Have you purchased a refrigerated van, freezer van or chiller van in the United Kingdom and need reliable shipping to Nigeria?
Britannia Export Consultants arranges refrigerated van shipping from the UK to Nigeria, including vehicle collection, transport to port, UK export customs, RoRo booking and shipping documentation.
We can arrange shipping for refrigerated commercial vehicles purchased from:
- UK van dealers
- Refrigerated vehicle specialists
- Commercial vehicle auctions
- Leasing companies
- Fleet operators
- Supermarket fleets
- Catering companies
- Pharmaceutical transport companies
- Food distribution businesses
- Private sellers
You do not have to use the vehicle seller’s own shipping service.
You can purchase the refrigerated van from any UK dealer or auction and appoint us independently to arrange the export shipment to Nigeria.
Independent Refrigerated Van Shipping from the UK
The United Kingdom has a large market for used refrigerated vans and temperature-controlled commercial vehicles.
Vehicles commonly available include:
- Refrigerated panel vans
- Freezer vans
- Chiller vans
- Insulated vans
- Dual-compartment refrigerated vans
- Multi-temperature vans
- Refrigerated box vans
- Catering delivery vans
- Pharmaceutical transport vans
- Frozen-food delivery vehicles
- Refrigerated pickup trucks
- Small refrigerated trucks
Popular base vehicles include:
- Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
- Ford Transit
- Volkswagen Crafter
- Iveco Daily
- Renault Master
- Peugeot Boxer
- Citroën Relay
- Fiat Ducato
- Vauxhall Movano
- Nissan NV400
- Toyota Proace
- Volkswagen Transporter
- Ford Transit Custom
- Mercedes-Benz Vito
We can arrange shipment whether the vehicle was purchased from a refrigerated van dealer, commercial auction or ordinary used-vehicle seller.
UK Refrigerated Van Collection
Your refrigerated van does not need to be located near the export port.
We can investigate collection from sellers throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Collection may be arranged from locations including:
- London
- Birmingham
- Manchester
- Liverpool
- Leeds
- Sheffield
- Bristol
- Southampton
- Portsmouth
- Nottingham
- Leicester
- Coventry
- Peterborough
- Norwich
- Newcastle
- Glasgow
- Edinburgh
- Cardiff
- Belfast
Depending on the vehicle’s location and condition, collection may be arranged by:
- Vehicle transporter
- Recovery truck
- Flatbed transporter
- Low-loader trailer
Before collection, the seller must confirm that the van is fully paid for and ready for release.
RoRo Shipping of Refrigerated Vans to Nigeria
RoRo shipping is usually the most practical method for transporting a complete refrigerated van from the UK to Nigeria.
RoRo means roll-on/roll-off.
The van is driven or towed onto the vessel at the UK port and discharged at the Nigerian destination terminal.
RoRo shipping may be suitable for:
- Running refrigerated vans
- Freezer vans
- Chiller vans
- Insulated delivery vans
- Refrigerated box vans
- Catering vans
- Pharmaceutical delivery vans
- Temperature-controlled minibuses
- Small refrigerated trucks
The vehicle must meet the shipping carrier and terminal’s acceptance requirements.
Container Shipping for Refrigerated Vans
Container shipping may be considered for smaller vans or dismantled refrigeration equipment.
However, many full-size refrigerated vans are too tall or wide for a standard container.
Possible container options include:
- 20-foot container
- 40-foot container
- 40-foot high-cube container
- Flat-rack container
- Open-top container
Before recommending container shipping, we need the vehicle’s exact:
- Length
- Width
- Height
- Weight
For most complete commercial vans, RoRo shipping is usually simpler than container loading.
Shipping Refrigerated Vans to Lagos
Lagos is a major destination for used commercial vehicles imported into Nigeria.
We can arrange shipping enquiries for refrigerated vans destined for Lagos or the available Nigerian discharge terminal shown on the carrier’s booking.
Typical vehicles shipped to Nigeria include:
- Frozen-food delivery vans
- Meat transport vans
- Fish delivery vans
- Dairy distribution vehicles
- Ice cream vans
- Supermarket delivery vans
- Catering vehicles
- Medical and pharmaceutical vans
- Cold-chain distribution vehicles
The exact Nigerian terminal and release procedure depend on the shipping carrier and final Bill of Lading.
