If you are new to shipping cargo to and fro Nigeria, we believe determining even the approximate value of shipments here might be a tough call for you. However, simplifying the cost of sending a container to Nigeria from the UK apparently varies with certain variables like any other shipment cost.

The volume of your consignment, the type of commodity being shipped, the desired shipping services, and port-to-port distance all affect the final shipping cost.

Cost Of Shipping 20-Foot & 40-Foot Containers To Nigeria From The UK

To send a container to Nigeria from the UK, you may have to invest £4.80 per kg or more. The prices may exceed depending on the variables mentioned earlier. Furthermore, the basic rate starts from £1.80/kg, taking around 4 to 6 weeks for shipment.

If you need to ship a 40-foot container, the cost will be double that of shipping a 20-foot container.

Elements That Effect The Cost Of Sending Nigeria From the UK

Other diverse yet notable elements that might affect your shipment’s pricing include:

1) fuel prices

2) security taxes at Nigerian ports

3) agent/shipping company charges

4) fluctuating exchange rates

5) time of the year you intend to ship

6) difficulties in accessing specific locations within Nigeria.

7) the need for on-carriage from the terminal to the final destination (known as drayage)

Restrictions On Shipping A Container or Freight From London to Nigeria

There are no outright restrictions on shipping freight from London to Nigerian ports. However, various items require import permits and other documentation before being allowed into the country.

You should also ensure that your freight does not contain any restricted or prohibited items. You can find the restricted and prohibited items listed in the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) tariff schedule.

Some of the items that are restricted or prohibited from being imported into Nigeria include:

1) Arms and ammunition

2) Live animals

3) Hazardous chemicals

4) Radioactive materials

5) Counterfeit goods

6) Used vehicles

7) Illegal drugs

Restrictions and prohibitions are subject to change, so it’s always best to check with the Nigerian Customs Service before shipping any goods to Nigeria.

How long does it take for a container to reach Nigeria from London?

It usually takes 4 to 6 weeks for containers to get from London to Nigeria. This is because the UK is about 4,000 miles away from Nigeria, and containers must travel by ship. The time it takes for a container to get from London to Nigeria can be affected by factors such as weather conditions and the number of stops the ship has to make.

What is The Best Way To Send A Container?

There is no single best way to freight from London to Nigeria. The best way for this depend on your circumstances and needs. For instance, the type of goods you are shipping, the time frame you are working with, and your budget.

Ways to send cargo:

Sea freight

Air freight

Land transportation

Train shipment

Truckload, etc.

What is the best way for you?

It all depends on what you are shipping and when you need it to arrive. If you are shipping perishable goods, you will need to use air freight. If you are shipping non-perishable goods and time is not a factor, you can use sea freight. Furthermore, if you need your interests to arrive quickly, but time is not a factor, you can use land transportation.

The best way to send a container to Nigeria from the UK will also depend on your budget. Air freight is the most expensive option, followed by land transportation and then sea freight. If you are working with a tight budget, you may need to use sea freight.

Working with a reputed shipping company is essential regardless of your chosen method. A reputable shipping company will be able to help you navigate the complexities of sending cargo to Nigeria from the UK and ensure that your goods arrive safely and on time.

How to ship cargo to Nigeria From the UK?

If you want to ship cargo to Nigeria, you will need to find a shipping company that offers services to Nigeria. Many shipping companies assist Nigeria, so it is essential to compare prices and services before choosing one. Once you have chosen a freight company, you must fill out paperwork and pay the shipping fees. The shipping company will then take care of getting your cargo to Nigeria.

Factors To Consider When Shipping Containers/Cargo 

1) Shipping costs

The shipping cost to Nigeria can be affected by factors such as the type and size of the container, the distance it has to travel, and the time of year. It would help if you got quotes from different shipping companies to compare prices.

2) Customs

All shipments to Nigeria have to go through customs. You will need to have all the necessary documentation, and you may have to pay taxes and duties on your shipment. Therefore, it is wise to use a shipping company that has experience with shipping to Nigeria so that they can help you with the customs process.

3) Insurance

It is essential to ensure your shipment when shipping to Nigeria, as there is always a risk of damage or loss. Make sure to get a quote for insurance from your shipping company.

4) Time

As we mentioned, it can take 4-6 weeks for a container to get from London to Nigeria. So, if you need your shipment to arrive in Nigeria sooner, you can try using an airfreight service. However, this will be more expensive than shipping by sea.

5) Tracking

It is essential to track your shipment when it is in transit. Thus, most shipping companies will provide a tracking number to follow your shipment’s progress.

6) Documentation

You will need to have the following documents when shipping to Nigeria:

– Commercial invoice

– Packing list

– Bill of lading

– Certificate of origin

– Letter of credit (if applicable)

Your freight company should be able to help you with the preparation of these documents.

7) Restrictions

There are some restrictions on what can be shipped to Nigeria. You will not be able to ship items such as drugs, alcohol, tobacco, firearms, and food. Thus, you can check the Nigerian Customs website for a complete list of restrictions.

8) Packaging

It is essential to package your shipment correctly to ensure it arrives in Nigeria safely. Thus, you will need to use solid boxes or crates, and you may need to use padding or other materials to protect fragile items.

9) Labeling

It would help if you labelled all boxes or crates with your name, address, and contact information. You may need to label each box with the contents, so customs can quickly identify what is in each box.

10) Delivery

Once your shipment arrives in Nigeria, it’ll reach its final destination. This is usually done by truck or train. You may require to arrange for someone to receive your shipment and unpack it.

How To Prepare freight for shipment?

Properly preparing your freight for shipment is essential to ensure it arrives at its destination safely. So, here are some tips on how to do this:

1) Choose the proper packaging

2) Label all boxes and crates

3) Protect fragile items

4) Do not overpack boxes

5) Use strong tape to seal boxes

If you follow these tips, your freight will be well-protected during shipment.

Ending Note

Shipping freight from London to Nigeria can be a complicated process, but it is essential to do your research and select the best freight company. Therefore, following the tips in this blog, you can ensure that your shipment arrives safely and on time.

If you have any queries about shipping to Nigeria, share your queries below and resolve your problem together in no time.