Top Shipping Companies for Transporting Vehicles from USA to Mombasa Port, Kenya

Shipping a car from the United States to Kenya can feel a bit like navigating uncharted waters. I remember my first attempt—I had just bought a seemingly perfect Toyota Corolla from Florida and then realized that finding a trustworthy shipping company was its own challenge. Some companies promised the world, while others had reviews that made me pause. After a few weeks of research, calls, and a small disaster involving a miscommunicated pickup schedule, I finally got the car delivered safely to Mombasa. Over time, I’ve learned which shipping companies are genuinely reliable and what to look out for.

Why Choosing the Right Shipping Company Matters

You might wonder, “Can’t I just pick the cheapest option?” Well, yes, you could—but that’s a gamble. Vehicles shipped from the USA face a long ocean journey, customs inspections at Mombasa Port, and a slew of paperwork. A minor mishap, like a delayed pickup or improper documentation, can turn a $2,000 shipping fee into a $4,000 headache.

For me, the lesson was clear after a small SUV I once shipped got stuck at the port for a week because the company hadn’t filed all the necessary documents. The car was fine, but the stress and extra costs were not worth it. A reliable shipping company isn’t just about transporting the car; it’s about peace of mind.

Key Factors to Consider

Before diving into company names, I realized there are a few things to consider:

Shipping Method: Roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vs. container shipping. RoRo is cheaper and works well for standard vehicles, but your car will be exposed to the elements. Container shipping costs more but provides extra protection, especially if you’re sending luxury or delicate vehicles.

Insurance Coverage: Some companies provide basic insurance, but for higher-value cars, it’s worth considering additional coverage. I once shipped a Honda Accord with minimal insurance, and when minor scratches occurred, I realized I could have been reimbursed for a small premium.

Track Record and Reviews: Online reviews can be mixed, but patterns emerge. I avoided companies that consistently had complaints about delayed delivery or hidden fees.

Experience with Kenyan Ports: Not every US-based shipping company is familiar with Mombasa’s procedures. Companies that have done multiple shipments to Kenya often handle paperwork more efficiently and know how to avoid common pitfalls.

Top Shipping Companies

After testing a few services and speaking with fellow car importers, these companies consistently stood out:

1. CFR Rinkens / CFR Shipping

CFR is a name I kept encountering on import forums and Facebook groups. They specialize in containerized shipping and are known for their detailed handling of documentation. One thing I appreciated about CFR is their willingness to explain customs requirements and port charges in Kenya before the car even left the US.

For my 2017 Toyota Corolla, I opted for a 20-foot container, which cost a bit more than RoRo but gave me peace of mind. The car arrived in Mombasa without a scratch, and the staff even checked the vehicle with me upon delivery.

A small nuance to note: CFR’s pricing can vary depending on the pickup location in the US. Shipping from Miami was cheaper than from New York, which is likely due to port handling and distance to the departure terminal.

2. Spliethoff / Spliethoff Shipping Line

Spliethoff is a Dutch company, but they have agents in the US and Kenya. They’re not the cheapest, but their reliability is impressive. They offer both RoRo and container options and have handled everything from sedans to heavy SUVs.

I remember chatting with an agent in Houston who walked me through how the car’s engine size and age would affect Kenyan customs duties. This level of detail was comforting because it helped me budget properly, something I overlooked during my first shipment.

The only caveat? Booking can be slower during peak months (like December), so early planning is essential.

3. ShipCar Kenya

ShipCar Kenya is a smaller operation, but it’s very focused on the US-Kenya route. I liked them because they offer full-service shipping—pickup in the US, port handling, and even delivery within Nairobi or Mombasa for an extra fee.

Their transparency about charges impressed me. I remember a friend almost lost money with a “hidden fee” situation at another company, but ShipCar Kenya’s upfront quote included port clearing, duties, and documentation. That kind of clarity is rare.

4. Maersk Line

Yes, the giant of global shipping. Maersk might seem intimidating for an individual shipping a single vehicle, but they have experience with personal car shipments. Their containers are secure, and their global network reduces the risk of delays.

I didn’t personally use Maersk for my first shipment, but a colleague did. His 2016 Land Cruiser was containerized from Houston, and it arrived at Mombasa Port exactly on schedule. He did mention that booking required more paperwork upfront, but the tradeoff was reliability.

5. Seven Seas Shipping

Seven Seas is a smaller US-based company specializing in African destinations. They offer both RoRo and container services and are particularly helpful with Kenyan import regulations.

I once consulted them when considering an older SUV with a higher engine capacity. They provided a detailed cost estimate including customs duties, VAT, and port fees, which helped me avoid unpleasant surprises at Mombasa Port.

Insider Tips I Learned

Through my experience and conversations with other importers, a few practical tips emerged:

Track the Car During Transit: Most reputable companies provide tracking numbers. I remember checking mine daily while the car crossed the Atlantic—it added a layer of reassurance.

Document Condition Before Shipping: Photos of scratches, dents, and the mileage save arguments later. I took 30 pictures of my Corolla and kept a timestamped log. When the car arrived, it matched perfectly.

Communicate Frequently: Emails and WhatsApp messages can prevent miscommunication. I found that companies with dedicated Kenya contacts were far easier to deal with.

Consider Port Agents: Even with reliable shipping companies, having a clearing agent in Mombasa helps smooth the import process. I used one agent who guided me through inspection, port fees, and registration—without them, I likely would have waited longer than necessary.

Common Pitfalls

Even with top shipping companies, problems can arise:

Hidden Fees: Some companies quote a base rate but don’t include pickup, storage, or documentation fees. Always ask for a fully itemized quote.

Delays at Mombasa Port: Even the best companies can’t control Kenyan customs. Seasonal backlogs or missing paperwork can stall delivery.

Insurance Gaps: Basic coverage may not account for damage during loading or unloading. Confirm what’s included and consider additional insurance for high-value cars.

My Personal Take

Looking back, I realize that my first shipment was stressful mostly because I underestimated the importance of experience and clarity. The companies I mentioned above are not always the cheapest, but they do a remarkable job of keeping cars safe and guiding you through the paperwork. That peace of mind—trust me—is worth the slightly higher price.

If you’re planning to import a car from the USA to Kenya, start by considering your budget, type of vehicle, and preferred shipping method. Then, choose a company that has a proven track record with Mombasa Port. From my own trial and error, I can confidently say that investing time in research and communication pays off.

Shipping a car overseas may seem daunting at first, but with the right company, it becomes a manageable—and even exciting—part of the journey. After all, there’s a particular satisfaction in seeing your car arrive safely on Kenyan soil, ready to tackle the roads of Nairobi or Mombasa, knowing you did everything possible to ensure it arrived intact.

Published on: Sep 08, 2025

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