Refrigerated Van Shipping to Tin Can Island
Depending on the available carrier service, the destination may be described as Lagos, Tin Can Island or another named terminal within the Lagos port area.
The confirmed destination must appear correctly on:
- Shipping booking
- Export documentation
- Bill of Lading
- Commercial invoice
- Destination clearance documents
Customers should not assume that every UK-to-Nigeria shipment uses the same terminal.
The available destination is confirmed when the shipping quotation is prepared.
Which UK Ports Can Be Used?
The most suitable UK loading port depends on:
- Vehicle location
- Nigerian destination
- Vessel schedule
- Carrier availability
- Port acceptance
- Collection cost
- Vehicle dimensions
- Vehicle condition
Possible UK departure ports may include:
- Tilbury
- Sheerness
- Southampton
- Bristol
- Liverpool
- Immingham
- Killingholme
- Other available UK RoRo terminals
The nearest port is not always the cheapest or fastest option.
We compare inland collection costs with the available shipping route before recommending a solution.
Refrigerated Van Export Customs from the UK
Vehicles leaving the United Kingdom normally require export customs documentation.
We can help coordinate the export process using the vehicle purchase documents and buyer details.
Documents commonly required include:
- Purchase invoice
- V5C registration document
- Buyer’s full name and address
- Buyer’s company details, when applicable
- Seller’s full details
- Vehicle registration number
- Chassis or VIN number
- Passport or identification copy
- Collection authorisation
- Export customs information
- Power of attorney where required
Additional documents may be needed depending on the seller, vehicle ownership and shipping route.
Incomplete paperwork can delay port delivery or cause the van to miss the intended vessel.
Refrigeration Unit Details Required
A refrigerated van is not the same as an ordinary cargo van.
When requesting a quotation, provide information about the refrigeration system, including:
- Refrigeration-unit manufacturer
- Refrigeration-unit model
- Diesel or electric operation
- Mains standby capability
- Chiller or freezer specification
- Single-temperature or multi-temperature body
- Operating temperature
- Insulated body type
- Refrigeration-unit location
- Overall height including refrigeration equipment
Common refrigeration-unit brands may include:
- Thermo King
- Carrier
- GAH
- Hubbard
- Zanotti
- Frigoblock
- Webasto
- Dirna
The shipping carrier may request additional information if the refrigeration system has a separate fuel tank or battery.
Accurate Vehicle Dimensions
RoRo shipping rates for refrigerated vans may be calculated using the vehicle’s overall dimensions.
We require:
- Overall length
- Maximum width
- Overall height
- Vehicle weight
The overall height must include:
- Roof-mounted refrigeration units
- Condensers
- Air deflectors
- Roof vents
- Warning lights
- Aerials
- Other permanent fittings
The basic cubic-volume calculation is:
Length × width × height = cubic metres
For example:
6.90 m × 2.20 m × 3.10 m = 47.06 m³
Incorrect dimensions can result in a revised shipping charge or port delay.
Refrigerated Van Condition Requirements
A running refrigerated van should normally:
- Start using its own battery
- Drive under its own power
- Steer correctly
- Brake correctly
- Have inflated tyres
- Have no major fluid leaks
- Be safe for terminal handling
- Have enough fuel for port movements
The refrigeration unit does not necessarily need to be operating during the sea voyage, but its condition must be declared accurately.
Customers should confirm whether the refrigeration system:
- Starts correctly
- Cools properly
- Reaches freezer temperature
- Runs from the vehicle engine
- Has electric standby
- Has a separate diesel engine
- Has warning lights or fault codes
- Has service history
We arrange shipping, but buyers should inspect or independently verify the refrigeration system before purchase.
Shipping Non-Running Refrigerated Vans
Non-running refrigerated vans may sometimes be accepted, subject to approval.
Tell us immediately if the van:
- Does not start
- Does not drive
- Cannot steer
- Has defective brakes
- Has flat tyres
- Has accident damage
- Has missing parts
- Has serious fluid leaks
- Requires towing
- Requires lifting equipment
Additional terminal handling charges may apply.
