Shipping vehicles from San Jose, California to international destinations has become increasingly popular as buyers, dealers, exporters, and individuals look to move cars, SUVs, trucks, and heavy machinery overseas efficiently. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, San Jose is a major vehicle purchasing hub, making it a common origin point for exports to Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and the Caribbean. One of the most efficient and cost-effective methods available is RORO (Roll-On/Roll-Off) shipping, known for its simplicity, speed, and affordability.
Whether you’re exporting a personal car, dealership inventory, or construction equipment purchased in California, RORO shipping provides a reliable solution. At All Transport Depot, we specialize in global vehicle and machinery logistics, offering seamless RORO shipping services from San Jose through nearby California ports to destinations worldwide. With competitive pricing, frequent sailings, and expert handling, we make international shipping stress-free from start to finish.
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ToggleWhy Choose RORO Shipping from San Jose, California?
RORO shipping is one of the most practical options for exporting vehicles from California. Instead of being packed into containers, vehicles are driven directly onto specialized RORO vessels, secured on board, and driven off at the destination port.
Key advantages include:
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Cost-effective: Generally 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 stuffing
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Ideal for many vehicle types: Sedans, SUVs, trucks, buses
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Perfect for heavy machinery: Excavators, tractors, loaders
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Best for running vehicles: Non-running units accepted at extra cost
For customers in San Jose and surrounding areas, RORO offers a balance of affordability and speed unmatched by other shipping methods.
Closest RORO Ports to San Jose, California
San Jose itself does not have a seaport, but it is strategically located near several major California ports that handle RORO exports. Choosing the right port helps reduce inland transportation costs and transit time.
Major California RORO Export Ports
Oakland, CA
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Closest major port to San Jose
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Ideal for Northern California exports
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Handles vehicles, trucks, and machinery
Los Angeles, CA
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One of the largest RORO ports in the U.S.
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Frequent sailings worldwide
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Excellent for high-volume exports
Long Beach, CA
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Adjacent to Los Angeles
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Competitive rates and multiple carriers
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Popular for Africa, the Middle East, and Asia routes
How to Choose the Best Port
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Oakland is best for minimizing inland transport from San Jose
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Los Angeles/Long Beach offers more sailing options
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Rates vary by destination and vessel availability
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All Transport Depot helps select the most cost-effective port
International Destinations Served from San Jose via RORO
Vehicles shipped from San Jose through California ports can reach a wide range of global destinations.
Popular RORO Destinations Include:
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West Africa: Nigeria, Ghana, Togo
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East Africa: Kenya, Tanzania
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Middle East: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar
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Asia: South Korea, Japan, Philippines
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Caribbean: Jamaica, Bahamas, Grenada
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Europe: Germany, Belgium, Poland
RORO vessels follow fixed schedules, ensuring predictable transit times and reliable delivery.
Types of Vehicles and Equipment Shipped via RORO
RORO shipping from San Jose supports a wide range of vehicles and machinery, making it suitable for both personal and commercial exports.
Passenger Vehicles
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Sedans
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SUVs
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Crossovers
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Coupes
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Minivans
Commercial Vehicles
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Pickup trucks
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Cargo vans
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Box trucks
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Buses
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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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Agricultural equipment
Other Equipment
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Motorcycles
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Boats & jet skis
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RVs and campers
Non-Running Vehicles
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Accepted with prior approval
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Forklift loading fees apply
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Must be delivered earlier to port
Cost of RORO Shipping from San Jose, California (2025 Guide)
Shipping costs vary based on vehicle size, destination, and port selection. While rates fluctuate, the factors below determine final pricing.
Factors That Affect RORO Rates
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Vehicle type & dimensions
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Destination country & port
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Chosen California export port
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Running vs. non-running condition
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Seasonal demand
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Fuel and port fees
General Pricing Overview
(Exact rates vary—contact All Transport Depot for current quotes)
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Sedans: Most affordable RORO category
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SUVs: Slightly higher due to height
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Pickup trucks: Based on size and weight
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Heavy machinery: Charged by cubic meters (CBM)
Delivering the vehicle directly to the port can significantly reduce total cost.
Documents Required for RORO Shipping from San Jose
Proper documentation ensures smooth export clearance and avoids delays or storage fees.
Required Documents:
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Original vehicle title (mandatory)
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Bill of sale (if applicable)
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Copy of passport or government-issued ID
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Export Power of Attorney (provided by All Transport Depot)
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Consignee details (name, address, phone)
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Destination port information
Auction or salvage vehicles may require additional release documents.
Step-by-Step: How to Ship a Car from San Jose via RORO
All Transport Depot manages the entire process, keeping you informed at every stage.
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Request a Quote
Provide vehicle details and destination. -
Vehicle Pickup or Port Delivery
Door-to-port service from San Jose available. -
Port Inspection
Vehicle is checked before loading. -
U.S. Export Customs Filing
All export paperwork handled professionally. -
RORO Vessel Loading
Vehicle is driven and secured onboard. -
Ocean Transit
Shipped on scheduled RORO vessel. -
Arrival & Destination Customs Clearance
Local agent handles duties and inspections. -
Final Release
Vehicle is collected from destination port.
Transit Time from California Ports
Transit time depends on destination and vessel routing.
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West Coast to Asia: ~15–25 days
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West Coast to Middle East: ~30–40 days
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West Coast to Africa: ~35–45 days
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West Coast to Caribbean: ~25–35 days
RORO remains one of the fastest methods for shipping vehicles internationally from California.
Tips to Save Money on RORO Shipping from San Jose
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Choose the closest port (Oakland when possible)
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Keep the vehicle running
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Deliver early with complete documents
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Avoid peak shipping seasons
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Work with a licensed exporter like All Transport Depot
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Sending vehicles with personal items inside
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Missing or incorrect titles
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Late document submission
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Using unlicensed brokers
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Ignoring destination customs requirements
Avoiding these mistakes prevents delays and unexpected costs.
Why Choose All Transport Depot?
All Transport Depot is a trusted leader in international vehicle shipping from California. Our experience with West Coast ports and global RORO carriers ensures smooth, secure, and affordable exports.
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Licensed & bonded U.S. exporter
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Extensive experience with California ports
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Competitive RORO pricing
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Door-to-port and port-to-port services
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Fast documentation processing
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Dedicated customer support
Our mission is to make international vehicle shipping simple, transparent, and reliable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Can I ship a financed car from San Jose?
Only with lender approval and lien release.
• Does the vehicle need to be running?
Running vehicles are preferred and cheaper, but non-running units are accepted.
• Can I leave items inside the car?
No. RORO requires an empty interior.
• Is RORO safe?
Yes. It’s one of the safest and most widely used shipping methods.
• What’s the cheapest way to ship a car internationally from California?
RORO shipping is usually 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

David is a seasoned logistics coordinator at Miami Auto Shippers. With over a decade of experience, he excels in organizing the smooth and efficient transportation of vehicles. He’s known for his attention to detail and ensuring every car reaches its destination safely.