice
Shipping a car from New York to Tema is not the same as shipping from Houston or Los Angeles. East Coast ports are closer to West Africa, so they’re usually cheaper and faster. From Newark or Baltimore, you might pay $1,200 to $1,500 for RoRo. From the West Coast, the cost could jump to $2,000 or more because the ship has to cross the Panama Canal and cover extra mileage.
If you live in a state far from a major port, don’t forget inland transport fees. For example, if your car is in Chicago, it needs to be trucked to Baltimore or another East Coast port. Depending on the distance and whether the carrier uses an open or enclosed trailer, this can cost an extra $500 to $1,200. Sometimes this surprises people because they only budget for the ocean freight, not the domestic leg.
3. Vehicle Size and Weight
A compact sedan weighs less and takes up less space than a full-size SUV or a heavy-duty pickup. Shipping companies price accordingly. A Toyota Corolla might fall into the base RoRo range of $1,200 to $1,500, while a Ford F-150 could cost $1,800 to $2,200—or even more if the vehicle has oversized tires or aftermarket modifications. The reason? Oversized or modified vehicles often require extra handling and space on the vessel.
This is one of those areas where being honest about your vehicle’s dimensions matters. If you underreport the size and the shipping company shows up to find a lifted truck with roof racks, they’ll charge extra—and often at a premium because they have to rearrange loading plans.
4. Insurance: Worth the Extra?
Basic marine insurance is typically included, but it often covers very little—sometimes just total loss, not damage. Most people pay for additional coverage, which usually costs 1.5% to 2.5% of the vehicle’s value. So if you’re shipping a $15,000 SUV, expect to add $225 to $375 for peace of mind.
Some shippers skip insurance to save money, but that’s risky. While ocean transport is generally safe, damage can occur during loading or unloading. Also, think about the port environment in both the U.S. and Ghana. Cars can sit for days, sometimes weeks, waiting for clearance. Theft is rare but not impossible. For many, paying a little extra for comprehensive coverage feels like a smart move.
5. Customs Duties and Ghana-Specific Charges
Here’s where a lot of people underestimate costs: the charges on the Ghana side. Ghana imposes import duties, VAT, and other taxes based on the CIF value (Cost, Insurance, Freight). That means the declared value of your car plus the shipping cost plus insurance. It’s not just the car price.
For instance, a car worth $10,000 with a $1,500 shipping cost and $200 insurance will be taxed on $11,700, not $10,000. The duty rates vary by vehicle type and engine size, but expect anywhere from 5% to 35%, plus processing fees. That can easily add thousands to your total. This is why some people get sticker shock after their car arrives—they didn’t account for these charges.
Also, Ghana introduced a ban on cars older than 10 years for commercial import, and penalties apply if you bring in something older. Those penalties can run into several thousand cedis. If your vehicle is 12 years old, the math might not work in your favor.
6. Documentation and Administrative Fees
Car shipping isn’t just about moving a vehicle; it’s also about paperwork. The Bill of Lading, export declaration, and clearing documents all come with fees. U.S. exporters typically charge $100 to $300 for documentation. In Ghana, clearing agents also add service charges for handling customs, which can range from $150 to $500 depending on the complexity of the process.
Here’s a small but real-world example: a friend shipped a car to Tema and thought he had budgeted well. He forgot about port storage fees, which kick in if you don’t clear your car within a certain number of days. By the time his clearing agent finished the paperwork, he owed an extra $150 in storage charges. Not massive, but enough to sting when you weren’t expecting it.
7. Seasonality and Market Fluctuations
Shipping costs can spike during peak seasons, usually before the end of the year when demand for imports goes up. People want their cars in Ghana before the holidays, and shipping lines respond to demand by raising rates. If you book in November, don’t be surprised if the quote is $300 higher than it was in July. Conversely, off-peak months like February or March can be more budget-friendly.
Fuel prices and currency fluctuations also play a role. If oil prices rise, expect bunker surcharges. If the U.S. dollar strengthens against the Ghanaian cedi, your local clearing costs might feel heavier than you anticipated.
8. Hidden or Overlooked Extras
There are always those little costs nobody talks about until you’re knee-deep in the process. Some shipping companies charge for loading non-running vehicles. If your car doesn’t start, add $150 to $250 for forklift handling. Want tracking updates? Some providers charge a small fee for access to their tracking system. Even something as minor as cleaning the car for agricultural inspection in the U.S. can add $50 to $100 to your invoice.
So, How Much Should You Budget?
When you tally everything—ocean freight, inland transport, insurance, customs duties, agent fees, and the odd extra—you’re rarely under $3,000 by the time the car is cleared in Ghana. For higher-value cars or longer domestic hauls, $4,000 or even $5,000 isn’t unusual.
Does that mean shipping is a bad idea? Not necessarily. For certain vehicles, especially those hard to find in Ghana, importing still makes sense. But going in with a realistic budget—and an understanding of where the money goes—can save a lot of stress later.
Final Thoughts
Breaking down shipping costs isn’t about scaring people away; it’s about removing surprises. Many of us have heard stories of someone who “got a car to Ghana for just $1,200.” Usually, that number refers only to the base ocean freight, not the full picture. When you include everything, the cost makes more sense.
If you’re planning to ship, ask for detailed quotes. Compare RoRo and container options. Factor in Ghanaian customs charges, and always leave a little room for the unexpected. It’s not the cheapest process in the world, but if you plan well, it doesn’t have to turn into a financial nightmare either.