Buyer Guide

Importing a vehicle through Vehport is straightforward — but it helps to understand the full process before you start. This guide walks you through every step from choosing a vehicle to receiving the keys.

Browse vehicles on Vehport from multiple global sources:

• →US salvage and clean-title auctions (Copart, IAAI, Manheim)
• →UAE direct dealer imports — newer vehicles with lower mileage
• →European exports from Germany, UK, and Netherlands
• →Local Nigerian dealer inventory — ready to drive

Tips for choosing well:

• →Use our AI Worth Score to assess whether the vehicle is fairly priced vs comparable listings
• →Check the Deal Rating (✅ Good / ⚠️ Fair / ❌ Risky) on every listing
• →Run a VIN Check to verify specs, NICB status, and Nigeria import eligibility before bidding
• →For auction vehicles, look at the damage type — "Front End" is usually more repairable than "Flood" or "Fire"
• →Check the auction photos carefully — zoom in on panels, frame, and undercarriage images

Before bidding, use Vehport's Landing Cost Estimate calculator on any vehicle listing. It shows a full cost breakdown:

• →Vehicle purchase price (auction bid amount)
• →Auction buyer's fee (charged by Copart/IAAI — typically $300–$1,500)
• →US transport to port ($300–$800 depending on auction yard location)
• →International shipping: RoRo ($900–$1,800) or Container ($1,500–$2,500)
• →Marine insurance (1.5% of vehicle value — strongly recommended)
• →Vehport service commission (12% of vehicle price)
• →Nigeria Customs Duty (35%–70% of CIF value — estimated)
• →Port handling and inspection (₦80,000–₦180,000)
• →Last-mile delivery (₦50,000–₦350,000 depending on location)

The total is displayed in Nigerian Naira. All fees are itemised so there are no surprises. Customs duty is an estimate — the final figure is set by NCS on arrival.

Once you've found your vehicle and reviewed the cost estimate, you have two options:

• →Bid at auction — Set your maximum bid. Vehport places the bid on your behalf at the live auction. You'll be notified immediately if you win.
• →Buy Now — Available on select fixed-price vehicles. Confirm and pay immediately.
• →Import Request — For UAE, European, or specific sourcing requests, submit a form and an advisor will respond within 24 hours.

A deposit is required before Vehport places a bid. The deposit amount varies by vehicle value and is deducted from your total invoice when you win.

After winning an auction, Vehport sends you an itemised invoice within 24 hours. Payments are made in Nigerian Naira by:

• →Direct bank transfer to Vehport's escrow account
• →Secure card payment via our online gateway

Payment milestones:

• →Milestone 1: Vehicle purchase + auction fees (due within 48 hours of winning)
• →Milestone 2: Shipping fees (due before vessel booking is confirmed)
• →Milestone 3: Clearing and duty fees (due before customs release at port)
• →Milestone 4: Delivery fee (if applicable, due before dispatch)

Once your first payment milestone is confirmed, Vehport manages everything:

• →Vehicle collected from the auction yard (3–5 days)
• →Transported to the US export port (2–5 days)
• →Loaded onto your chosen vessel (RoRo or Container)
• →You receive shipping documents: Bill of Lading, commercial invoice, packing list
• →Real-time tracking via your Vehport dashboard throughout transit

You'll receive SMS and email updates at each milestone: purchased → in transit → on vessel → arrived.

When the vessel arrives at the Nigerian port, Vehport coordinates customs clearance:

• →Vessel arrival notification sent to you
• →Customs duty assessment by Nigerian Customs Service (NCS)
• →Duty payment (included in Milestone 3 or paid directly by you depending on arrangement)
• →Port inspection and vehicle release
• →Vehport hands you the clearance certificate, duty receipt, and all title documents

Self-clear option: If you prefer to handle clearance yourself, Vehport will deliver the vehicle to the port gate with a full document pack and you engage your own clearing agent.

After clearance, you have two options:

• →Door-to-door delivery — We transport the vehicle to your specified address anywhere in Nigeria. Lagos deliveries take 1–2 days post-clearance; outside Lagos adds 1–3 days.
• →Yard pickup — Collect from our Lagos holding yard. Inspect the vehicle yourself, and we hand you the keys and all documents.

At handover, you receive a final condition report and photo documentation of the vehicle as delivered.

If your vehicle arrived with damage (common for auction vehicles), Vehport can connect you with our partner restoration network:

• →Structural and panel repair specialists
• →Mechanical and engine diagnostics
• →Interior restoration and upholstery
• →Paint and finishing
• →Pre-registration roadworthiness check

Restoration is coordinated through Vehport but performed by vetted third-party workshops. Visit our Restoration page for details and pricing.

After delivery, you'll need to register the vehicle with your state MVAA (Motor Vehicle Administration Agency). You will need:

• →NCS Customs Clearance Certificate (provided by Vehport)
• →Duty Payment Receipt (provided by Vehport)
• →US Title / Export Certificate (provided by Vehport)
• →Your valid ID (NIN or international passport)
• →Proof of address

Vehport provides a step-by-step registration guide in your dashboard after vehicle delivery. Vehicle registration itself is your responsibility and not included in our service.