How to Pack Barrels for Shipping to Ghana: A Complete Guide

Shipping barrels to Ghana is one of the most cost-effective ways to send goods to your family back home. But how you pack matters — both for protecting your items and making sure you stay within weight limits.

Ready to book? See Barrel Shipping for pricing and how to get started.

Choose the Right Barrel

Standard 55-gallon plastic barrels are the most common choice. They're durable, waterproof, and stack well inside shipping containers. At VoltaHaul, we accept:

55-gallon plastic barrels — best for clothing, dry goods, and household items
Long barrels — ideal for fabric, rugs, and longer items
Extra-large barrels — for bulkier loads

Weight and Limits

Each barrel has a maximum weight limit of 300 lbs. Going over this can result in additional fees or the barrel being held at the warehouse. Use a bathroom scale to weigh as you pack.

What to Pack First

Start with the heaviest, most durable items at the bottom:

Canned goods and dry foods — these are dense and won't crush
Shoes and boots — fill shoe cavities with socks or small items to maximize space
Appliances and electronics — wrap in clothing for padding
Clothing and soft goods — fill every gap toward the top

What NOT to Pack

Certain items are restricted or require special handling:

Liquids — even sealed containers can leak and damage other items
Perishable foods — these won't survive a 14–28 day ocean transit
Flammable materials — prohibited on ocean freight
Currency and valuables — use a separate secure shipment

For the full list of items Ghana Customs prohibits or restricts, see our Prohibited Items guide.

Labeling

Write your name, contact number, and your consignee's name clearly on the outside of the barrel with a permanent marker. We'll also attach a VoltaHaul shipping label, but having your own label provides a backup.

Seal It Properly

Use the original lid and make sure it snaps or screws on securely. Wrap the seal with heavy-duty packing tape as an extra precaution.

Not sure whether ocean or air freight is right for your shipment? Read our Ocean vs. Air Freight comparison guide to decide before you book.

Questions? Chat with our team on WhatsApp or get an instant quote online — we'll confirm the best barrel type and pricing for your shipment.

Choose the Right Barrel

Standard 55-gallon plastic barrels are the most common choice. They're durable, waterproof, and stack well inside shipping containers. At VoltaHaul, we accept:

55-gallon plastic barrels — best for clothing, dry goods, and household items

Long barrels — ideal for fabric, rugs, and longer items

Extra-large barrels — for bulkier loads

What to Pack First

Start with the heaviest, most durable items at the bottom:

Canned goods and dry foods — these are dense and won't crush

Shoes and boots — fill shoe cavities with socks or small items to maximize space

Appliances and electronics — wrap in clothing for padding

Clothing and soft goods — fill every gap toward the top

What NOT to Pack

Certain items are restricted or require special handling:

Liquids — even sealed containers can leak and damage other items

Perishable foods — these won't survive a 14–28 day ocean transit

Flammable materials — prohibited on ocean freight

Currency and valuables — use a separate secure shipment

For the full list of items Ghana Customs prohibits or restricts, see our Prohibited Items guide.

Seal It Properly

Use the original lid and make sure it snaps or screws on securely. Wrap the seal with heavy-duty packing tape as an extra precaution.

Not sure whether ocean or air freight is right for your shipment? Read our Ocean vs. Air Freight comparison guide to decide before you book.

Questions? Chat with our team on WhatsApp or get an instant quote online — we'll confirm the best barrel type and pricing for your shipment.