Car shipping to Mali from the USA can be a nerve-racking process because it is a landlocked area with no seaport. Nevertheless, shipping cars to West Africa becomes hassle-free when you work with a reliable shipping partner like AFL. Our shipping company specializes in importing cars and goods to West African countries like Togo, Senegal, Benin, Ghana, and Nigeria. Moreover, we guarantee to handle everything professionally, from your vehicle’s customs clearance process to the lengthy paperwork. So, you can rest assured that your car will be delivered safely to your doorstep.
Introduction to Mali, West Africa
The eighth-largest country in West Africa, the Republic of Mali is a landlocked area sharing borders with Algeria, Senegal, Guinea, Mauritania, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Cote d’Ivoire.
Bamako is the capital city serving as the seat of government and the country’s economic centre. In addition, the city is located along the banks of the Niger River and acts as the central transportation hub between Senegal and its neighbouring countries.
Mali is the third-largest producer of gold in the whole African continent, with its economy heavily relying on mining, fishing, and agriculture.
The US shares a Trade & Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) with Mali, and both countries are part of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAMEA). Most of the exports from the US to Mali include plastic, vehicles, and machinery. According to the 2019 data, the US exported $14 million worth of cars to Mali.
Popular seaports for car shipping to Mali
As Mali is a landlocked country, shipping cars, and goods to the country can be difficult but not impossible. International shipping is available to the country through the Port of Dakar, Senegal. Moreover, the city of Bamako connects with the port through a network of roads, rail and river transportation.
Port of Dakar, Senegal, lies at an excellent geostrategic location, is equipped with the latest cargo handling machinery, and can support the world’s largest shipping vessels. It has an annual capacity of 72,937 TEUs and 66,140 vehicles.
The RoRo terminal of the seaport also provides support for trans-shipment to other West African countries.
Methods for car shipping to Mali from the USA
Choosing a method of shipping a car to Mali from the US depends upon your budget, your number of vehicles, and whether you want to import goods alongside it or not. It also depends on the availability of shipping options.
RoRo shipping
RoRo shipping is the most common method deployed by almost all shipping companies worldwide due to its economical and fast process. It requires the car to be operational to be rolled on and off the ship’s deck. The process is immediate and costs less than other shipping options. You can import as many cars and heavy machinery as possible with this shipping method.
Container shipping
If you wish to send a luxury car and goods alongside it, container shipping might be a good option as it provides extra security. Shipping companies usually have 20ft and 40ft containers, so you can choose according to your specifications. Your belongings will be secured inside a container which will be shipped later on. However, this shipping method might be a little more expensive than RoRo.
Container shipping further provides two options for importing your vehicle.
LCL or Shared Container Shipping
In LCL (Less than Container Load) or shared container shipping, your vehicles alongside your other belongings are placed in a container whose cost can be split with other people sharing the space with you. It will also cost you less in shipping. However, this method may take more time to reach the destination as the container must be full before starting its journey.
FCL or Private Container Shipping
In FCL (Full Container Load) or private container shipping, the whole space is yours to utilize. You can place as many vehicles and belongings in the container as its capacity allows you. On top of that, you wouldn’t have to share the space with anyone. However, this shipping method will be expensive as you’ll be the only one bearing the container cost.
Cost of car shipping to Mali
The average cost of shipping a car to Mali depends on the shipping method, customs duty, and distance between ports. Mali is also a landlocked area, so the cost of shipping a vehicle to the country might be a little higher. However, the average price of shipping a car to Mali from the US lies between $2,800 and $6,900.
Customs & Duty
Customs taxes for shipping a car to Mali from the US are calculated based on the Argus value. The duty rate for importing new vehicles in the country is 44% of the Argus value + 40.00 EUR/ year. If the imported car is older than ten years, the duty tax will be calculated based on its usage. Such as 44% of the Argus value + 10 x 40.00 EUR = 400.00. Another “Relevance Statistique” tax on valued inventory is applied at 2.5% for non-residents and 3.5% for returning citizens of Mali.
However, customs and duties on vehicles are subject to change in all countries. The same is the case with Mali. So, it is advisable to ask your shipping company about the latest taxes and rates, or you can contact the Embassy of Mali in the US before shipping your car.
Requirements for car shipping to Mali from USA
If you are shipping a car to Mali from the US, then you must plan your shipment at least 72 days in advance to minimize shipping costs. There are few restrictions on vehicle import in the country; however, your car must be operational, clean, and empty of all items. Besides, check the tire pressure and empty the gas tank to only 1/4th before importing it to Mali.
