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Barrel Shipping

Pack a Barrel.
Send It Home to Ghana.

The classic way Ghanaian families ship goods home — fill a 55-gallon drum with clothing, food, and household items, and we handle the rest.

From $200 per barrel
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Standard Barrel Dimensions

VoltaHaul accepts standard 55-gallon HDPE plastic drums.

Volume
55 gallons (208 L)
Height
∼35 inches (89 cm)
Diameter
∼23 inches (58 cm)
Max weight
250 lbs recommended

How to Pack Like a Pro

How you pack determines how much fits and how safely it arrives.

⬇️
Heaviest items on the bottom — canned goods, shoes, small appliances.
🌀
Roll clothing tightly and pack it around fragile items as padding.
🧩
Fill every gap — stuff socks and underwear into every void to prevent shifting.
💧
Keep liquids sealed and upright, taped around the cap as a secondary seal.
Seal the lid with heavy-duty packing tape around the full seam.
🏷️
Label the outside with your name, phone, and your recipient's name and contact.

For the full step-by-step guide, read How to Pack Barrels for Shipping to Ghana.

How It Works

1
Get an estimate and book your barrel shipment online.
2
Pack your barrel using our guidelines above — heaviest at the bottom, no empty space.
3
Drop off your sealed barrel at any VoltaHaul location, or schedule a pickup.
4
We consolidate barrels into the next ocean freight departure.
5
Customs clearance at Tema Port — your recipient collects or we arrange last-mile delivery.

What's Included

✓ Ocean freight (barrel shipment)
✓ Bill of lading
✓ Real-time tracking
✓ Customs documentation
✓ Customs broker at Tema Port
✗ Ghana import duties (paid at Tema)
✗ Last-mile delivery (add door-to-door)
✗ Cargo insurance (available on request)

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I buy a barrel?

Standard 55-gallon blue drums are available at many US-based Africa-focused shipping stores and online (Amazon, Walmart). Look for HDPE plastic drums with a removable lid and locking ring. VoltaHaul does not sell barrels directly, but our team can recommend local suppliers.

Can I mix food and clothing in the same barrel?

Yes — mixing non-perishable food and clothing in the same barrel is common. Keep food items in sealed bags or containers. Do not mix liquids with clothing. Fresh produce, meat, and perishables are not allowed under any circumstances.

What's not allowed in a barrel?

Fresh or frozen food, alcohol, prescription medication, weapons, cash, jewelry, and any item on Ghana Customs' prohibited list. See the Prohibited Items guide for the full list.

How many barrels can I ship at once?

There is no strict limit for personal shipments. Shipping two or more identical items (e.g., two of the same phone) may trigger a commercial import review. For bulk or commercial quantities, contact us for a tailored quote.

How long does barrel shipping take to Ghana?

28–35 days from the vessel departure date at the US port. Your barrel is consolidated with others and shipped on the next available vessel. Allow an additional 3–5 days for customs clearance at Tema Port.

Related Guides

Packing
How to Pack Barrels for Shipping to Ghana
Guide
What to Send Your Family in Ghana
Customs
Prohibited & Restricted Items
Pricing
Full Ghana Shipping Rates

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