Shipping vehicles from the United States to Japan continues to grow in popularity, especially among exporters, car dealers, military personnel, and individuals relocating overseas. Japan has a strong market for American vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, classic cars, and specialized equipment. One of the most efficient and cost-effective ways to ship vehicles to Japan is RORO (Roll-On/Roll-Off) shipping, particularly through Hitachi Port, a key automotive import gateway.
At All Transport Depot, we specialize in international vehicle and machinery logistics, offering reliable RORO shipping from major U.S. ports to Hitachi, Japan. With years of experience, competitive pricing, and dependable sailing schedules, we help customers ship vehicles safely, compliantly, and without unnecessary delays.
Why Choose RORO Shipping to Japan?
RORO shipping is one of the most efficient and preferred methods for transporting vehicles to Japan. Vehicles are driven directly onto specialized RORO vessels, secured for ocean transit, and driven off at arrival—eliminating the need for container loading.
Key Advantages of RORO Shipping
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Cost-effective: Typically cheaper than container shipping
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Fast loading & unloading: Minimal handling reduces port 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, vans, motorcycles
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Excellent for machinery: Construction and industrial equipment
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Best for running vehicles: Non-running units accepted with extra charges
Popular RORO Ports in the United States
RORO shipments to Hitachi, Japan are available from several major U.S. export ports. Choosing the right port depends on your vehicle’s location, inland transport cost, and sailing frequency.
Major U.S. RORO Export Ports
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Los Angeles / Long Beach, California – Most popular for Japan routes
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Tacoma, Washington – Ideal for Northwest exporters
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Oakland, California
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Houston, Texas
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Galveston, Texas
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Savannah, Georgia
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Jacksonville, Florida
How to Choose the Best Port
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Select the closest port to reduce inland transport costs
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West Coast ports offer the fastest transit to Japan
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Sailing frequency impacts both cost and delivery time
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All Transport Depot helps secure the best available rates
Hitachi Port – A Major Automotive Gateway in Japan
Hitachi Port, located in Ibaraki Prefecture, is one of Japan’s most important RORO ports for vehicle imports and exports.
Why Hitachi Port?
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Dedicated RORO terminals
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Advanced vehicle handling infrastructure
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Efficient customs and inspection procedures
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Popular for personal, dealership, and commercial imports
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Serves the greater Tokyo and Kanto regions
Japanese ports follow strict inspection and compliance standards, making proper documentation and vehicle condition essential.
Types of Vehicles & Machinery Shipped via RORO to Hitachi
RORO shipping supports a wide variety of vehicles and equipment, making it suitable for individuals, dealerships, and industrial buyers.
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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Cargo vans
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Box trucks
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Shuttle buses
Heavy & Industrial Equipment
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Construction machinery
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Forklifts
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Loaders
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Agricultural equipment
Other Units
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Motorcycles
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ATVs
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Boats & jet skis
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RVs & campers
Non-Running Vehicles
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Accepted with forklift or special handling
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Additional charges apply
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Advance notice required
Cost of RORO Shipping to Hitachi, Japan (2025 Guide)
RORO shipping rates vary based on several factors. While exact pricing depends on vessel availability and market conditions, the following explains what affects your final cost.
Factors That Determine RORO Rates
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Vehicle size and dimensions
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Port of departure in the USA
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Running vs. non-running condition
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Weight and cubic measurements (CBM)
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Seasonal demand and fuel costs
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Port handling and documentation fees
Estimated Price Categories
(Contact All Transport Depot for exact, up-to-date pricing.)
- Sedans: Most economical option
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SUVs: Slightly higher due to size
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Pickup Trucks: Based on length and height
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Machinery: Charged by CBM or weight
Documents Required for RORO Shipping to Japan
Japan enforces strict import regulations, making accurate documentation essential for smooth clearance at Hitachi Port.
Required Export & Import 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 (provided by All Transport Depot)
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Consignee details in Japan
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Japanese customs broker or clearing agent details
Additional documents may be required for used vehicles, classic cars, or modified units.
Step-by-Step: How to Ship a Car from USA to Hitachi via RORO
All Transport Depot manages the entire process from pickup to port arrival.
1. Request a Shipping Quote
Provide vehicle details, pickup location, and Hitachi destination.
2. Vehicle Pickup or Port Drop-Off
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Door-to-port service available
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Or self-delivery to selected U.S. port
3. Port Inspection
Vehicle is inspected for condition and cleanliness.
4. U.S. Export Customs Filing
We handle AES filing and export clearance.
5. RORO Vessel Loading
Vehicle is driven onboard and secured.
6. Ocean Transit to Japan
Vessels operate on fixed international schedules.
7. Arrival & Japan Customs Clearance
Your agent handles:
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Import duties & consumption tax
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Vehicle inspection & compliance
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Terminal and handling fees
8. Vehicle Release
Vehicle is collected directly from Hitachi Port.
Transit Time from USA to Hitachi, Japan
Transit times vary depending on the departure port and routing.
Estimated Transit Times
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West Coast USA to Hitachi: ~14–25 days
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Gulf Coast to Hitachi: ~30–40 days
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East Coast USA to Hitachi: ~35–45 days
RORO remains one of the fastest and most reliable shipping methods to Japan.
How to Save Money on RORO Shipping to Japan
Planning ahead and following RORO guidelines can significantly reduce shipping costs.
Money-Saving 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 documents early
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Ensure the vehicle is running
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Remove all personal items
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Book early for better rates
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Work with a licensed exporter like All Transport Depot
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Shipping Vehicles to Japan
Japan’s strict compliance standards mean small errors can cause delays.
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Incomplete or incorrect documents
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Leaving personal items inside the vehicle
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Shipping vehicles with excessive dirt or contamination
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Incorrect consignee information
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Working with unlicensed exporters
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Delayed customs processing
Avoiding these issues ensures faster clearance.
Why Ship to Hitachi with All Transport Depot?
All Transport Depot is a trusted logistics partner for shipping vehicles and equipment from the USA to Japan. Our experience with Japanese ports and compliance rules ensures smooth, worry-free shipments.
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Licensed & bonded U.S. exporter
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Experienced in Japan-bound RORO shipments
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Reliable sailings to Hitachi Port
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Competitive pricing
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Door-to-port & port-to-port services
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Dedicated customer support
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Fast and accurate documentation processing
Our mission is to make international vehicle shipping simple, transparent, and affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Can I ship a financed car to Japan?
Only if the lien is cleared or the lender provides written export authorization. Running vehicles cost less, but non-running units can still be shipped.
• Can I ship personal items inside the vehicle?
No. RORO requires vehicles to be completely empty.
• How long does customs clearance take in Japan?
Typically 3–7 business days, depending on inspections and compliance.
• What is the cheapest way to ship a car to Japan?
RORO shipping is usually the most affordable and efficient 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.
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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.