Restrictions on car shipping to Mali
Every country has its own customs rules and regulations, and failure to follow them can incur heavy penalties or taxes. In Mali, you cannot import left-hand vehicles in the country as well. However, there are no restrictions on the car’s age.
Moreover, you need an import license to ship new cars. Likewise, you will need approval from relevant authorities in Mali to ship vehicles larger than Sedan.
Documentation for car shipping to Mali
The agent must receive the documentation 15 days prior to shipment arrival at the Dakar Port, Senegal, to minimize any port charges. You must fill the forms with the current information; otherwise, the chances are that authorities will stop your vehicle or goods from entering the country. Standard documentation required for customs clearance includes:
- Original ID.
- Passport.
- Original title or MSO.
- A copy of the title is also needed.
- Registration certificate.
- Certificate of non-sale.
- Import license.
- Bill of lading.
- Original invoice/value declaration.
You can also check the import requirements and documentation from the Malian Customs web portal.
Factors influencing the cost of car shipping to Mali
Some factors must be considered before shipping cars to Mali from the US as they can affect import prices.
Mode of Transportation
The shipping method is one of the main factors affecting the cost of shipping to Mali from the US. As mentioned earlier, RoRo shipping is the most economical shipping method to move your cars to Mali. In comparison, container shipping is a costlier option. In container shipping, private containers are the most expensive option to ship your cars to Mali.
Shipping Distance
Mali has no seaport of its own and uses the neighbouring Port of Dakar, Senegal, to receive shipments. Therefore, the increased transport cost between both countries may increase the overall shipping cost.
Weight & size of the vehicle
The shipping cost depends mainly on the weight and dimensions of your cargo. For instance, if you are sending a fleet of cars or other belongings alongside them, it will raise the shipping cost.
Fuel prices
Fluctuations in international fuel prices due to fuel shortage or other factors are often the cause of raising the shipping cost.
Customs fees and duty
These local charges vary in every country and are subject to change so that they may influence the total shipping cost.
Why choose AFL for car shipping to Mali from the US?
Shipping cars to Mali from the US need not be an intimidating process with the right company. Although it is a landlocked area and requires a lengthy documentation process for customs clearance, a reliable company like AFL will handle all the shipping processes without burdening you.
We specialize in car shipping to Mali, West Africa
Our company specializes in shipping to all West African regions such as Senegal, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, and Ghana and can ship to all ports throughout Africa. Hence, leave all the shipping process to us and be stress-free.
End-to-end shipping services
We have a time-honoured relationship with port operators and auto transport companies who facilitate the shipping and door-to-door transport process. Our transport partners will pick up your cargo from your door in the US and drop it at the port where it will be delivered to the destination port. Furthermore, if you require us to transport it to your desired destination in Mali, our representative can also drop the vehicle from the port to your location for your convenience. If your vehicle is non-operational, make sure to inform our company so we can arrange special equipment to load your car on the truck.
Customs clearance services
Our shipping agents make it easier for your vehicle to clear the customs in both the US and Mali. The customs laws of every country are subject to change, but our experts keep themselves updated with the changes. Hence, you won’t have to take care of the lengthy paperwork on your own, nor will you be required to clear the customs process yourself. We will carefully handle, review, and verify the necessary documents for customs clearance and submit them to avoid unnecessary delays.
FAQs
How much time will it take for car shipping to Mali from the USA?
Some factors may increase the shipping time, such as shipping method, season, and distance. However, the average time that it will take for your vehicle to reach Mali is three to four weeks, and in worst-case scenarios, it may take up to six weeks. But if you choose to import through a reliable shipping company proficient in shipping to the West African region, they will ensure unnecessary delay.
What is the cheapest shipping method to import a car to Mali?
RoRo shipping is the most economical and quickest method for shipping cars to Mali. You can send a whole fleet of vehicles through this option. However, your vehicle needs to be operational to use this method.
Can I place goods inside the car with RoRo shipping?
It is recommended not to place any personal items inside the car for safety purposes. Moreover, customs in Mali may not allow the vehicle to be cleared if you’ve placed an item whose import is prohibited in the country. However, you can leave a spare tire or jack in the car.
Conclusion
If you are shipping a car to Mali from the US, you might not have many options to import as Mali is landlocked. Moreover, the country’s rules and regulations regarding imports are subject to change, and the Malian Customs also requires specific documentation to clear the customs process. However, with the assistance of a professional and reliable shipping company like AFL, which specializes in overseas transport, you won’t have to handle all the processes individually. We will take care of all import requirements without any delay. So, contact us today for a free shipping estimate and a personalized solution for your shipping needs.