Why there is no single price
Ocean freight rates change constantly with demand, fuel prices, vessel capacity and events on the main shipping lanes. A rate quoted today can be different next month. On top of that, the total depends on where the goods start, the container size, what is inside and how quickly it clears in Ghana.
So rather than an average figure that will not match your shipment, this guide explains every component. Once you know them, you can compare quotes properly and spot the ones that leave charges out.
Ocean freight and surcharges
Base ocean freight is what the shipping line charges to carry the container from the origin port to Tema. It is quoted per container for FCL, or per cubic metre for LCL.
Shipping lines then add surcharges, which can be a large part of the total:
- Bunker or fuel surcharge (BAF): follows the price of marine fuel.
- Peak season surcharge: added when demand for space is high, often before major holidays.
- Risk and route surcharges: when vessels must avoid a conflict zone or take a longer route, as has happened with the Red Sea, lines add war-risk or contingency charges to cover the extra time and cost.
- Currency and other adjustments, which some lines apply separately.
Always ask whether a freight quote is "all in" or base rate plus surcharges.
Origin charges
Before the container sails there are costs in the country of export: collecting the goods from the supplier, trucking to the port, loading or stuffing the container, origin terminal handling, export customs clearance and documentation such as the bill of lading fee. Under FOB terms the supplier usually pays most of these; under EXW you do. For routes such as China to Ghana or Dubai to Ghana, we can include origin charges in one quote.
Charges at Tema
Once the vessel arrives, a second set of charges applies, and these are often missing from cheap quotes.
- Terminal handling: charged by the terminal for discharging and handling the container.
- Shipping line local charges: delivery order fees, documentation and, with some lines, container cleaning or a container deposit.
- Customs duty and taxes: usually the largest cost of all. Import duty of 0 to 35 percent of the CIF value, plus levies and VAT, NHIL and GETFund. Estimate it with the import duty calculator or read how import duty is calculated.
- Clearing fees: the customs broker's fee for classification, the ICUMS declaration, permits and examination. See our clearing service at Tema.
- Haulage: trucking the container from the port to your site and returning the empty. See haulage and trucking.
- Storage and demurrage: port storage and shipping line charges once free days run out. These are avoidable. Read our guide to demurrage and storage.
20ft vs 40ft vs LCL
A 20ft container suits heavy or dense cargo, such as tiles, machinery or bagged goods, because it reaches its weight limit before it is full. A 40ft container carries about twice the volume but usually costs well under twice the freight of a 20ft, so it is better value for light, bulky goods like furniture or household items. A 40ft high cube adds extra height for the same footprint.
If you have only a few cubic metres, LCL lets you pay for the space you use. Below roughly 15 cubic metres it is usually cheaper; above that, a full 20ft often costs about the same and clears faster. See FCL vs LCL shipping for the detail.
How to get an accurate quote
A reliable quote needs reliable details. Send us:
- The origin city or supplier address, and whether goods are ready
- What the goods are, with HS codes if you have them
- The number of cartons or pallets, dimensions and gross weight
- The value of the goods and your Incoterm with the supplier
- The delivery address in Ghana
- Whether you need customs clearance, insurance and delivery
With that we can quote door to door: freight, Tema charges, clearance and haulage together, with duty estimated separately at cost. Request a quote.
Ways to reduce the cost
- Fill the container. Combining orders or suppliers into one box spreads the fixed charges.
- Choose the right size. A 40ft can cost less per cubic metre than two 20ft containers.
- Buy FOB, not CIF. You control the freight and avoid inflated destination charges.
- Book early before peak season, when rates and surcharges rise.
- Prepare documents and permits before arrival, and have duty funds ready.
- Return the empty promptly to stop demurrage and detention.
Track your container on our tracking page so you know exactly when it lands.
Questions
How much does it cost to ship a container to Ghana?
It depends on the origin, the container size, the surcharges in force, the goods inside and the duty on them. Freight rates change often, so send us your shipment details for a current quote covering every charge.
Is a 40ft container twice the price of a 20ft?
Usually not. A 40ft carries about twice the volume but the freight is typically well under double, which makes it better value for light, bulky goods. Heavy goods may still need a 20ft because of weight limits.
What is the biggest cost when importing a container into Ghana?
For most goods it is customs duty and taxes, not freight. Duty is charged on the CIF value, then VAT, NHIL and GETFund are added on top. Use the duty calculator to estimate it.
What are local charges at Tema?
They are the destination costs paid in Ghana: terminal handling, shipping line delivery order and documentation fees, and in some cases container cleaning or a deposit. They are separate from the ocean freight.
How can I avoid demurrage at Tema?
Have documents, permits and duty funds ready before the vessel arrives, plan unloading at your site, and return the empty container before the shipping line free days run out.
Talk to our customs team.
Send your documents or cargo details and we will reply with a full quote: freight, clearance and delivery on one page.