It is extremely critical you know the shipping company you are using is genuine, established and are really who they say they are. We list down elements below which you should consider when choosing who you want to ship your car with:-

1. How long has the company been in business for?
It is very easy to find this information – going to the companies house website and searching for the companies name will give you when the company was registered. https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/

2. Is the company operating from an office or from home?
Go to Google Maps > Street View and type in their post code. This will allow you to see whether where the agent claims they are operating from is true or false.

3. Is the company registered with any trade associations?
Often for freight forwarders being registered with BIFA is very important, as BIFA vet and ensure that their members are upstanding companies. You can visit the BIFA website to ensure that the agent who cliam they are registered, really are. Visit: https://www.bifa.org/members

Below are the various shipping methods that can be used:-

1. RoRo Shipping

RoRo ships are purpose built car carries, they are like a floating underground car park. Vehicles are driven on to the ship at the loading port, and secured onto the floor of the ships. On reaching destination, they are driven off the ship.

Transit times currently to Mombasa and Dar Es Salaam are between 28-30 days, and 35 or more days for vessels which tranship cargo at other ports.

By transhipping, we mean the cargo is offloaded and then loaded onto another vessel.

Often a cost effective shipping method which is fairly secure. Click here to see a RoRo ship.

2. Container Shipping

You can have a dedicated container or a shared container depending on what the company you are using offers. Dedicated containers are sole use however more expensive while shared containers allow you to save money as you are sharing the space.

Transit times currently to Mombasa and Dar Es Salaam are between 25 – 30 days.

A very secure method of shipment, ensure the company loads and lashes the car very well. Click here to see vehicles in containers.

3. Air Freight

An extremely quick method of shipment, depending on space availability – vehicles would arrive within a day or two. Extremely expensive however the way to go for time sensitive shipments.

Vehicles are safe, however loading and offloading must be done correctly.

The most important part is getting the documents right. Incorrect documentation can have serious problems and possible problems with clearing your vehicle which in turn may lead to huge demurrages at destination.

When shipping your car to Kenya or Dar Es Salaam – get in touch with us to guide you on the documentation procedures.

Do not ship your car without knowing the tax implication at destination. We have had a lot of horror stories of individuals who have had to abandon their cars due to not having enough money to pay the taxes.

Identify clearing agents who can give you a breakdown of the taxes payable, for Kenya we are able to give you a breakdown of expected taxes payable.

This is an extremely critical point.

Unfortunately the clearing agents at destination either make or break your shipment experience. Hence, look for licensed clearing agents who are able to provide you with evidence that they are authorised to clear imports at destination and hold a valid clearing license.

On clearing agents, it is better to work with referrals as opposed to finding an agent over the internet due to the sensitivity of the work.

As a basis, ask the clearing agent the following:-

1. Their charges
2. What third party charges will look like – allowing you to know the total cost of clearance
3. An estimate of how long they will take to clear the vehicle
4. What documents they will require and when they would be required
5. How taxes will be paid – never pay the clearing agent the tax. Pay directly via Bankers Cheque or RTGS for Kenya.

This will form a basis for your engagement with the clearing agent.