Good packaging is the single biggest thing you can do to make sure your cargo arrives safely. Customers are responsible for packing their own goods properly, so use strong materials, cushion fragile items, label every piece clearly, and never pack prohibited items. Below is how to pack each type of shipment for the journey to Africa.
Why packaging matters
Cargo to Africa is handled several times — collection, depot, port or airport, transit and final delivery. Strong, sensible packing protects your goods through every stage and helps them clear customs without being opened or held.
- Use new or sturdy boxes, barrels and tape
- Cushion fragile items so nothing moves inside
- Label each piece with the recipient name, phone and destination
- Keep an itemised list — it speeds customs and any insurance claim
Packing barrels and boxes
Barrels and boxes are the diaspora staple for food, clothing and household goods.
- Fill gaps so contents do not shift — shifting causes breakages
- Put heavy items at the bottom, lighter on top
- Seal barrels tightly and tape box seams fully
- Wrap liquids in plastic bags in case of leaks
See our barrels and personal effects service for what we ship most often.
Electronics, TVs and phones
Electronics travel best in their original boxes with the foam inserts. If you no longer have them:
- Wrap the item in bubble wrap and suspend it in a larger box with padding all round
- Never let a TV screen rest against a hard surface
- Keep accessories and cables in a labelled bag
We offer fixed prices for TVs, laptops and devices to Lagos — see our shipping rates.
Furniture and appliances
Dismantle furniture where you can and wrap each part. For appliances (fridges, cookers, washing machines), drain and dry them, tape doors shut, and pad corners. Heavy or bulky items usually travel best by sea cargo.
Packing a car
For car shipping, the vehicle must be a runner (non-runners are not permitted via RoRo). Remove personal valuables, leave only a quarter tank of fuel, and make sure you have the V5C and ID ready. Customers are responsible for any contents left in the vehicle, which are not automatically insured — arrange marine insurance if needed.
What you must not pack
Some goods cannot be shipped. Check our prohibited and restricted items guide before you pack — hazardous goods, certain foodstuffs and counterfeit items can have your whole shipment held. If in doubt, ask us first.