Shipping vehicles from the United States to South America has grown significantly in recent years due to strong demand for American cars, SUVs, trucks, and heavy machinery across the region. Countries such as Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Peru, and Uruguay regularly import vehicles for personal use, dealerships, construction projects, and agriculture. One of the most efficient and cost-effective shipping methods for these units is RORO (Roll-On/Roll-Off) shipping, known for its speed, simplicity, and reliability.
At All Transport Depot, we specialize in international vehicle and heavy equipment logistics, providing secure, affordable, and hassle-free RORO shipping from major U.S. ports to leading ports throughout South America. With years of experience, competitive pricing, and frequent sailings, we help individuals and businesses move their vehicles confidently across borders.
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Why Choose RORO Shipping to South America?
RORO shipping is one of the most practical methods for transporting vehicles and machinery to South America. Vehicles are driven directly onto specialized RORO vessels, securely fastened for the voyage, and driven off at the destination port—eliminating the need for containers.
Key advantages include:
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Cost-effective: Typically cheaper than container shipping
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Fast loading & unloading: Minimal handling reduces delays
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Lower risk of damage: No cranes or container lifting
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Ideal for many vehicle types: Cars, SUVs, trucks, vans, motorcycles
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Excellent for heavy machinery: Excavators, bulldozers, tractors, forklifts
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Best for running vehicles: Non-running units accepted at additional cost
Popular RORO Ports in the United States
RORO shipments to South America depart from several major U.S. export ports. The ideal port depends on your vehicle’s location, budget, and sailing schedule.
Major U.S. RORO Export Ports
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Newark, New Jersey
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Baltimore, Maryland
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Savannah, Georgia
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Jacksonville, Florida
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Galveston, Texas
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Freeport, Texas
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Los Angeles / Long Beach – Ideal for West Coast shipments
How to Choose the Best Port
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Choose the closest port to minimize inland transport costs
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East and Gulf Coast ports usually offer faster routes to South America
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Compare sailing frequency and rates
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Contact All Transport Depot for optimized port selection
Major RORO Ports in South America
South America has many well-equipped ports capable of handling RORO cargo. Selecting the right destination port depends on your final location and import regulations.
Common RORO ports include:
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Santos, Brazil – Largest port in South America
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Buenos Aires, Argentina – Ideal for vehicles and machinery
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Montevideo, Uruguay – Popular for vehicle transshipment
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Valparaíso & San Antonio, Chile
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Cartagena, Colombia
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Callao, Peru
Each port follows country-specific customs and inspection procedures.
Types of Vehicles and Machinery Shipped via RORO
RORO shipping supports a wide variety of vehicles and equipment, making it suitable for both private and commercial shipments.
Passenger Vehicles
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Sedans
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Coupes
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SUVs
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Crossovers
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Minivans
Commercial Vehicles
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Pickup trucks
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Vans
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Buses
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Box trucks
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Flatbed trucks
Heavy Machinery
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Bulldozers
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Excavators
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Wheel loaders
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Forklifts
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Tractors
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Agricultural machinery
Other Equipment
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Motorcycles
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Boats & jet skis
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RVs and campers
Non-Running Units
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Accepted with special handling
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Additional charges apply
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Early port delivery required
Cost of RORO Shipping to South America (2025 Guide)
RORO shipping rates vary depending on destination country, port, vehicle size, and seasonal demand. While exact prices change, the following factors determine final costs.
Factors That Affect RORO Rates
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Vehicle size and category
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Port of departure and destination
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Running vs. non-running condition
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Machinery dimensions (CBM-based pricing)
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Fuel prices and shipping season
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Port and documentation fees
Typical Price Ranges (Estimated)
(Exact pricing depends on route, port, and vessel availability—contact All Transport Depot for a precise quote.)
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Sedans: Lowest-cost option
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SUVs: Moderately higher due to size
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Pickup Trucks: Based on length and height
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Heavy Machinery: Priced by cubic meters
Documents Required for RORO Shipping to South America
Accurate documentation is essential to avoid delays and storage charges at destination ports.
Required documents typically include:
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Original Vehicle Title
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Bill of Sale
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Copy of Passport or U.S. ID
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Export Power of Attorney (provided by All Transport Depot)
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Consignee information in destination country
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Customs broker or clearing agent details
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Auction or salvage paperwork (if applicable)
Step-by-Step Process: How to Ship a Car from USA to South America via RORO
All Transport Depot manages the entire shipping process from the U.S. to the destination port.
1. Request a Shipping Quote
Provide vehicle details and South American destination port.
2. Vehicle Pickup or Port Drop-Off
Choose door-to-port or self-delivery.
3. Port Inspection
Vehicle inspection prior to loading.
4. U.S. Export Customs Clearance
Export filing handled by our team.
5. RORO Vessel Loading
Vehicle is driven onto the vessel and secured.
6. Ocean Transit
Sailing according to fixed schedules.
7. Arrival & Customs Clearance
Local agent manages inspections and duties.
8. Vehicle Release
Vehicle is collected directly from the port.
Transit Time from USA to South America
Transit times depend on departure port, destination country, and vessel routing.
Estimated transit times:
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East Coast to Northern South America: ~14–25 days
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Gulf Coast to South America: ~20–30 days
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West Coast to South America: ~30–45 days
Delays may occur during peak shipping seasons or port congestion.
How to Save Money on RORO Shipping to South America
To keep shipping costs low, consider the following tips:
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Ship from the closest U.S. port
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Avoid peak seasons when possible
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Submit all documents early
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Ensure vehicles are running
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Work with a licensed shipping company
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Book space in advance
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Shipping to South America
Many delays and extra costs can be avoided by planning ahead.
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Missing or incorrect documents
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Leaving personal items inside the vehicle
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Incorrect consignee details
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Using unlicensed agents
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Delaying customs clearance
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Ignoring port storage deadlines
Why Ship With All Transport Depot?
All Transport Depot is a trusted provider of RORO vehicle and equipment shipping from the United States to South America.
Why customers choose us:
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Fully licensed FMC NVOCC
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Extensive South America shipping experience
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Frequent RORO sailings
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Competitive pricing
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Door-to-port and port-to-port options
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Fast documentation processing
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Dedicated customer support
Our goal is to make international vehicle shipping simple, secure, and affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Can I ship a financed car to South America?
Only with written approval from the lender.
• Does the vehicle need to be running?
Running vehicles are cheaper to ship, but non-running units are accepted.
• Can I ship personal items inside the vehicle?
No. RORO requires empty interiors for safety.
• How long does customs clearance take?
Usually 3–7 business days, depending on the country.
• What is the cheapest way to ship a car to South America?
RORO shipping is generally the most affordable method.
✈️ Get a Free Quote Today
Ready to ship your vehicle by air? Here’s what we’ll need to get started:
📧 Email: ship@alltransportdepot.com
📲 WhatsApp: +1 (470) 791-4497
📞 Phone: +1 (678) 528-5794
At All TransportDepot Inc., we ensure premium service for safe, secure, and reliable car air shipping worldwide.
👉 Don’t wait—Get Your Free Quote Now
Expert Insights from Fred O, a seasoned professional in the car shipping industry, offering valuable advice and tips to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience for transporting vehicles to and from Puerto Rico. Stay informed with Fred O’s extensive knowledge and expertise in the field.