Shipping vehicles from the United States to Costa Rica has become increasingly popular as demand grows for American cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, and heavy equipment. Buyers in Costa Rica value U.S. vehicles for their durability, safety features, and availability of parts. One of the most efficient and affordable ways to transport vehicles to Costa Rica is RORO (Roll-On/Roll-Off) shipping, known for its simplicity, speed, and cost efficiency. Whether you’re shipping a personal vehicle to Puerto Limón or exporting construction machinery for commercial use, RORO provides a reliable solution for individuals, dealers, and businesses.
At All Transport Depot, we specialize in international vehicle and machinery logistics, offering safe, seamless, and cost-effective RORO shipping from major U.S. ports directly to Puerto Limón, Costa Rica. With years of experience, competitive pricing, and regular sailings, we help customers ship vehicles with confidence and ease.
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Why Choose RORO Shipping to Costa Rica?
RORO shipping is one of the most preferred methods for transporting vehicles to Costa Rica. Vehicles are driven directly onto specialized RORO vessels, securely fastened, and driven off at arrival—eliminating container loading and reducing handling risks.
Key Advantages of RORO Shipping
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Cost-effective: More affordable than container shipping
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Fast loading & unloading: Reduced handling minimizes delays
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Lower risk of damage: No cranes or lifting equipment involved
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Ideal for all vehicle types: Sedans, SUVs, trucks, buses, motorcycles
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Perfect for heavy machinery: Excavators, bulldozers, tractors, forklifts
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Best for running vehicles: Non-running units accepted at extra cost
RORO is the preferred shipping method for both private and commercial imports into Costa Rica.
Popular RORO Ports in the United States
RORO shipments to Costa Rica depart from multiple U.S. ports. The best option depends on vehicle location, budget, and sailing availability.
Major U.S. RORO Export Ports
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Jacksonville, Florida (JAXPORT) – Most popular for Costa Rica
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Port Everglades, Florida
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Miami, Florida
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Savannah, Georgia
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Galveston, Texas
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Los Angeles / Long Beach (West Coast) – For West Coast buyers
How to Choose the Best Port
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Closest port reduces inland transport costs
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Florida ports offer the fastest routes to Costa Rica
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Choose based on sailing frequency and pricing
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Ask All Transport Depot for preferred port discounts
Costa Rican Ports That Accept RORO Cargo
Costa Rica has modern port facilities capable of handling RORO vehicle shipments efficiently.
Puerto Limón (Limón Port Complex)
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Primary RORO port for vehicle imports
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Handles cars, SUVs, trucks, buses, and machinery
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Efficient customs processing
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Serves San José and surrounding regions
All vehicles entering Costa Rica must comply with local customs, emissions, and tax regulations.
Types of Vehicles and Machinery Shipped via RORO
RORO shipping supports a wide range of vehicles and equipment, making it ideal for both personal 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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Tractors
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Wheel loaders
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Forklifts
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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 Puerto Limón, Costa Rica (2025 Guide)
RORO shipping costs vary depending on vehicle type, port of departure, and seasonal demand.
Factors That Determine RORO Rates
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Vehicle size and height
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Port of departure
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Running vs. non-running condition
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Weight and dimensions (for machinery)
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Shipping season
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Documentation and port fees
Typical Price Ranges (Estimated)
(Exact pricing depends on port, season, and vessel availability—contact All Transport Depot for updated quotes.)
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Sedan: Competitive entry-level pricing
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SUV: Slightly higher due to size
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Pickup truck: Priced by length and weight
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Heavy machinery: Charged by CBM or dimensions
Documents Required for RORO Shipping to Costa Rica
Accurate documentation is essential to avoid delays and additional storage fees at Puerto Limón.
Required Documents
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Original Vehicle Title
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Bill of Sale
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Copy of Passport or Government ID
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Export Power of Attorney (POA) – provided by All Transport Depot
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Consignee name, address, and phone number in Costa Rica
Salvage, auction, or financed vehicles may require additional documentation.
Step-by-Step Process: How to Ship a Car from USA to Costa Rica via RORO
All Transport Depot manages the entire process from pickup to delivery.
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Request a Quote
Submit vehicle details and destination. -
Vehicle Pickup or Port Delivery
Door-to-port or self-delivery options available. -
Port Inspection
Vehicle inspected before loading. -
U.S. Export Documentation
All filings handled by All Transport Depot. -
RORO Vessel Loading
Vehicle driven onboard and secured. -
Ocean Transit to Puerto Limón
Ships sail on fixed schedules. -
Arrival & Costa Rican Customs Clearance
Import taxes, duties, and inspections completed. -
Vehicle Release
Vehicle collected from the port.
Transit Time from USA to Costa Rica
Transit times depend on departure port and vessel routing.
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Florida to Puerto Limón: ~7–14 days
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Gulf Coast to Puerto Limón: ~14–21 days
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West Coast to Puerto Limón: ~25–35 days
Weather and port congestion may affect schedules.
How to Save Money on RORO Shipping to Costa Rica
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Ship from Florida ports when possible
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Keep vehicles running
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Submit documents early
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Avoid peak shipping seasons
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Book in advance
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Work with an experienced logistics provider
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Shipping a Car to Costa Rica
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Missing or incorrect documents
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Leaving personal items inside the vehicle
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Incorrect consignee information
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Underestimating import taxes
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Delaying port pickup
Avoiding these mistakes saves time, money, and stress.
Why Ship With All Transport Depot?
All Transport Depot is a trusted logistics partner for shipping vehicles and machinery from the USA to Costa Rica.
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Licensed & bonded in the United States
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Extensive experience with Latin America shipping
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Regular RORO sailings to Puerto Limón
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Competitive, transparent pricing
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Door-to-port and port-to-port services
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Dedicated customer support
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Fast export documentation
Our mission is to make international vehicle shipping simple, reliable, and affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Can I ship a financed car to Costa Rica?
Only with lender approval or if the loan is paid off.
• Does the vehicle have to be running?
Running vehicles cost less, but non-running units are accepted.
• Can I put personal items inside the vehicle?
No. RORO requires empty interiors.
• How long does customs clearance take in Costa Rica?
Typically 3–7 business days.
• What is the cheapest way to ship a car to Costa Rica?
RORO is generally the most affordable 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

Jessica is a dedicated customer service representative at Windy City Car Carriers. Her warm and friendly demeanor puts customers at ease as she guides them through the car shipping process. She takes pride in ensuring a stress-free experience for every client.