Air Freight from USA to Nigeria

Looking to ship goods from the USA to Nigeria by air but unsure of where to start?

In this comprehensive guide, we break down everything you need to know about air freight from the USA to Nigeria, including costs, transit times, documentation, tracking, and how to choose the best shipping company for your business.

Want to ship your products to Nigeria from the USA? Click here to contact us today or visit our office at 3/5, Nduka Osadebay Street, Ajao Estate, Airport Road, Lagos State for reliable, door-to-door air freight solutions.

How Air Freight from the USA to Nigeria Works

Step 1: Complete KYC (Know Your Customer) Registration

Before shipping your goods to our USA facility, you need to complete our KYC process. This is a crucial security measure to prevent fraud and ensure compliance with international shipping regulations. You'll need to provide:

• Valid government-issued ID (passport, driver's license, or national ID)
• Proof of address
• Contact details (phone number and email)

This information must match the details of the goods received at our warehouse.

Step 2: Request a Quote

Once your KYC is approved, share your shipping requirements with our team, including the type of goods, weight, dimensions, and destination in Nigeria. We'll provide you with a tailored quote based on your needs.

Step 3: Ship to Our USA Warehouse

After receiving your quote and confirming your booking, ship your goods to our USA warehouse address:

SARA USA Warehouse Address:

SARAPSL, 1234 N Belt Line Road, Irving, TX, 75061

USA Contact: +1 970 889 5438

Note: When shipping to our warehouse, please include your name and phone number on the package label. This helps us identify the owner of the parcel and ensures smooth processing.

Step 4: Consolidation and Packaging

Once your goods arrive at our USA warehouse, we consolidate your items with other shipments (if applicable) and ensure they are properly packaged according to international air cargo regulations. This consolidation helps reduce costs while maintaining safety and compliance.

Step 5: Weekly Air Freight Departure

We ship all packages from our USA warehouse every Friday. If your goods arrive after our Friday shipment, they will be included in the following week's shipment. This weekly schedule ensures consistent and reliable service.

Step 6: Documentation and Customs Processing

We handle all necessary documentation, including commercial invoices, packing lists, air waybills, and customs clearance forms. Our team prepares everything before your shipment departs, ensuring a hassle-free process.

Step 7: Air Transport to Nigeria

Your goods are loaded onto a cargo flight from the USA to Nigeria. We work with reliable airlines to ensure timely departure and safe transportation.

Step 8: Customs Clearance in Nigeria

Upon arrival in Nigeria, our expert customs brokers handle all clearance formalities, including duty assessment and payment, ensuring your goods clear customs quickly.

Step 9: Final Delivery

We deliver your goods to your doorstep or designated warehouse anywhere in Nigeria. 

You stay informed throughout the entire process with real-time tracking updates via our online tracking system.

How Much Does Air Freight from the USA to Nigeria Cost?

The cost of air freight from the USA to Nigeria depends on several factors, including the weight and dimensions of your shipment, the type of goods, and current market rates.

Understanding Chargeable Weight

Air freight costs are calculated based on chargeable weight, which is the greater of:

• Actual Weight: The physical weight of your shipment measured in kilograms or pounds
• Volumetric (Dimensional) Weight: Calculated using the formula: (Length x Width x Height in cm) ÷ 5000 for air freight

For example, if you're shipping a large but lightweight package, you'll be charged based on volumetric weight rather than actual weight. This is why proper packaging is crucial to minimise costs.

Air freight rates from the USA to Nigeria typically range from $5.5 to $15 per kilogram.

For the most current and accurate pricing, please check our rate card: USA to Nigeria Air Cargo Rate Card. 

Additional Costs to Consider

Beyond the basic freight charges, you should budget for:

• Customs Duties: Typically 5-35% of the cargo value, depending on the product category
• VAT: 7.5% on imported goods in Nigeria
• Port Handling Charges: For shipments arriving at Lagos or other Nigerian airports
• Inspection Fees: If required by Nigerian customs
• Insurance: Optional but recommended for high-value shipments

SARA handles all these costs transparently, providing you with a comprehensive quote upfront so there are no surprises.

