Auto parts and vehicle shipping you can rely on
The automotive industry needs fast, reliable movement of parts and vehicles. Gelle Transport ships auto parts, tyres, garage equipment and vehicles in the United States and from the USA to Kenya.
The challenge for automotive shippers
Vehicles exported to Kenya must meet KEBS standards, including the age limit and right-hand-drive requirement.
What we move
- Vehicles
- Auto parts and components
- Tyres
- Garage equipment
Automotive freight in the United States
In the US we move automotive parts and components between suppliers, distribution centres and dealers, including expedited loads when a production line or repair shop is waiting.
Exporting automotive cargo from the USA to Kenya
Car shipping from the USA to Kenya is one of the most common questions we receive. Vehicles travel in containers or on roll-on/roll-off vessels to Mombasa, followed by inspection and clearance. Auto parts for Kenyan garages and dealers are often shipped by air when urgent or consolidated by sea.
Compliance and handling
Kenya generally allows vehicles up to 8 years from the year of first registration and requires right-hand-drive for ordinary road use. Imported vehicles must pass KEBS inspection. Check eligibility before buying.
FTL, LTL or intermodal: choosing the right option
| Full truckload (FTL) | Less than truckload (LTL) | Intermodal | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical size | About 10+ pallets, or a full trailer | 1–6 pallets | Full container or trailer |
| Handling | Direct, no transfers | Shared trailer, terminal transfers | Truck to rail to truck |
| Speed | Fastest door to door | Slower, depends on network | Competitive on long lanes |
| Best for | Large, fragile or urgent freight | Small, palletised shipments | Long-distance, cost-sensitive freight |
How to prepare your freight
Air freight vs sea freight to Kenya
| Air freight | Sea freight | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical door-to-door time | About 5–10 days | About 4–7 weeks |
| Arrival point | JKIA, Nairobi | Port of Mombasa (and Nairobi/Naivasha ICDs by rail) |
| How it is priced | Per kg of chargeable weight (actual or volumetric, whichever is greater) | Per cubic metre (LCL) or per 20ft/40ft container (FCL) |
| Best for | Urgent, light, compact and high-value goods | Heavy, bulky and high-volume cargo, vehicles and household moves |
| Watch out for | Batteries, aerosols and dangerous goods are restricted | Port storage charges if documents are not ready on arrival |
Documents you will need
Requirements depend on what you ship, but most consignments to Kenya need the following:
- Commercial invoice — description and value of every item
- Packing list — itemised contents, weights and dimensions
- Bill of lading or air waybill — issued for the main transport leg
- Importer’s KRA PIN — the receiver’s Kenya Revenue Authority PIN
- Certificate of Conformity — for goods covered by the KEBS PVoC programme
- ID / passport copy — of the shipper and receiver
Regulated goods (food, medicines, chemicals, vehicles, some electronics) may need extra approvals from the relevant Kenyan agency. Ask us before you buy or ship. See our guide: documents required to import goods into Kenya.
Our process
- 01
Understand your freight
Products, volumes, schedules and any special handling or regulatory requirements.
- 02
Plan the right mode
Truckload, LTL or intermodal in the US; air or ocean for Kenya.
- 03
Move and monitor
On-time pickup, secure transport and proactive updates from dispatch.
- 04
Deliver and confirm
Proof of delivery in the US; clearance coordination and delivery in Kenya.
Why automotive businesses choose Gelle Transport
One partner
US trucking and Kenya-bound freight with the same team.
Safety first
Secure load restraint and careful handling.
Diverse supplier
Woman- and minority-owned — supports supplier diversity goals.
Auto parts and vehicle shipping FAQs
Do you provide auto parts and vehicle shipping in the USA?
Yes. We offer FTL, LTL, dedicated, expedited and intermodal freight from our Kansas City base across the continental US.
Can you ship Automotive cargo from the USA to Kenya?
Yes, by air to Nairobi or by sea to Mombasa, with delivery across Kenya, subject to any permits the goods require.
What documents are required?
Usually a commercial invoice, packing list and transport document, plus product-specific certificates or permits. Kenya generally allows vehicles up to 8 years from the year of first registration and requires right-hand-drive for ordinary road use. Imported vehicles must pass KEBS inspection. Check eligibility before buying.
Can you handle recurring Automotive freight?
Yes — ask about dedicated capacity on your regular lanes or scheduled consolidations to Kenya.
How do I get a quote?
Use our quote form, WhatsApp us or call +1 (816) 482-2607.