iContainers is an online logistics platform optimized to help your business easily access the global trade environment. We digitalize international freight forwarding services to simplify global logistics & facilitate trade.
As one of the largest economies in the world, the United States is constantly expanding its trade relationships. Ghana is an attractive partner in Africa, owing to its robust growth and political stability.
In 2022, the United States exported $975 million worth of goods to Ghana, up 1.9% from the previous year. The trade relationship between the United States and Ghana spans various industries, from agriculture to energy and technology.
If you want to ship goods from the United States to Ghana, here is your complete guide to your ocean and air freight shipping options.
Ocean freight and air freight are your options for shipping goods from the United States to Ghana.
Ocean freight is the most budget-friendly way to ship goods from the United States to Ghana. Plus, it can accommodate almost any type of cargo you need to transport, not to mention offering you two modes of container shipping: less than container load (LCL) and full container load (FCL).
LCL is used by shippers of small cargo. Here, their goods are consolidated with shipments from other sellers and shipped together in one container. LCL is cost-efficient because each shipper only pays for the space their goods occupy.
FCL, on the other hand, is used by shippers of larger cargo. They rent the space in an entire container for their goods alone, offering them more control and security for their shipment. While more expensive than LCL, FCL can provide value for money for large shipments.
Another way to ship goods from the United States to Ghana is air freight, the fastest but most expensive mode of international shipping. Because of its speed and security, this mode is preferred by shippers for time-sensitive, perishable, and high-value goods.
The cost of shipping cargo from the United States to Ghana depends on the following factors:
To estimate your shipping costs, use our online freight costs calculator. The table below also shows the current cost of shipping a standard 20-foot container from the United States to Ghana:
TRADE LANE RATES
The transit time for goods shipped from the United States to Ghana depends mainly on the international shipping mode you select. Additional factors influencing the transit time are:
Ocean freight from the United States to Ghana will take between 15 to 50 days.
Air freight from the United States to Ghana only takes 2 to 8 days.
For the most accurate estimate, we recommend using our transit time calculator.
When goods from the U.S. arrive in Ghana, they will go through the customs clearance process. This should be quick and easy, provided you have prepared and submitted the following documents:
Take a look at our full documents list to see examples of each customs clearance requirement.
When choosing whether to ship by sea or by air, consider your needs, priorities, and cargo requirements. Here are some pointers to help you make the right decision.
Ocean freight is best for you if you value cost efficiency and flexibility. It can accommodate any type of cargo you need to ship and offers two choices for container shipping.
LCL is suitable for you if your cargo is:
FCL is better for you if your cargo is:
You may also consider shipping by air, mainly if your goal is to get your goods from the United States to Ghana quickly. Air freight, with a maximum transit time of 2-8 business days, is preferred by shippers for time-sensitive and perishable goods. Its stricter processes and regulations also ensure security for high-value shipments.
It’s worth noting, however, that air freight is the most expensive international shipping mode. It also cannot accommodate all types of cargo, and there is a long list of restricted and prohibited goods for air shipping.
The Port of Jacksonville is a Panamax port that can accommodate a fully laden Panamax ship. It is home to essential terminals such as APM and Global Container, which allows it to handle a wide range of goods, from automobiles to raw materials.
The Port of Baltimore is situated in the U.S. State of Maryland and is one of the major seaports on the U.S. East Coast. It is the thirteenth busiest container port in the country, handling over 1 million TEUs per year.
The Port of Charleston is located in South Carolina, United States. It’s the eighth busiest container facility in the U.S. The port has five public terminals that handle containers, motor vehicles, and cruise ships. It’s famous for its environmentally friendly and efficient operations.
The Port of Saltpond is in Saltpond, south of Ghana, near the Gulf of Guinea. As a deep seaport, it has an anchorage depth of 12.5 to 13.8 meters.
The Port of Tema is on Ghana’s east coast. It’s the country’s biggest and premier port, spanning 3.9 million square meters. The port receives 1,650 ships annually, including container ships, general cargo-laden vessels, ro-ro, tankers, and cruise ships.
The Port of Takoradi is located in Western Ghana. It was the nation’s first commercial port, operating in 1928. The port is vital in Ghana’s mining and consumer products trade. It has excellent road and rail links to the rest of Ghana.
The Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is located in the U.S. state of Alaska, 8 kilometers southwest of downtown Anchorage. It is a major cargo hub and is named the fourth-busiest U.S. airport by cargo traffic.
The Memphis International Airport is a civil-military airport located 7 miles southeast of Downtown Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee, USA. It is the primary international airport that serves the state of Memphis.
The Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, also known as the Louisville International Airport, is a civil-military airport located in Louisville, Jefferson County, Kentucky, USA. It spans 1,500 acres and boasts three runways.
The Kotoka International Airport is located in Accra, the capital city of Ghana. It is the only airport in the region and is owned and operated by Ghana Airports Company Limited. The airport is a hub for Africa World Airlines, Passion Air, Ghana Airways, and more.
About Us
Shipping cargo involves many factors, such as the season, the size of the shipment, the shipping method, and the origin and destination.
With extensive industry experience, iContainers offers traditional freight forwarding services enhanced with modern technology for customer convenience. Our digital platform lets you manage your entire shipment—from requesting a quote to booking and tracking your cargo—all from your mobile device.
Contact us anytime for a free quote. We are always ready to provide you with the information you need.