Shipping a container to West Africa is generally a smooth process, but there is one potential hurdle every shipper needs to be aware of: US Customs Inspections.
At Package Direct, we believe in 100% transparency. We want you to know exactly what can happen during the shipping journey so you are never caught off guard.
Here is what you need to know about customs inspections, why they happen, and what they mean for your wallet.
Why Do Inspections Happen?
You might be wondering, “My car isn’t stolen, so why would my container get stopped?”
Unfortunately, the West Africa region has been tagged by US authorities as a high-risk destination for stolen vehicles. Because of this, US Customs periodically flags containers bound for Ghana and neighboring countries for random, intensive inspections.
They do this to verify that the cars inside the container match the paperwork and are not reported stolen.
The Cost of a “Hold”
If US Customs decides to hold a container for inspection, it doesn’t just cause a delay—it comes with a bill.
These exams are rigorous, and the costs can be significant.
The Fees: Charges for these inspections often start at $3,000 and can go up depending on how many days the container is held.
Who Pays: If your vehicle is in a container that gets held, this extra cost is typically shared among all the cars in that container.
How to Handle It
We know nobody likes unexpected fees. However, being aware of this possibility is the best defense.
This is why we always advise our clients to:
Know the Risks: Understand that while these inspections are rare, they are a government mandate and out of the shipping company’s control.
Stay Informed: It is crucial to have your Container Number. This allows you to track exactly where your container is. If you see a “Customs Hold” status, you will know immediately what is happening.
The Package Direct Approach
At Package Direct, we believe you deserve the full picture before you spend a dime. While we can’t control US Customs, we can control how we treat you.
We promise to handle your paperwork with expert precision to minimize risks, and if a random inspection does happen, we will give you the facts immediately, not the runaround.
Don’t settle for a shipper who keeps you in the dark. Ship with a partner who respects your wallet and your trust.