Shipping vehicles from the United States to Panama has become increasingly popular, especially due to Panama’s strategic location, strong automotive market, and its role as a logistics hub for Central and South America. One of the most efficient and cost-effective ways to ship vehicles to Panama is RORO (Roll-On/Roll-Off) shipping, with Port of Colón serving as the country’s primary gateway. Whether you’re importing a personal car, dealership inventory, or heavy equipment, RORO shipping offers a fast, secure, and reliable solution.
At All Transport Depot, we specialize in international vehicle and machinery logistics, offering smooth and affordable RORO shipping from major U.S. ports to Colón, Panama. With extensive industry experience, competitive pricing, and consistent sailing schedules, we help individuals, dealers, and businesses ship vehicles to Panama with complete peace of mind.
Why Choose RORO Shipping to Panama?
RORO shipping is one of the most practical and widely used methods for exporting vehicles to Panama. Instead of loading vehicles into containers, units are driven directly onto specialized RORO vessels, safely secured during transit, and driven off upon arrival at Colón Port.
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 delays
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Lower risk of damage: No cranes or container stuffing involved
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Ideal for all vehicle types: Sedans, SUVs, trucks, buses, motorcycles
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Perfect for heavy machinery: Excavators, tractors, loaders, forklifts
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Best for running vehicles: Non-running units accepted at extra cost
Popular RORO Ports in the United States
RORO shipping to Colón, Panama is available from several major U.S. ports. The ideal port depends on your vehicle’s location, inland transport costs, and sailing schedules.
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 (JAXPORT)
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Galveston, Texas
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Freeport, Texas
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Los Angeles / Long Beach, California – Ideal for West Coast vehicles
How to Choose the Best Port
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Closer ports reduce inland transportation costs
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East Coast & Gulf ports offer faster transit times
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Sailing frequency impacts overall pricing
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All Transport Depot assists in selecting the most cost-effective port
Colón Port – Panama’s Main RORO Entry Point
Port of Colón, located on the Caribbean side of Panama near the Panama Canal, is one of the most important logistics hubs in the Americas.
Why Colón Port?
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Modern RORO terminals
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Efficient customs clearance procedures
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Handles personal and commercial vehicle imports
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Gateway for re-export to Central & South America
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Suitable for cars, SUVs, trucks, buses, and heavy equipment
Colón Port follows strict inspection and customs protocols to ensure compliance with Panamanian import regulations.
Types of Vehicles & Machinery Shipped via RORO to Colón
RORO shipping supports a wide range of vehicles and equipment, making it ideal for private buyers, dealerships, and commercial importers.
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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Excavators
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Bulldozers
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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 & campers
Non-Running Vehicles
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Accepted with forklift loading
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Additional handling fees apply
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Early delivery to port required
Cost of RORO Shipping to Colón, Panama (2025 Guide)
RORO shipping rates depend on several variables. While pricing fluctuates based on market conditions, the following explains what affects total cost.
Factors That Determine RORO Pricing
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Vehicle size and category
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Port of departure in the USA
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Running vs. non-running condition
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Vehicle dimensions and weight
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Seasonal demand
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Port handling and documentation fees
Estimated Price Ranges
(Exact pricing depends on port, season, and vessel availability. Contact All Transport Depot for current rates.)
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Sedan: Most affordable option
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SUV: Moderately higher due to size
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Pickup Truck: Priced based on length and height
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Heavy Machinery: Charged per cubic meter (CBM)
Documents Required for RORO Shipping to Panama
Accurate documentation is critical to prevent delays or additional port storage charges in Colón.
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 (provided by All Transport Depot)
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Consignee name, address, and phone number in Panama
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Customs broker or clearing agent details (recommended)
Auction or salvage vehicles may require additional release documents.
Step-by-Step: How to Ship a Car from USA to Colón via RORO
All Transport Depot manages the shipping process from start to finish.
1. Request a Quote
Submit vehicle details, pickup ZIP code, and Colón 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 the port
3. Port Inspection
Vehicle inspection completed before loading.
4. U.S. Export Customs Clearance
All Transport Depot files AES and handles export compliance.
5. RORO Vessel Loading
Vehicle is driven onboard and secured for transit.
6. Ocean Transit to Colón
RORO vessels operate on scheduled sailings.
7. Arrival & Panama Customs Clearance
Your clearing agent handles:
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Import duties and taxes
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Customs inspection
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Port and terminal fees
8. Vehicle Release
Vehicle is collected directly from Colón Port.
Transit Time from USA to Colón, Panama
Transit times vary based on departure port and vessel schedules.
Estimated Transit Times
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East Coast USA to Colón: ~10–18 days
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Gulf Coast to Colón: ~12–20 days
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West Coast USA to Colón: ~20–30 days
RORO shipping remains one of the fastest options for Central America.
How to Save Money on RORO Shipping to Panama
Planning ahead can significantly reduce overall shipping costs.
Cost-Saving Tips
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Ship from the nearest U.S. port
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Avoid peak shipping seasons
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Submit documentation early
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Keep vehicles running to avoid forklift fees
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Book sailings in advance
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Work with a licensed exporter like All Transport Depot
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Shipping to Panama
Avoiding common errors helps prevent unnecessary delays and costs.
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Missing or incorrect documentation
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Leaving personal items inside vehicles
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Incorrect consignee details
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Using unlicensed shipping agents
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Delaying customs clearance in Panama
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Ignoring port storage deadlines
Why Ship to Colón with All Transport Depot?
All Transport Depot is a trusted logistics partner for shipping vehicles and heavy equipment from the USA to Panama.
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Licensed & bonded U.S. exporter
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Experienced with Panama and Central America routes
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Reliable RORO sailings to Colón
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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 documentation and export processing
Our mission is to make international vehicle shipping simple, transparent, and affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Can I ship a financed car to Panama?
Only if the lien is cleared or written lender approval is provided.
• Does the vehicle need to be running?
Running vehicles cost less, but non-running units are accepted.
• Can I place personal items inside the vehicle?
No. RORO requires empty interiors for safety reasons.
• How long does customs clearance take in Colón?
Typically 3–7 business days, depending on customs volume.
• What is the cheapest way to ship a car to Panama?
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
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.