Shipping vehicles from the USA to Cotonou, Benin has become one of the most popular export routes for car buyers, African auto dealers, and importers across West Africa. Cotonou is known as the largest car-import hub in West Africa, serving not only Benin but also landlocked countries like Nigeria, Niger, Burkina Faso, Togo, and Mali.
With high demand for American sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, and heavy machinery, RORO (Roll-On/Roll-Off) shipping is the preferred method due to its speed, low cost, and simplicity. Whether you’re importing a sedan, exporting a truck, or moving construction machinery, RORO shipping to Cotonou is one of the most efficient and reliable options available.
At All Transport Depot, we specialize in exporting vehicles and heavy equipment from major U.S. ports directly to the Port of Cotonou. With competitive rates, experienced logistics support, and regular sailings, we ensure a fast, safe, and stress-free shipping experience.
[ez-toc]
Why Choose RORO Shipping to Cotonou, Benin?
RORO shipping is the easiest and most affordable way to send vehicles and machinery to West Africa. Instead of being loaded inside a container, units are simply driven onto the vessel, secured safely, and driven off upon arrival in Cotonou.
Key Advantages of RORO Shipping to Benin
-
Cost-effective: Typically cheaper than container shipping
-
Fast loading & unloading: Reduces port delays
-
Lowest risk of damage: No cranes or lifting equipment needed
-
Ideal for all vehicles: Cars, SUVs, trucks, motorcycles, vans
-
Perfect for heavy machinery: Excavators, tractors, forklifts, bulldozers
-
Suitable for running vehicles: Non-running units also accepted (extra charge)
Cotonou remains one of the busiest RORO destinations in Africa due to its efficiency and customs-friendly process.
Popular RORO Export Ports in the United States
Many major U.S. ports offer direct RORO services to Cotonou. Your choice of port depends on your vehicle’s location, cost, and sailing schedule.
Major U.S. RORO Export Ports to Cotonou
-
Newark, New Jersey (EWR) – Most popular and busiest
-
Baltimore, Maryland (BAL) – Fastest sailings to West Africa
-
Savannah, Georgia (SAV)
-
Jacksonville, Florida (JAXPORT)
-
Galveston, Texas (GLS)
-
Freeport, Texas
-
Los Angeles / Long Beach, California – Best for West Coast purchases
Choosing the Best Port
-
Closest port = lower inland transport/towing cost
-
East Coast ports usually offer the fastest and cheapest routes
-
Choose based on sailing frequency and availability
-
Ask All Transport Depot for reduced port and trucking rates
Port of Cotonou – The Main Entry Point for Imported Cars
The Port of Cotonou is the primary destination for all RORO shipments entering Benin. It is one of the most efficient and well-organized ports in West Africa.
Why Cotonou Is a Top Choice for Car Importers
-
Fast customs processing
-
Low vehicle import duties
-
Excellent access to neighboring countries (Nigeria, Niger, Togo, etc.)
-
High efficiency for clearing cars, trucks, and machinery
Cotonou is especially popular among Nigerian car dealers, who often buy vehicles there and transport them across the border into Nigeria.
Types of Vehicles & Machinery Shipped via RORO to Cotonou
RORO shipping supports a wide range of vehicle types, making it ideal for both personal and commercial shipments.
Passenger Vehicles
-
Sedans
-
Coupes
-
SUVs
-
Crossovers
-
Minivans
Commercial Vehicles
-
Pickup trucks
-
Vans
-
Buses
-
Cargo trucks
-
Box trucks
-
Flatbeds
Heavy Machinery
-
Bulldozers
-
Excavators
-
Wheel loaders
-
Tractors
-
Forklifts
-
Agricultural machinery
Other Units
-
Boats & jet skis
-
Motorcycles
-
RVs
-
Mobile homes
Non-Running Vehicles
-
Accepted with forklift handling
-
Extra fees apply
-
Requires early port delivery
Cost of RORO Shipping to Cotonou (2025 Estimates)
RORO shipping rates depend on several factors, including vehicle type, port of departure, and sailing date.
