Ocean & Air Freight Shipping From the United States to Ghana

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. 

What Are the Options for Shipping Freight From the United States to Ghana?

Ocean freight and air freight are your options for shipping goods from the United States to Ghana. 

Ocean Freight 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. 

Air Freight from the United States to Ghana

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. 

How Much Does it Cost to Ship Cargo From the United States to Ghana?

The cost of shipping cargo from the United States to Ghana depends on the following factors: 

• Your choice of ocean or air shipping
• Your preference for door-to-door, port-to-port, port-to-door, or door-to-port shipment
• Your consignment’s weight, volume, and size
• Weight and size limits

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:

How long does it take to ship cargo from the United States to Ghana?

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:

• The shipping season (peak or low)
• Direct or indirect shipment route
• The trade lane's popularity
• Geopolitical instability
• Potential incidents at ports

How long does it take to ship cargo by sea from the United States to Ghana?

Ocean freight from the United States to Ghana will take between 15 to 50 days.

How long does it take to ship cargo by air from the United States to Ghana?

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.

Customs Clearance in the United States and Ghana

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:

• A commercial invoice
• A packing list
• A certificate of origin
• A letter of credit or other payment terms (depending on the contract between the parties involved)
• A bill of lading for ocean freight or an Airway Bill for air freight

Take a look at our full documents list to see examples of each customs clearance requirement. 

Should You Choose Ocean Freight or Air Freight?

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

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. 

Considerations for LCL Freight Shipping

LCL is suitable for you if your cargo is: 

• Small in size and quantity 
• Lightweight
• Suitable for consolidation with cargo belonging to other shippers 
• Not delicate, fragile, or high-value 
• Not requiring special handling or movement 

Considerations for FCL Freight Shipping

FCL is better for you if your cargo is: 

• Large in size and quantity 
• Heavy or overweight
• Not suitable for consolidation with cargo belonging to other shippers 
• Delicate, fragile, or high-value 
• Requiring special handling or movement 

Air Freight

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. 

Ocean Cargo Port Guide

Cargo ports of origin in the United States

Port of Jacksonville

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. 

Port of Baltimore

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. 

Port of Charleston

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. 

Cargo ports of arrival in Ghana

Port of Saltpond

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. 

Port of Tema

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. 

Port of Takoradi

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. 

Air Freight from the United States to Ghana: An airport guide

Airports of origin in the United States

Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport

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. 

Memphis International Airport

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.

Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport

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. 

Airports of arrival in Ghana

Kotoka International Airport 

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.