A non-running refrigerated van must never be declared as running to obtain a lower rate.
Incorrect information can result in refusal, additional charges or a missed vessel.
Can Goods Be Loaded Inside the Refrigerated Van?
Shipping carriers and terminals may restrict loose cargo, spare parts and personal goods inside vehicles.
Do not load the refrigerated compartment with:
- Food products
- Frozen goods
- Spare engines
- Gearboxes
- Tyres
- Batteries
- Commercial merchandise
- Personal belongings
- Refrigeration spare parts
unless written approval has been obtained.
Any additional cargo may need to be:
- Declared separately
- Listed on the invoice
- Included in export customs documents
- Properly secured
- Inspected by the terminal
- Charged separately
Undeclared cargo can cause customs delays, terminal refusal or destination-clearance problems.
Buying a Refrigerated Van from a UK Dealer
Before buying a refrigerated van, confirm:
- Vehicle make and model
- Registration year
- Mileage
- Engine condition
- Gearbox condition
- V5C availability
- MOT status
- Refrigeration-unit make
- Refrigeration-unit model
- Cooling temperature
- Electric standby operation
- Body condition
- Insulation condition
- Rear-door condition
- Side-door condition
- Vehicle dimensions
- Vehicle weight
Ask the seller for clear photographs and a video showing the refrigeration unit operating.
Where possible, request evidence of the internal temperature reached by the unit.
Refrigerated Van Inspection Before Export
A refrigerated van can appear mechanically sound while having an expensive refrigeration fault.
Before purchase, consider checking:
- Compressor operation
- Condenser condition
- Evaporator condition
- Refrigerant leaks
- Control-panel faults
- Temperature sensors
- Door seals
- Insulated body damage
- Floor condition
- Drainage system
- Electric standby cable
- Separate diesel engine
- Service records
Refrigeration repairs can be costly, particularly when parts are unavailable at the destination.
An independent inspection may reduce the risk of purchasing a defective vehicle.
Freezer Van Shipping from the UK to Nigeria
We arrange shipping enquiries for freezer vans designed to transport:
- Frozen meat
- Fish
- Poultry
- Ice cream
- Frozen vegetables
- Processed foods
- Medical products
- Temperature-sensitive cargo
Freezer vans normally have thicker insulation and more powerful refrigeration systems than ordinary chiller vans.
Their roof-mounted equipment may also increase the overall shipping height.
Accurate measurements are essential before booking.
Chiller Van Shipping to Nigeria
Chiller vans are commonly used for:
- Fresh meat
- Dairy products
- Fruit and vegetables
- Catering supplies
- Drinks
- Flowers
- Pharmaceuticals
- Supermarket deliveries
Chiller vehicles generally operate above freezing temperature.
When requesting a quotation, state whether the vehicle is a chiller, freezer or dual-temperature van.
Pharmaceutical Refrigerated Van Shipping
Temperature-controlled vans used for medical or pharmaceutical distribution may also be shipped to Nigeria.
These vehicles may contain:
- Temperature recorders
- Specialist insulation
- Backup power systems
- Multi-zone cooling
- Security systems
- Monitoring equipment
Any batteries, fuel systems or specialist equipment should be declared before booking.
Bill of Lading for Refrigerated Van Shipments
After the vehicle has been loaded, the shipping carrier prepares a draft Bill of Lading.
The document normally includes:
- Shipper details
- Consignee details
- Notify-party details
- Vehicle make and model
- Registration number
- Chassis or VIN number
- Port of loading
- Port of discharge
- Vessel and voyage details
- Cargo description
The draft must be checked carefully before final issue.
Errors can cause:
- Amendment fees
- Delayed cargo release
- Nigerian customs problems
- Port-storage charges
- Documentation disputes
We verify the draft shipping details and send them to the customer for confirmation.
Marine Cargo Insurance
Marine cargo insurance may be arranged upon request, subject to the van’s value, age, condition and insurer’s terms.
The purchase invoice is normally required to establish the insured value.
Customers should request insurance before the vehicle is shipped.
Ocean freight alone does not necessarily provide full protection against every possible loss or damage.
Shipping Several Refrigerated Vans to Nigeria
We can coordinate single vehicles or multiple refrigerated vans purchased from different UK sellers.
