Last updated: September 2026 · Read time: 7 min
Last updated: September 2026 · Read time: 7 min
Every week we talk to buyers in Lagos, Accra and Kampala who have been burned by a cheap truck — or are afraid of being burned. This guide is the process we use ourselves, written so you know exactly what happens from “I want a truck” to “the truck is working in my yard.”
Step 1 — Define the job, not just the truck
Sand and gravel hauling wants a 6×4 tipper; container and long-haul work wants a 371/400 HP tractor head; heavy mining or quarry work may need an 8×4. Tell your supplier the tonnage, distance and terrain — that determines the right model and body, and stops you overpaying for the wrong spec.
Step 2 — Choose your source: new, used, or remanufactured
- New: full warranty, highest price, longest lead time.
- Used as-is: cheapest, but condition is unseen risk.
- Remanufactured (our specialty): used chassis, fully reconditioned in China — engine and gearbox overhauled, hydraulics rebuilt, wear parts replaced, with photos and a replacement list you can check.
Step 3 — Verify the exporter
A serious exporter can show you: registered company, real stock in photos and live video calls, a physical yard, and export records. Ask for a video walkaround of the exact unit you’re buying — if they can’t show you the actual truck, walk away.
Step 4 — Inspection before payment
You have the right to inspect: we offer detailed photos, videos and third-party inspection. Check the engine number, chassis number, and ask for the replacement parts list in writing. Never pay the full amount on trust alone — a standard split (deposit + balance against documents) protects both sides.
Step 5 — Shipping: FOB, CNF and what they mean
- FOB: you arrange shipping from the Chinese port.
- CNF: we arrange freight to your destination port — easier for most first-time buyers.
- Typical sea freight China → Lagos/Tema/Mombasa: roughly 30–45 days depending on the route and vessel schedule. We’ll quote the current rate with your truck size (a 6×4 truck usually fits one 40ft flat-rack or high-cube container, or rolls on a RoRo vessel).
Step 6 — Import documents & clearing
Your import will need the Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, and a Certificate of Origin (ask us for the full Nigeria/Ghana/Uganda checklist for your specific port). Duties are calculated on the declared value — keep your paperwork consistent to avoid clearing delays.
Step 7 — Onward: registration, and your first service
Plan the first service early: replace consumables after the voyage, keep the replacement list for your mechanic, and register the truck with your local authority before heavy use.
Why buyers choose remanufactured HOWO, Shacman & Sinotruk from Trucksling
- Real stock, real videos — no stock photos of trucks we don’t have
- Fixed-price written quotations (FOB or CNF)
- HOWO, Sinotruk and Shacman models serviced by parts networks across Africa
- We export to Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda and beyond — ask us about your port
Can I inspect the truck before paying?
Yes — photos, video walkaround and third-party inspection are available before shipment.
How long does shipping take from China to Nigeria?
Typically 30–45 days by sea, depending on port and vessel.
What documents do I need to import a truck?
Bill of Lading, commercial invoice, packing list and certificate of origin — we provide the full per-port checklist.
Do you sell Shacman and Sinotruk too?
Yes — HOWO, Shacman and Sinotruk tipper and tractor configurations.