How Long Does Shipping from the USA to Nigeria Take?

Standard Air Freight:

The transit time for standard air freight is 5-10 working days. This is ideal for regular business shipments, non-urgent cargo, and cost-conscious shippers.

Here, the goods are consolidated with other shipments, processed through regular customs clearance, and delivered.

Express Air Freight:

The transit time for this is 3-5 days. It is ideal for urgent shipments, time-sensitive goods and documents, emergency supplies, and high-priority business needs.

The process includes prioritising handling the goods, expedited customs clearance, and immediate delivery upon arrival

Factors Affecting Transit Times

Several factors can impact how long your shipment takes to reach Nigeria:

1. Delays can occur if documentation is incomplete or if your goods require additional inspections
2. During holidays or high-demand periods, transit times may be slightly longer
3. Congestion at Lagos or other Nigerian airports.
4. Severe weather.
5. Flight availability.

Required Documents for Customs Clearance

To clear your air freight shipment in Nigeria, you'll need the following documents:

1. Commercial Invoice.
2. Packing List.
3. Air Waybill (AWB).
4. Bill of Entry.
5. Certificate of Origin.
6. Import License.
7. SONCAP Certificate.
8. Form M.
9. Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR).

For a comprehensive guide on customs clearance documents, visit: Must-Have Documents for Smooth Import/Export Customs Clearance. 

Understanding Customs Duties and Taxes

When importing goods into Nigeria, you'll be required to pay:

• Import Duties: Rates vary from 5% to 35% depending on the product category
• Value Added Tax (VAT): Standard rate of 7.5% on the CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) value plus duties
• Surcharges
• ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme levy (where applicable)
• CISS (Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme) fees

At SARA, we take out the stress of customs clearance and handle the entire process for you.

Shipment Tracking and Insurance

Transparency and visibility are essential when shipping internationally. With SARA, you can track your air freight shipment from the moment it leaves the USA until it arrives at your doorstep in Nigeria.

Our advanced tracking system provides real-time updates on your shipment's status.

In addition to online tracking, we provide proactive SMS notifications at key milestones, so you're always informed without having to check manually.

While air freight is generally safe, unforeseen events such as loss, damage, or theft can occur. Cargo insurance provides financial protection and peace of mind.

We offer comprehensive cargo insurance tailored to your shipment's value and risk level. 

Simply indicate during booking that you'd like to insure your shipment, and we'll include the premium in your quote. The cost is typically 1-3% of the cargo's declared value.

What You Can Ship from the USA to Nigeria

Air freight from the USA to Nigeria accommodates a wide range of goods, including:

• Electronics and Technology
• Fashion and Apparel
• Business Supplies
• Machinery and Equipment
• Food and Beverages (with proper permits)
• Pharmaceuticals and Medical Supplies (with proper licensing)
• Automotive Parts
• Cosmetics and Beauty Products

Do you need to ship something not listed here? Contact our team, and we will let you know if your goods can be shipped and what documentation is required.

What You Cannot Ship

Certain goods are prohibited or restricted from being shipped via air freight to Nigeria due to safety, legal, or regulatory reasons. 

These include harmful objects like knives, cutlery, blades, flammables, aerosols, chemicals, scissors, guns, Radioactive materials, Toxic chemicals and poisons, Illegal drugs,  narcotics, and so on

Are you unsure if your goods are restricted? Our team stays updated on all Nigerian customs regulations. Reach out to us, and we'll verify whether your shipment can be cleared without issues.

Partner with SARA for Air Freight from the USA to Nigeria

Shipping goods from the USA to Nigeria doesn't have to be complicated or stressful. With SARA Procurement Services Limited, you get a trusted partner with over 20 years of experience in international freight forwarding.

Whether you're shipping electronics, fashion items, business supplies, or any other cargo, SARA has the expertise and infrastructure to deliver your goods safely and on time.

Ready to get started? Contact us today for a free quote or visit our office at 3/5, Nduka Osadebay Street, Ajao Estate, Airport Road, Lagos State.

Let SARA handle the logistics so you can focus on growing your business.