Logistics & Export Terms
Professional export management from farm to port. AAI Grains handles containerized shipping, documentation, and customs coordination for seamless international delivery.
Our Shipping Capabilities
AAI Grains manages the complete logistics process—from warehouse to international delivery. We coordinate with vetted shipping partners, handling all containerization, documentation, and port procedures to ensure safe, timely arrival of your agricultural products.
Our logistics network covers major ports in Nigeria and partners with international shipping lines to reach 27+ countries across Europe, Asia, Middle East, and Africa.
20ft & 40ft Containers
Full container load (FCL) and less-than-container load (LCL) options
Professional Packaging
Industry-standard jute bags, polypropylene sacks, and moisture protection
Temperature Control
Refrigerated containers available for temperature-sensitive products
Understanding FOB & CIF
AAI Grains offers flexibility in Incoterms, allowing you to choose the shipping arrangement that best fits your business model and logistics needs.
FOB (Free on Board)
Seller's Responsibility Ends at Port
What's Included
- ✓ Product sourcing and quality assurance
- ✓ Professional packaging
- ✓ Loading into container at warehouse
- ✓ Transport to port
- ✓ Port handling and documentation
- ✓ Loading onto vessel
Buyer's Responsibility
- • Ocean freight and insurance
- • Unloading at destination port
- • Import clearance and duties
- • Transportation to final destination
Best for: Buyers with established shipping networks, strong import experience, and preference for cost control
CIF (Cost, Insurance & Freight)
Seller Handles Transport to Destination Port
What's Included
- ✓ Product sourcing and quality assurance
- ✓ Professional packaging
- ✓ Warehouse to port transport
- ✓ Port handling and documentation
- ✓ Ocean freight arranged by seller
- ✓ Cargo insurance
- ✓ Delivery to destination port
Buyer's Responsibility
- • Unloading at destination port
- • Import clearance and duties
- • Final destination transportation
- • Risk after delivery to port
Best for: Buyers preferring hassle-free delivery, first-time importers, and those wanting AAI to coordinate all shipping
Incoterms Comparison Table
| Aspect | FOB | CIF |
|---|---|---|
| Price Includes | Product + port loading | Product + shipping + insurance |
| Typical Cost Difference | Lower base cost | Higher all-inclusive cost |
| Shipping Control | Buyer arranges | AAI arranges |
| Risk Transfer Point | Nigerian port | Destination port |
| Insurance | Buyer arranges | AAI arranges |
| Documentation | AAI provides | AAI handles all |
Container Shipping Specifications
20ft Container (TEU)
Internal Dimensions
5.87m (L) × 2.35m (W) × 2.38m (H)
Capacity
33 cubic meters volume
Weight Limit
Payload: ~18 metric tons
Typical Load
16-18 tons of agricultural products (grains, legumes, roots)
Cost Range
USD $1,500 - $2,500 (Nigeria to Europe)
40ft Container (FEU)
Internal Dimensions
12.02m (L) × 2.35m (W) × 2.38m (H)
Capacity
67 cubic meters volume
Weight Limit
Payload: ~27 metric tons
Typical Load
24-27 tons of agricultural products (larger orders)
Cost Range
USD $2,500 - $4,000 (Nigeria to Europe)
Container Features & Standards
Standard Features
- ✓
Dry Sealed Containers: Climate controlled, pest-proof, moisture-resistant
- ✓
Food-Grade Storage: Certified clean containers, no previous hazardous cargo
- ✓
Tracking Technology: GPS and container sealing for security
- ✓
Ventilation: Proper airflow to maintain product quality during transit
Packaging & Loading
- ✓
Jute Bags: 50kg standard capacity, food-grade quality
- ✓
Polypropylene Sacks: Moisture barrier protection
- ✓
Pallet Stacking: Secure arrangement to prevent damage and maximize space
- ✓
Documentation Labels: Weight, product type, origin clearly marked on every unit
Nigerian Export Ports
AAI Grains utilizes Nigeria's major ports for efficient container loading and international shipment.
Apapa Port (Port of Lagos)
Nigeria's busiest and largest container terminal, located in Lagos
Capacity
Handles 2M+ TEU annually
Container Handling
Modern equipment, 24/7 operations
International Routes
Direct connections to Europe, Asia, America
Processing Time
5-7 days for container loading & dispatch
Tin Can Island Terminal
Major container terminal in Lagos with comprehensive import/export services
Capacity
Handles 1M+ TEU annually
Specialization
Agricultural products, grains, dry goods
Facilities
Modern storage, temperature control, security systems
Processing Time
4-6 days for documentation & loading
Port Services & Documentation
Customs Clearance
AAI manages all customs documentation, NOC/COO, and port filing requirements
Container Sealing
Official customs seals applied, tracking numbers provided, security verified
Discharge & Billing
Container discharged, bills of lading issued, port charges settled
Export Documentation
Documents We Provide
Commercial Invoice
Itemized pricing, product description, and total shipment value
Bill of Lading (B/L)
Shipping contract, proof of shipment, consignment tracking
Packing List
Container contents, weight, dimensions, bag quantities
Certificate of Origin
Proof that products originate from Nigeria
Phytosanitary Certificate
Pest-free certification from NAQS
SGS Quality Certificate
Quality and inspection verification
Regulatory Documentation
NAFDAC Compliance
Food safety and quality certification
Customs Declaration
HS Code classification and tariff information
Import Licenses (if required)
Market-specific import permits and approval documents
Traceability Documentation
Farm-to-port supply chain records
Laboratory Test Reports
Moisture, purity, contamination, and safety analysis
Insurance Certificate (CIF only)
Cargo insurance coverage details
Export Timeline
From order confirmation to international delivery, here's what to expect.
Order Confirmation & Arrangement (1-2 days)
Buyer and AAI finalize order details, quantity, price, delivery terms (FOB/CIF), and destination
Product Sourcing & Warehouse Loading (3-5 days)
Products sourced from suppliers, quality-checked, and loaded into warehouse pending inspection
SGS Inspection & Testing (2-3 days)
SGS conducts on-site testing and laboratory analysis; samples sent for detailed certification
Containerization & Packaging (1-2 days)
Products packed in food-grade containers (jute bags/polypropylene), loaded into containers
Customs Documentation & Port Coordination (2-3 days)
All export documents prepared, customs cleared, phytosanitary certificates obtained
Port Loading & Departure (2-4 days)
Container transported to port, officially loaded onto vessel, tracking details provided
Transit (15-40 days depending on destination)
Ocean transit to destination port; buyer receives shipping updates and tracking information
Port Arrival & Delivery (3-7 days)
Container arrives at destination port; buyer arranges unloading and import clearance
Total Timeline Estimate
14-17 days
Order to Port Departure
(In-country processing)
15-40 days
Ocean Transit
(Varies by destination)
3-7 days
Port to Final Delivery
(Buyer's arrangement)
Total expected delivery: 32-64 days depending on destination and ocean routing
Ready to Export?
Request a quote today and let AAI Grains handle all logistics, documentation, and delivery. From container loading to international port, we've got you covered.