For example:
- Two freezer vans purchased in London
- A chiller van purchased in Birmingham
- A refrigerated Sprinter purchased in Manchester
- A refrigerated Transit purchased in Leeds
- A refrigerated box van purchased in Glasgow
Each vehicle requires its own:
- VIN or chassis number
- Registration details
- Dimensions
- Purchase invoice
- Condition information
- Export documentation
We can coordinate collection and delivery to the selected UK export port.
Who Uses Refrigerated Vans in Nigeria?
Refrigerated vans may be suitable for:
- Food importers
- Frozen-food distributors
- Butchers
- Fish suppliers
- Poultry businesses
- Supermarkets
- Hotels
- Restaurants
- Catering companies
- Pharmaceutical distributors
- Hospitals
- Medical suppliers
- Cold-chain logistics companies
- Agricultural cooperatives
- Dairy businesses
A reliable refrigerated vehicle can support local and regional distribution of temperature-sensitive goods.
Why Use Britannia Export Consultants?
Britannia Export Consultants specialises in the international shipment of commercial vehicles and machinery.
Our refrigerated-van shipping service may include:
- Fast shipping quotations
- Independent vehicle collection
- UK dealer coordination
- Transport to the export port
- UK export customs
- RoRo vessel booking
- Container-shipping options
- Port-delivery instructions
- Shipping-document support
- Draft Bill of Lading verification
- Marine insurance upon request
We assist private buyers, vehicle dealers, cold-chain businesses and regular Nigerian importers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you ship a refrigerated van from the UK to Nigeria?
Yes. We can arrange collection, UK export customs and RoRo or container shipping, subject to carrier acceptance.
Can you collect the van from a UK dealer?
Yes. Collection can be investigated from dealers, auctions, workshops and fleet operators throughout the UK.
Can you ship a freezer van to Lagos?
Yes. Freezer vans can normally be shipped by RoRo when they meet the carrier’s acceptance requirements.
Can you ship a chiller van to Nigeria?
Yes. We arrange shipping enquiries for chiller vans, insulated vans and temperature-controlled commercial vehicles.
Does the refrigeration unit need to work?
The shipping carrier may accept the vehicle even if the refrigeration unit is defective, but its condition must be declared accurately.
Can you test the refrigeration unit?
We arrange shipping. A separate vehicle or refrigeration inspection should be requested before purchase where necessary.
Can a non-running refrigerated van be shipped?
Possibly. The exact condition must be declared and approved before collection or port delivery.
Can goods be loaded inside the van?
Only with carrier and terminal approval. Undeclared cargo may cause refusal or customs delays.
How is the shipping rate calculated?
The quotation depends on the vehicle’s dimensions, weight, collection location, port, condition and available vessel service.
Can you arrange export customs from the UK?
Yes, subject to receiving the required purchase, registration and buyer documents.
Can you ship several refrigerated vans?
Yes. We can coordinate multiple vehicles purchased from the same seller or different UK dealers.
Request a Refrigerated Van Shipping Quote
Already purchased a refrigerated van, freezer van or chiller van in the UK?
Send us:
- Vehicle make and model
- Registration number
- Chassis or VIN number
- Seller’s collection address
- Overall length
- Overall width
- Overall height
- Vehicle weight
- Running condition
- Refrigeration-unit details
- Clear photographs
- Purchase invoice, when available
- Preferred destination in Nigeria
We will assess the collection, export customs and available shipping route.
Bought a refrigerated van in the UK? We collect it from the seller and arrange independent shipping to Nigeria.
Contact Britannia Export Consultants for a personalised refrigerated-van shipping quotation.
Contact us today for transport, shipping options and quote.
📲 WhatsApp: +44 7909 208 772 / +351 91 051 1893
📩 Email: info@britanniaexport.com
Website: https://www.britanniaexport.com
Shipping information: https://www.britanniaexport.com/pages/shipping
Need a truck, tractor unit, trailer or machinery as well?
Britannia Export also supplies used left-hand-drive trucks, tractor units, trailers, farm tractors, machinery and spare parts from Portugal and Europe. Ask for current stock available for export together with your shipping quote.
