APXAUTO
China Used Car Exporter for African Dealers
FOB vs CIF: What's the Difference?
FOB (Free On Board)
What's Included:
- Vehicle cost
- Transport to Chinese port
- Export documentation
- Loading onto vessel
Buyer Arranges:
- Ocean freight
- Marine insurance
- Destination port charges
- Customs clearance
Best for: Importers with own freight forwarder or experience in shipping arrangements.
CIF (Cost, Insurance & Freight)
What's Included:
- Vehicle cost
- Transport to Chinese port
- Export documentation
- Loading onto vessel
- Ocean freight to your port
- Marine insurance
Buyer Arranges:
- Destination port charges
- Customs clearance
- Local transport
Best for: Importers who prefer hassle-free shipping with single point of contact.
Shipping Methods
Container Shipping
Most common and secure method for used car export.
- • 20GP: 2-3 cars (sedans)
- • 40HQ: 4-6 cars (SUVs)
- • Maximum protection
- • Door-to-port service
RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off)
Vehicles driven directly onto specialized vessel.
- • Suitable for large quantities
- • Cost-effective for bulk
- • Limited port availability
- • Weather exposure during transit
Bulk Shipping
For very large orders (20+ units).
- • Best pricing for volume
- • Flexible loading options
- • Requires coordination
- • Longer loading time
Shipping to African Ports
Major Destination Ports We Serve
North Africa:
- • Algiers, Algeria
- • Tunis, Tunisia
- • Casablanca, Morocco
- • Tripoli, Libya
West Africa:
- • Lagos, Nigeria
- • Tema, Ghana
- • Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
- • Dakar, Senegal
East Africa:
- • Mombasa, Kenya
- • Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- • Djibouti
Transit time typically 15-35 days depending on destination and routing. Direct vessels available for major ports.
Shipping Cost Factors
Key Factors Affecting Freight Rates
- Destination Port: Distance and route availability affect pricing
- Vehicle Size: SUVs cost more than sedans due to space
- Container Type: 20GP vs 40HQ have different rates
- Fuel Prices: Bunker fuel surcharges fluctuate
- Season: Peak seasons may have higher rates
- Insurance Value: Higher vehicle value = higher insurance
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which is better, FOB or CIF?
A: It depends on your situation. CIF is simpler and recommended for new importers. FOB gives you more control if you have a trusted freight forwarder.
Q: How long does shipping take?
A: Typically 15-25 days to North Africa, 25-35 days to West/East Africa. Transit time varies by route and vessel schedule.
Q: Can you ship to landlocked countries?
A: Yes, we can arrange CIF to nearest port plus overland transport to landlocked destinations. Contact us for specific routing.
Q: Is marine insurance included in CIF?
A: Yes, CIF price includes basic marine insurance (110% of invoice value). Additional coverage can be arranged upon request.