Frequently Asked Questions

Getting started is simple and takes just a few minutes:

• Step 1 – Register: Create your free account on inlandexpress.co.tz to receive your unique shipping ID.
• Step 2 – Ship to US: Use our US warehouse address (24219 Silversmith Ln, Katy, TX 77493) when placing orders from US retailers like Amazon, Walmart, or eBay.
• Step 3 – We handle the rest: Once your package arrives at our warehouse, we consolidate and ship it to Tanzania.

Registration ensures that every package arriving at our US warehouse is correctly matched to your account. Without a registered account, we have no way of knowing who sent the package, which could result in delays, misrouting, or your items being held.

Registration also gives you access to real-time tracking, shipment history, and quote requests through your personal dashboard.

Use the following address when shopping at US online stores:

Replace "Your Name" with your registered name on your Inland Express account. This helps our warehouse team identify your package immediately upon arrival.

Inland Express is a premium air and sea freight company that bridges the gap between the USA and Tanzania. We serve:

• Individual shoppers who want to buy from US retailers and have items delivered to Tanzania.
• Entrepreneurs and businesses sourcing products for resale or personal use.
• Diaspora sending packages to loved ones back home.

We also shop on your behalf if you don't have a US credit card or your card is not accepted by US retailers.

Yes! We offer a personal shopping service for clients who don't have a US credit card or whose cards are not accepted by US online retailers.

Here's how it works:

• Send us the links to the items you want to purchase.
• Pay us the full shopping total including shipping charges via M-Pesa to our till number.
• We purchase the items on your behalf using our US credit card and ship them to Tanzania.

Yes. Automobile spare parts and non-hazardous accessories are accepted. Examples of shippable items include:

• Engine parts, filters, belts, and sensors
• Brake pads, rotors, and calipers
• Body panels, bumpers, and trim pieces
• Interior accessories and seat covers
• Wheels, rims, and tyres (subject to size/weight review)
• Car audio systems and electronics

Not sure about a specific part? Contact us and we'll advise before you order.

Many beauty and personal care items are accepted. Generally shippable:

• Skincare products (moisturisers, serums, SPF creams) in sealed packaging
• Haircare products (shampoos, conditioners, hair tools)
• Makeup and cosmetics (foundation, eyeshadow, brushes)
• Wigs, hair extensions, and weaves
• Nail care tools and non-pressurised polishes

Liquid products may leak in transit — ship them at your own risk. Ensure all lids are tightly sealed and items are securely packed.

Absolutely. Clothing and fashion items are among our most common shipments. Accepted items include:

• Men's, women's, and children's clothing of all types
• Shoes, sandals, boots, and sneakers
• Bags, handbags, backpacks, and luggage
• Accessories — belts, hats, scarves, jewellery
• Sportswear and athletic gear
• School uniforms and children's clothing

Yes — electronics and appliances are a major category for us. Commonly shipped items include:

• Smartphones, tablets, and accessories
• Laptops, computers, monitors, and keyboards
• Smart TVs and home theatre systems
• Kitchen appliances (air fryers, blenders, stand mixers)
• Cameras and photography equipment
• Gaming consoles and accessories
• Printers, scanners, and office equipment

Many health, fitness, and wellness items are accepted. Generally shippable:

• Protein powders, vitamins, and dietary supplements (in original sealed packaging)
• Gym equipment — resistance bands, dumbbells, yoga mats, jump ropes
• Fitness trackers and smartwatches
• Medical devices (blood pressure monitors, thermometers, CPAP machines)
• Massage tools and recovery equipment
• Baby care products and formula (non-liquid)

We handle a wide variety of general shipments beyond the main categories, including:

• Books, stationery, and educational materials
• Toys and children's games
• Home décor and furnishings (smaller items)
• Pet supplies and accessories
• Musical instruments and accessories
• Art supplies and craft materials
• Office supplies and furniture (compact items)

If you're unsure whether your specific item qualifies, reach out to us with the product details before ordering and we'll confirm eligibility.

We do not ship any of the following under any circumstances:

• Items containing pressurised containers (e.g. aerosol cans, compressed gas)
• Alcohol and alcohol-based products above permitted thresholds
• Flammable chemicals — petrol, paint, solvents, lighter fluid
• Hazardous materials as classified under US and Tanzanian law
• Weapons, ammunition, and explosives
• Illegal or controlled substances
• Items that contravene laws and regulations in the United States and/or Tanzania

For the full exclusion list, visit: inlandexpress.co.tz → Shipping Exclusion List

Fragile goods such as glass, ceramics, porcelain, earthenware, and stoneware can be shipped, but they are shipped entirely at your own risk.

This policy also applies to:

• Goods containing liquids that may leak in transit
• Items that could melt in transit (e.g. wax-based products, chocolate)

Our air shipping rate is a flat $22 per kilogram — actual weight or volumetric weight, whichever is higher.

There are no hidden fees. The rate is transparent and pay-per-weight only.

Volumetric (or dimensional) weight accounts for the space a package takes up in cargo, not just its actual mass. Large but lightweight packages (e.g. a box of pillows) would be very cheap to ship by actual weight, yet they occupy significant cargo space.

The standard formula is:

We charge whichever is higher — actual weight or volumetric weight — so it's always worth estimating both before placing an order.