Factors That Affect the Cost
-
Vehicle size (sedan vs SUV vs truck)
-
Port of departure
-
Running vs non-running
-
Height, weight & length
-
Machinery priced by CBM (cubic meters)
-
Seasonal demand
-
Port fees & documentation
Typical Price Range (Estimated)
(Contact All Transport Depot for exact rates.)
-
Sedans: Affordable rates from East Coast ports
-
SUVs: Slightly higher due to weight/height
-
Pickup Trucks: Priced by size category
-
Machinery: Based on CBM
Documents Required for Shipping to Cotonou, Benin
To avoid delays or port storage charges, proper documentation is essential.
Required Documents
-
Original vehicle title (mandatory)
-
Bill of Sale
-
Copy of U.S. ID or Passport
-
Export Power of Attorney (POA) – Provided by All Transport Depot
-
Consignee name, address & phone number in Benin
-
Clearing agent details (optional but recommended)
-
Auction purchases may require additional release forms
Step-by-Step: How to Ship a Car from the USA to Cotonou
All Transport Depot handles every step from pickup to export clearance.
1. Request a Quote
Provide vehicle details and the U.S. pickup location.
2. Pickup or Deliver to Port
Choose door-to-port service or deliver yourself.
3. Vehicle Inspection at Port
Port verifies condition before loading.
4. U.S. Customs Export Clearance
We process all paperwork and AES filing.
5. Loading on RORO Vessel
Vehicle is driven onto the ship and secured safely.
6. Transit to Cotonou
RORO vessels operate on fixed schedules.
7. Arrival & Clearing in Benin
Your clearing agent handles duties, inspection, and port fees.
8. Final Pickup
Vehicle is released to the consignee or transported to a neighboring country.
Transit Time from the USA to Cotonou
Transit times vary by port of departure.
-
East Coast to Cotonou: ~14–25 days
-
Gulf Coast to Cotonou: ~18–30 days
-
West Coast to Cotonou: ~35–50 days (due to longer routing)
RORO remains one of the fastest international vehicle shipping methods.
How to Save Money When Shipping to Cotonou
Use these strategies to reduce your total shipping cost:
-
Ship from the closest U.S. port to reduce towing costs
-
Ship during off-peak seasons (avoid summer holidays)
-
Submit documents early to avoid storage
-
Keep vehicle running to avoid forklift fees
-
Book early for better vessel availability
-
Use a licensed logistics company like All Transport Depot
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these issues to prevent delays or extra charges:
-
Sending vehicles without required documents
-
Leaving personal items inside the car (RORO prohibits this)
-
Incorrect consignee information
-
Using unlicensed agents
-
Delaying customs paperwork
-
Missing port storage deadlines
Why Ship With All Transport Depot?
All Transport Depot is a trusted logistics partner for USA-to-Cotonou shipments.
Why Customers Choose Us
-
Licensed & bonded U.S. exporter
-
Experienced in West Africa shipments
-
Weekly RORO sailings to Cotonou
-
Competitive pricing
-
Door-to-port service
-
Fast export documentation
-
Dedicated support from start to finish
We make international shipping simple, transparent, and affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I ship a financed car to Cotonou?
Only if the lender provides written export approval.
Does the vehicle need to be running?
Running vehicles are cheaper to ship, but non-running units are accepted.
Can I put items inside the vehicle?
RORO rules require an empty interior for safety.
How long does clearing take in Cotonou?
Typically 2–5 business days, depending on customs workload.
What is the cheapest method to ship a car to Benin?
RORO shipping remains the most affordable and reliable option.
✈️ 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
Maria is the operations manager at SoCal Auto Movers, where she oversees the daily operations of their car shipping services. Her efficiency and problem-solving skills ensure that each shipment, whether local or long-distance, goes off without a hitch.