Megira Transport & Logistics · Updated 2026-10-19
Moving a container from the coast to Kigali involves the port, the road journey, at least one border and customs clearance. Here is how it typically works, step by step.
1. Arrival and documents
When the vessel arrives, the container is discharged at Dar es Salaam or Mombasa. Your key documents are the bill of lading, commercial invoice and packing list, plus any permits your goods need.
2. Port release and transit entry
Before the container can leave, port charges are settled and transit documentation is lodged — usually by a licensed clearing agent — so the cargo can travel through the transit country under customs control.
3. Collection and the road journey
The container is loaded onto a truck — one container per truck for full loads — and travels the corridor to Rwanda: via Rusumo from Dar es Salaam, or the Northern Corridor from Mombasa. See Dar es Salaam vs Mombasa.
4. Border crossing
At the border, transit documents are checked and the truck continues to its clearance point in Rwanda.
5. Clearance in Rwanda
Import declaration, duties and taxes are processed — often at an inland clearance facility in Kigali. Duties and taxes are set by the revenue authority. See customs clearing in Rwanda.
6. Delivery and empty return
Once released, the container is delivered to your warehouse or site and offloaded. If the container belongs to the shipping line, the empty must usually be returned by an agreed date — plan unloading promptly to avoid extra charges.
How Megira helps
- Collection at Dar es Salaam or Mombasa
- Transit documents and clearance coordinated with licensed agents
- Road transport on Megira trucks
- Delivery and crane offloading at your site
- Milestone updates you can check online
Read about Mombasa to Kigali container transport and Dar es Salaam to Kigali cargo transport, or request a container transport quote.