Review of the Best Shipping Companies for USA to Nigeria Routes

When I shipped my first car from Houston to Lagos a few years ago, I had no idea what I was getting into. I thought it was going to be like ordering something on Amazon—click, pay, and wait for delivery. Instead, I found myself buried in paperwork, debating between RoRo and container shipping, and spending hours researching companies I had never heard of before. Some promised unbeatable prices, others boasted “five-star customer service,” and a few seemed too good to be true (and probably were).

That experience pushed me to do what many first-time shippers fail to do: compare companies carefully. If you’re planning to ship a car, truck, or even personal goods from the United States to Nigeria, the shipping company you choose is going to make or break the process. In this article, I’ll walk you through some of the best companies on the USA–Nigeria route, share what they do well, where they may fall short, and offer some hard-earned advice to keep your shipping experience smoother than mine was.

What to Look For in a Shipping Company

Before diving into the list, it’s worth slowing down to ask: what really makes a shipping company “the best” for this route? The answer isn’t as straightforward as people think.

Transparency in pricing: Some companies dangle low quotes upfront but later surprise you with hidden fees—things like port handling charges or terminal storage fees.

Experience with Nigeria: Shipping to Europe or Canada is one thing; shipping to Apapa or Tin Can Island in Lagos is another. Nigerian ports have their quirks, and you want a company that knows how to navigate them.

Reliability and communication: A late vessel or a customs issue isn’t unusual, but how a company keeps you updated during delays makes all the difference.

Insurance and protection: Accidents happen. Cars get scratched, or in rare cases, misplaced. A serious company will always offer proper insurance coverage.

Now, let’s talk about the players in this space.

1. West Coast Shipping

When people ask me for a recommendation, West Coast Shipping usually comes up first. Based in California, they’ve built a strong reputation for handling international car shipments, especially classic cars.

Strengths:
They provide clear pricing and detailed instructions, which I appreciated when I tried them once for a client’s Toyota Highlander. Their online tracking system isn’t perfect, but it does give a sense of progress. They’re also known for packing vehicles securely in containers, reducing the risk of damage.

Weak spots:
The downside? They’re not the cheapest option out there. If you’re on a tight budget, their rates may feel steep compared to some East Coast-based companies. Also, their offices are not spread across many U.S. states, so depending on where you are, you may need to arrange domestic transport first.

2. Ship Overseas

This company has been around for decades, and their specialization is pretty clear: cars, trucks, and SUVs to Africa, including Nigeria.

Strengths:
Their experience is obvious in how they explain the process. When I asked them about shipping a car to Nigeria, they broke down customs duty expectations, possible delays, and insurance in a way that made me feel like they’d seen it all before. They’re also well-connected with Nigerian clearing agents, which is a lifesaver if you don’t already have someone reliable on the ground.

Weak spots:
Their website leans heavily on marketing, which sometimes makes it harder to get a straight answer on pricing without going through a sales rep. Some users have also reported that customer service can feel impersonal once the booking is locked in.

3. Ameritrans Freight

Ameritrans is a big name in international logistics, not just for Nigeria but worldwide.

Strengths:
If you like the idea of a one-stop shop, Ameritrans delivers. They handle vehicles, personal effects, and even commercial shipments. Their freight forwarding services mean you don’t have to piece things together with multiple providers.

Weak spots:
Bigger isn’t always better. Because Ameritrans deals with a high volume of shipments, individual customers sometimes complain about feeling like “just another number.” If you want highly personalized service, this may not be the ideal choice.

4. K International Transport

K International, based in New York, often comes up in discussions about shipping to Nigeria.

Strengths:
They’re direct about their RoRo and container options, and they’re upfront with timelines. When I contacted them for a test inquiry, I liked how they emphasized the pros and cons of each method instead of just pushing the more expensive option.

Weak spots:
Their customer service hours can be frustrating for people on West Coast time. Also, while they handle car shipping well, they don’t have as strong a reputation for household goods compared to some competitors.

5. A1 Auto Transport

You’ve probably seen this name floating around if you’ve done even a bit of research. They’re heavily present online and have lots of reviews.

Strengths:
They’re flexible. Whether you’re shipping a family sedan, a motorcycle, or even a boat, they claim they can do it. They also provide insurance options, which gives peace of mind.

Weak spots:
Because they rely on a network of third-party carriers, the quality of service can vary. One person might rave about their experience, while another complains about delays or unexpected fees. It’s a bit of a lottery depending on who actually handles your shipment.

6. CFR Rinkens

This is another company that’s carved out a strong niche in the auto-shipping world, especially for containerized shipments.

Strengths:
They pioneered a “racking system” for container shipping that allows multiple vehicles to be safely shipped together. That efficiency often means lower costs per car, especially for dealerships or people shipping in bulk.

Weak spots:
For individual shippers, the process may feel overly complicated. If you’re sending just one car, the coordination needed to fill a container may cause delays.

A Quick Note on Nigerian Clearing Agents

No matter which U.S. company you choose, remember that the story doesn’t end once the ship leaves port. In fact, for many shippers, the real headache begins in Nigeria. Clearing customs can be tricky. Some companies include clearing services through their partners, while others leave it to you.

When I first shipped a vehicle, I made the mistake of assuming the U.S. shipping company would handle everything door-to-door. Instead, I found myself scrambling to find a clearing agent in Lagos at the last minute. That almost doubled my stress. My advice: always confirm whether your shipping company has reliable partners on the ground.

Comparing the Costs

Let’s be real: price often decides everything. On average, shipping a sedan from the U.S. to Lagos ranges between $1,200 and $2,500 depending on the method (RoRo is usually cheaper than container). But don’t just chase the lowest number. A “cheap” shipment can quickly become expensive if your car sits at the port because paperwork wasn’t handled correctly.

Which One Should You Choose?

Here’s the part nobody likes to hear: there isn’t a single “best” shipping company for everyone.

If you value personalized service and clear instructions, West Coast Shipping and Ship Overseas stand out.

If you’re moving multiple vehicles or commercial shipments, CFR Rinkens and Ameritrans may make more sense.

For flexibility and a wide range of options, A1 Auto Transport is worth considering—but double-check the reputation of the specific carrier they assign you.

If you’re based near the East Coast, K International could be the most convenient.

Final Thoughts

Shipping a car—or anything valuable—from the U.S. to Nigeria isn’t something to take lightly. Each company has strengths and weaknesses, and the right choice depends on your priorities. What I’ve learned over the years is that preparation matters more than anything. Ask questions, read reviews, and don’t rush into the cheapest option.

Looking back, my first shipping experience was messy but educational. If I could do it again, I’d spend less time chasing bargain prices and more time finding a company with a proven record in Nigeria. After all, peace of mind is worth a few extra dollars when your car is crossing the Atlantic.

So whether you’re a first-time shipper or someone who’s done this dance before, take the time to compare. A little extra research now could save you days of stress later.

Published on: Sep 07, 2025

Related Post