Shipping from the UK and USA to Nigeria: 7 Ways to Avoid Delays and Unexpected Costs

A good purchase price does not always mean a low shipping cost. Before ordering, ask the seller for the packed weight and box dimensions, then request an estimate for your destination in Nigeria.

Tell the shipping team what the item is, how many you are buying and whether it is for personal use or resale. Ask what the estimate includes and what could be charged separately. See our shipping FAQs.

The weight shown on a retailer's website may describe the product alone. The complete parcel also includes its box and protective packaging.

Bulky items can also attract volumetric weight charges. This measures the space a parcel occupies rather than just what it weighs on a scale. Depending on the service, the higher of actual and volumetric weight may determine the charge.

Ask County Cargo which calculation applies to your shipment. Do not assume a lightweight product will always be inexpensive to send.

Before checkout, copy the shipping address supplied through your County Cargo account or by the team. Include your name and any customer reference exactly as instructed.

Keep the retailer's order confirmation and tracking number. If several sellers are sending separate parcels, maintain a list so you can check that every package has been accounted for.

A retailer marking a parcel as delivered does not, by itself, confirm that it has been processed and booked for international departure.

Ask when your parcel must arrive, what processing is required and when payment must be completed for the intended shipment. Allow time between retailer delivery and international departure.

Avoid vague descriptions such as "personal items" when your parcel contains several different products. Prepare a clear list of the contents, quantities and purchase values, and keep the receipts available.

If you are sending electronics, liquids, batteries or anything you are unsure about, contact the team before purchasing or dispatching it. Confirm whether the item can travel on your chosen service and whether supporting documents or special packaging are needed.

Retail packaging may not provide enough protection for an international journey. Ask the seller to secure fragile goods so they cannot move around inside the box.

For cookware, glassware and similar items, pay particular attention to lids, handles and separate components. Request suitable cushioning and a strong outer carton. If the original packaging must be retained for resale, explain this before any repacking is arranged.

Photographs taken before dispatch can help document the item's condition and packaging, although they cannot guarantee against damage.

Confirm the destination city, recipient's telephone number and agreed collection or delivery arrangement before the shipment departs. Ask whether onward transport is included in the quote.

When collecting, check the number of packages and inspect their condition. Report any concern promptly, keeping the packaging, photographs and shipment reference available. Read County Cargo's shipment guidance.