Shipping across Africa, whether locally or internationally, should be a seamless experience. Yet, navigating different couriers, comparing prices, and understanding the process can be confusing. If you've ever had questions about what you can ship, how much it costs, or how our platform works, you're not alone.
To make shipping smarter, faster, and more confident, we’ve compiled a list of the most common questions our customers ask. Let’s dive in!
1. How Does Terminal Africa Work?
Think of Terminal Africa as your centralised shipping assistant. Instead of the hassle of visiting different courier company offices or websites to compare rates and arrange pickups, you can manage everything from one simple platform.
We have partnered with a network of Africa's best local and international delivery companies. When you place a shipment request on our platform, we connect you with the delivery partner you choose. They will then come to your location to pick up your package and handle the delivery. This process eliminates the stress of finding a reliable courier or negotiating prices—it’s all done for you in one place.
2. How Much Will It Cost to Ship a Package?
Shipping costs are determined by a few key factors:
- The delivery company you select: Our platform provides options from multiple couriers, each with their own pricing structure.
- The distance: The distance between the pickup and delivery addresses is a major cost factor.
- The weight and size of your package: Heavier and larger packages typically cost more to ship.
To give you an accurate estimate before you book, we’ve built an easy-to-use online delivery calculator. Simply enter the package details, and you’ll get an instant price estimate, saving you the guesswork.
3. What If My Package Doesn’t Get Delivered?
Your peace of mind is a top priority for us. If, for any reason, your package is not delivered, you will receive a full refund.
Additionally, if you need to change your mind before the courier picks up the package, you can easily cancel the shipment. The money will be automatically refunded to your Terminal Africa wallet, ready for your next booking.
4. How Do I Book a Delivery on Terminal Africa?
Booking a delivery is a simple, step-by-step process:
- Create a free Terminal Africa account.
- Log in to your dashboard and click on ‘Book Shipment’.
- Enter the sender and receiver details for your package.
- Choose your options: Select your packaging, preferred courier, and add insurance if needed.
- Add item details: Accurately describe what you are shipping.
- Upload any required documents (e.g., invoices or customs papers).
- Pay for your shipment, and you’re done!
Once the booking is confirmed, the courier will be on their way to pick up your package.
5. Can I Get Cheaper Shipping Rates?
Yes, you can! By using Terminal Africa, you are already enjoying lower shipping costs. We have negotiated exclusive, lower rates with many of our courier partners. You don’t need to do anything extra; just sign up and start enjoying the savings from your very first shipment.
6. What Items Can’t I Ship on Terminal Africa?
To ensure safety and compliance, certain items are restricted from being shipped through our platform. Here are some examples of what you cannot ship:
- Perishable foods (e.g., egusi, palm oil, and snails over 2kg)
- Meat or dairy products
- Alcohol or aerosols
- Expensive jewellery (e.g., Rolex watches or gold)
- Cash or cheques
- Counterfeit or fake designer items
- Certain liquids (e.g., honey)
Please note that each courier also has its own list of restricted items. To avoid any issues, it’s always a good practice to check the courier's specific guidelines before you book your shipment.