Your quoted price covers the full end-to-end service:

• ✅ Shipping cost from our US warehouse to Tanzania
• ✅ All customs clearance costs — no surprise import duties charged separately
• ✅ Delivery within 7–12 business days after departure
• ✅ Complimentary insurance on your shipment
• ✅ Guaranteed delivery to your designated pickup point
• ✅ Responsive tracking & communication throughout the journey

You can request a quote directly through your registered account dashboard on the Inland Express website, or by contacting us via:

• Email: info@inlandexpress.co.tz
• WhatsApp: available via the button on our website
• Phone (Tanzania): +255 769 281 281
• Phone (USA): +1 (832) 857-0611

Provide the item description, approximate weight, and dimensions for the most accurate quote.

Yes — we handle bulk orders from both the UK and China. These operate on a bi-weekly schedule with an estimated transit time of 7 days from departure.

Sea freight is available for larger, heavier shipments where air freight cost would be prohibitive. Sea freight typically has:

• Longer transit times than air freight
• Lower cost per kilogram for heavy or bulky consignments
• Minimum volume requirements for full container bookings

Contact us directly to discuss sea freight rates and schedules based on your specific cargo.

It depends on which service you're using:

Ship for Me

If you're shopping online yourself and sending packages to our US warehouse, you do not need to pay shipping costs upfront. You only pay the shipping charges once your package arrives at our Dar es Salaam office and is ready for collection or delivery. After your package reaches our US warehouse, we'll send you a shipping quote — you settle that when the package lands in Tanzania.

Buy for Me

If you're asking us to purchase items on your behalf, payment for the selected items must be made in full before we place the order. This is because we need to purchase the item using our US payment methods.

You only pay the shipping charges once your package arrives at our Dar es Salaam office and is ready for collection or delivery. After your package reaches our US warehouse, we'll send you a shipping quote — you settle that when the package lands in Tanzania.

We accept the following payment methods depending on your location:

After requesting a quote, we will email you detailed payment instructions including account numbers and reference codes.

After making a payment:

• Email us the payment confirmation or receipt to info@inlandexpress.co.tz so we can confirm it promptly.
• Our team will verify the payment and update your order status on the dashboard.
• Once confirmed, your shipment will be scheduled for the next available departure.

Please contact our team directly at info@inlandexpress.co.tz or call us to discuss cancellation or refund requests. Policies may vary depending on the stage of your shipment.

We recommend raising any concerns as early as possible — before your shipment departs from our US warehouse — to allow for the most flexible resolution.

We ship out every two weeks from Houston, TX. Here's how the schedule works:

• Tuesday, 10:00 AM: Bi-weekly cutoff time — all packages must be received at our warehouse before this time to make the next shipment.
• Wednesday: We depart from Houston, TX.
• 7–12 working days later: Estimated delivery in Tanzania.

After your package departs from our US warehouse, estimated delivery to Tanzania is 7–12 working days.

This includes:

• Air freight transit time from Houston, TX
• Customs clearance in Tanzania (handled by us)
• Final delivery to your designated pickup point

Our Tanzania office is located at:

You will be notified when your package is ready for pickup. For home or office delivery, please enquire about available delivery options in your area when placing your order.

Yes. If you order from multiple US retailers, all packages shipped to our Katy, TX warehouse address under your name and account ID will be consolidated into a single shipment to Tanzania.

Consolidation is handled automatically — simply ensure your name and registered account details are included on every package delivered to our warehouse.

No — customs clearance is fully handled by Inland Express and is included in your quoted price. You do not need to deal with Tanzanian customs authorities yourself.

Our team manages all documentation, import duties, and clearance procedures to ensure your package moves smoothly through customs without delays or unexpected costs to you.

You can track your shipment in real time through our website:

• Visit inlandexpress.co.tz/tracking
• Enter your tracking number (format: ORD-XXXXXX) in the search field
• Click "Track Package" to see your shipment's current status

Your tracking number is provided to you via email once your shipment has been confirmed and logged in our system.

We provide responsive tracking and communication throughout your shipment's journey. You can expect updates at key milestones:

• 📬 Package received at US warehouse
• ✈️ Shipment departed from Houston, TX
• 🛃 Cleared Tanzanian customs
• 📦 Ready for pickup / out for delivery

Updates are sent via email and/or WhatsApp. You can also monitor status at any time via the tracking page on our website.

If your package has not arrived within 12 business days of shipment departure, please:

• Check your tracking number on our website first for the latest status update.
• Contact our team via email (info@inlandexpress.co.tz), WhatsApp, or phone with your order/tracking number.

Common reasons for delays include customs holds, public holidays, or high shipment volumes during peak periods. Our team will investigate and provide you with an update promptly.

International air freight is governed by strict regulations under IATA (International Air Transport Association) standards. Hazardous materials pose serious safety risks during air transport, including fire, explosion, or chemical exposure.

Shipping restricted items also creates significant legal liability under US export laws and Tanzanian import regulations. Violations can result in:

• Confiscation of the entire shipment
• Fines imposed on the shipper
• Criminal liability in severe cases

We are committed to compliance and the safety of all customers, staff, and airline partners.

We recommend three steps before ordering any item you're uncertain about:

• Review our Shipping Exclusion List on the website — it covers the most common restricted categories.
• Contact us directly with the item name, brand, and product description. We can usually advise within a few hours.
• Check the product's packaging — if it's labelled as flammable, pressurised, or contains alcohol, it is likely restricted.