Shipping Car Accessories and Spare Parts Alongside Your Vehicle

A couple of years ago, I watched my neighbor in Abuja light up when his imported Toyota Highlander finally rolled into his driveway. He’d bought it from the U.S., shipped via container, and had been counting the days until it cleared customs. But the real surprise wasn’t just the SUV—it was what came packed neatly inside: brand new headlights, brake pads, and even a set of alloy rims. He had cleverly stuffed the container with accessories and spares, knowing how expensive or sometimes scarce those parts can be in Nigeria.

That little move saved him thousands of naira down the line and spared him the frustration of hunting for genuine parts in a market where fakes and knock-offs can blend in too well. Ever since, I’ve been paying attention to how people maximize their shipping containers, especially when sending a car across the ocean. Shipping accessories and spare parts alongside your vehicle can be smart, but it comes with its own set of rules, risks, and little tricks you don’t want to miss.

So, if you’re considering not just shipping a car but also tossing in some spares, tools, or even custom upgrades, here’s what you should know.

Why People Ship Accessories with Their Cars

Let’s be honest: parts availability in Nigeria can be a mixed bag. You might find original Toyota or Honda parts in Lagos, but you’re just as likely to stumble upon counterfeit versions. And for less common models—say a Subaru Forester or a Ford F-150—getting genuine spares can feel like a treasure hunt.

That’s one reason people take advantage of container shipping. If you’re already paying thousands to move your car, it makes sense to slide in some extras, especially high-demand consumables like:

Brake pads and rotors

Headlights and tail lamps

Engine oil filters and air filters

Suspension components (ball joints, bushings, shocks)

Alloy rims and tires

Car batteries (though this one is tricky due to shipping rules)

Infotainment systems, speakers, or other electronics

Sometimes it’s not just about cost savings but convenience. A friend once told me he included a set of winter tires (which we obviously don’t need here) simply because they came with the U.S. auction car. Instead of throwing them away, he shipped them home and resold them. The profit covered part of his customs duty.

Container vs. RoRo: Your Options

Here’s the reality: if you’re using Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) shipping, forget about loading up your car with spare parts. The rules are strict—no personal belongings, no boxes, no extras. The car must be shipped empty, and if inspectors spot anything inside, it may be confiscated or you’ll face penalties.

Container shipping, on the other hand, gives you flexibility. The car goes inside a 20- or 40-foot steel container, leaving some space for other items. With a 40-foot container, you might even load two cars plus a pallet of parts. That’s why people who want to maximize shipments almost always go the container route.

That said, even with container shipping, there are guidelines. Items must be declared, packed securely, and comply with shipping regulations (hazardous items like fuel, oils, or certain chemicals are restricted).

The Cost Equation

Here’s the part most folks overlook: every extra item you add into the container affects either the cost or the duty you’ll pay in Nigeria. Let’s unpack this.

Shipping company charges: Some freight forwarders allow accessories in the same container at no extra fee, while others charge based on weight or volume. For example, a set of four rims might add $200–$300 to the shipping bill.

Customs duty in Nigeria: The law is clear—every item entering the country is subject to import duty, not just the car. If you bring in accessories, they will be assessed separately. Duties vary: car parts may attract around 20%, while electronics or luxury accessories could be higher.

Risk of undervaluation: Some shippers try to “hide” parts in the car, hoping customs won’t notice. Honestly, that’s a gamble. If they catch it, you may face penalties or delays that cost more than the duty itself.

From experience, it’s safer to declare the items. One importer I know packed a pallet of genuine Toyota spark plugs and filters with his car, declared them, paid duties, and later resold them in Lagos. His profit not only covered the shipping cost but also paid for his agent’s fees.

Practical Tips for Packing Accessories

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty. How do you actually pack car parts alongside your vehicle?

Use the vehicle itself smartly: Place lightweight, non-fragile items (like filters or small electronics) in the trunk or back seat. But remember, this only works if the shipping company allows it. Always check first.

Palletize heavy items: Larger spares like rims, suspension components, or engines should be strapped onto pallets. This makes loading easier and safer.

Avoid liquids: Shipping oil, coolant, or batteries is often prohibited due to hazmat rules. If you must, consult the freight forwarder first.

Label everything: Customs officers appreciate clarity. Properly labeled boxes with invoices make clearing smoother.

Don’t overload: Overpacking can damage the car itself. I’ve seen cases where someone stuffed so many spare parts inside that the vehicle suspension sagged, raising eyebrows at inspection.

Stories from the Ground

I’ll never forget a case from Tin Can Island Port where a clearing agent told me about a customer who shipped a car packed with aftermarket speakers, custom LED lights, and two extra bumpers. The man hadn’t declared any of it. Customs opened the container, spotted the stash, and slapped on hefty fines. The clearing agent laughed and said, “That bumper alone cost him a month of storage fees.”

Contrast that with another importer who brought in a Nissan Altima with neatly packed genuine filters, brake pads, and one extra transmission. Everything was declared and invoiced. He sold the spares quickly and turned what could’ve been deadweight into serious profit.

Pros and Cons of Shipping Accessories

Like most things, it’s not all smooth sailing. Let’s weigh it.

Pros

Saves you from overpriced or fake parts in Nigeria.

Lets you stockpile consumables for years of use.

Possibility of resale profits.

Maximizes container space.

Cons

Higher customs duties.

Risk of seizure if not declared.

Extra shipping weight may bump up costs.

Possible damage if poorly packed.

It’s really about strategy. If you’re already using a container, slipping in some well-chosen spares makes sense. But if your goal is just to save money, stuffing random items might backfire.

What’s Worth Shipping in 2025?

Based on current trends, here’s what appears most worthwhile:

High-demand consumables like filters, spark plugs, brake pads. They’re lightweight and always in demand.

Lighting (headlamps, fog lights, taillights). These are often expensive locally and prone to counterfeit issues.

Suspension kits for SUVs, since Nigerian roads are unforgiving and replacements are frequently needed.

Alloy rims and tires—especially popular sizes like 17 or 18 inches.

Infotainment systems (though customs may value these as luxury electronics).

Less worthwhile? Items that are bulky but cheap locally, like standard wipers or cheap seat covers. Also, anything classified as hazardous—batteries, oils, or chemicals—tends to cause headaches.

The Agent Factor

If you decide to ship accessories, your clearing agent becomes even more important. Not every agent is experienced with handling mixed cargo (vehicle plus spares). A good one will know how to classify parts, argue valuations if customs overestimates, and get everything released quickly. A careless agent can leave you paying storage fees or losing items altogether.

I usually advise asking upfront: “Have you cleared cars with parts inside before?” If their answer is vague, that’s a red flag.

The Bottom Line

Shipping car accessories and spare parts alongside your vehicle can be a brilliant move—or a frustrating mistake. It depends on how prepared you are. Plan your packing, declare what you’re carrying, budget for duties, and work with a trustworthy agent. Do it right, and you’ll drive away not just with a car, but also with peace of mind knowing you’ve secured the spares you’ll need down the road.

When I think back to my neighbor with the Highlander, it still makes me smile. While others were running around trying to source affordable shock absorbers six months later, he just walked into his garage, grabbed one of the spares he’d shipped, and had it installed. That kind of foresight is what turns shipping from a simple transaction into a long-term investment.

Published on: Sep 07, 2025

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