How to Import a Used Truck from the UK: A Step-by-Step Guide

Short answer: Importing a used truck from the UK involves five main stages – choosing the vehicle, arranging pre-export inspection and documentation, shipping (usually by RoRo vessel), customs clearance at the destination port, and local registration. The whole process typically takes 4 –8 weeks door to port, depending on destination and sailing schedules.

If you’re a fleet buyer or dealer outside the UK, particularly in a right-hand drive market across Africa, the Caribbean, or Asia – here’s what the process actually involves.

Step 1: Choose the right truck

Start with the job the truck needs to do, not just the badge on the front. A few things worth thinking through:

Terrain and road conditions: A truck built for smooth UK motorway miles isn’t automatically the right spec for rural or unpaved routes. Look for models with a strong reputation for durability under harder conditions.
Parts availability in your country: DAF, MAN, Scania, Volvo, and Mercedes-Benz all have reasonably strong parts and service networks across most African and Caribbean markets, which matters more than headline spec once the truck is in daily use.
Payload and body type: Tipper, curtainsider, flatbed, or tractor unit, matched to your actual freight, not just what’s cheapest in stock.

Step 2: Pre-export inspection

A reputable UK exporter should inspect every vehicle before it’s offered for export. Engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, and general roadworthiness. Ask for documented findings and, ideally, photos or video of the actual truck (not stock images), especially if you’re buying remotely. At Sotrex we provide this as standard and can share inspection detail via WhatsApp before you commit.

Step 3: Documentation

The exact paperwork depends on your destination country, but as a baseline you should expect:

Logbook (V5C)
Certificate of Roadworthiness or equivalent inspection certificate, where your destination country requires one (several African markets, including Kenya, now require this from UK exports).
Commercial invoice for customs valuation purposes.

Missing or incorrect documentation is the single biggest cause of delay and unexpected cost at the destination port. It’s worth confirming exactly what your country requires before you buy, not after the truck has shipped.

Step 4: Shipping

Most used trucks travel by RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) vessel, which is generally more cost-effective than container shipping for wheeled vehicles. Transit times vary by route and destination port, but as a guide:

UK to East Africa (Mombasa, Dar es Salaam): roughly 4–6 weeks
UK to Southern Africa (Durban, Walvis Bay): roughly 3–5 weeks
UK to the Caribbean: roughly 3–5 weeks

Sailing schedules and vessel availability affect exact timing, so treat these as planning estimates rather than guarantees.

Step 5: Customs clearance and registration

Once the truck arrives, a licensed clearing agent in your country handles customs declaration, duty calculation, and any required local inspection. After clearance, the vehicle is registered with your national transport authority and issued local plates. Requirements and fees vary significantly by country, your clearing agent is the best source for current, country-specific figures.

Common mistakes to avoid

Buying on price alone: The cheapest listed truck isn’t the cheapest truck once you’ve paid for a failed inspection, missing documents, or a rejected age-limit shipment.
Skipping the inspection report: Always ask for one, and be cautious of any dealer who won’t provide it.
Not confirming current import rules before purchase: Age limits, emissions standards, and documentation requirements change, and enforcement has tightened in several markets recently. Confirm with your destination country’s customs or standards authority before you commit to a purchase.
Working with an inexperienced exporter: Ask how long they’ve been exporting to your specific market and whether they can name the ports and routes they use regularly.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the whole process take, from purchase to registration? Typically 4–8 weeks in total, depending on destination, though this varies by country and sailing schedule.

Do I need to visit the UK to buy a truck? No. Most international buyers purchase remotely, using inspection photos, video, and documentation shared by the exporter. WhatsApp is commonly used for this.

What’s the difference between RoRo and container shipping? RoRo vessels drive vehicles directly on and off the ship and are generally cheaper and faster for wheeled cargo like trucks. Container shipping is more common for smaller vehicles, parts, or when additional security is needed.

Who is responsible for customs clearance, the UK exporter or the buyer? This varies by exporter and agreement. Some UK exporters, including Sotrex, prepare and provide the UK-side export documentation; clearance and registration in the destination country is typically handled by a local clearing agent.

Sotrex Limited has exported used trucks and trailers worldwide for over 20 years. Get in touch with our team to discuss your requirements.

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