Shipping vehicles from the United States to Balboa, Panama has become increasingly popular due to Panama’s strategic location, strong vehicle resale market, and its role as a major logistics and re-export hub for Central and South America. American cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, and heavy equipment are highly valued in Panama for their durability and availability. Among the most efficient ways to transport vehicles to Panama is RORO (Roll-On/Roll-Off) shipping, known for its simplicity, speed, and affordability. Whether you’re shipping a sedan to Balboa for personal use or exporting heavy machinery for construction projects, RORO provides a reliable solution for individuals, dealers, and commercial buyers.
At All Transport Depot, we specialize in global vehicle and machinery logistics, offering seamless, safe, and cost-effective RORO shipping from major U.S. ports directly to Balboa, Panama. With years of experience, competitive pricing, and frequent sailings, we help customers ship vehicles without stress—making us a trusted name in U.S. to Panama vehicle shipping.
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Why Choose RORO Shipping to Balboa, Panama?
RORO shipping is one of the most preferred and practical methods for transporting vehicles to Panama. Instead of loading vehicles into containers, units are driven directly onto specialized RORO vessels, secured safely during transit, and driven off at arrival in Balboa.
Key Advantages of RORO Shipping
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Cost-effective: Typically cheaper 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 heavy lifting equipment
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Ideal for all vehicle types: Sedans, SUVs, trucks, buses, motorcycles
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Perfect for heavy machinery: Bulldozers, excavators, tractors, forklifts
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Best for running vehicles: Non-running units are accepted (extra cost)
RORO is widely used by private buyers, dealerships, relocation clients, and construction companies shipping into Panama.
Popular RORO Ports in the United States
RORO shipments to Balboa depart from several major U.S. ports. The best port depends on vehicle location, inland transport costs, sailing schedules, and pricing.
Major U.S. RORO Export Ports
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Jacksonville, Florida (JAXPORT) – Most popular for Panama routes
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Savannah, Georgia (SAV)
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Baltimore, Maryland (BAL)
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Newark, New Jersey (EWR)
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Galveston, Texas (GLS)
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Freeport, Texas
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Los Angeles / Long Beach – For West Coast vehicles
How to Choose the Best Port
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Select the closest port to reduce inland transport costs
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Gulf & East Coast ports usually offer faster routes to Panama
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Choose based on sailing frequency and total cost
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Ask All Transport Depot for discounted port and carrier rates
Panama Port That Accepts RORO Cargo
Port of Balboa – Panama
Balboa is Panama’s main Pacific-side RORO port, located at the entrance of the Panama Canal and operated by world-class terminal operators.
Why Balboa Port is Ideal:
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Handles high-volume vehicle imports
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Excellent infrastructure for cars and heavy equipment
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Strategic hub for re-export to Central & South America
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Efficient customs and terminal operations
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Suitable for personal, commercial, and bonded shipments
All vehicles entering Panama through Balboa must comply with customs inspection and local import regulations.
Types of Vehicles and Machinery Shipped via RORO
RORO shipping supports a wide variety of vehicles and equipment, making it suitable for both personal and commercial use.
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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Tractor trailers
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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 (on trailers)
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RVs and motorhomes
Non-Running Units
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Allowed with special handling
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Additional charges apply
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Earlier delivery to port required
Cost of RORO Shipping to Balboa, Panama (2025 Guide)
RORO shipping rates vary based on several factors. While prices fluctuate due to fuel and vessel availability, the guide below explains what affects final cost.
Factors That Determine RORO Rates
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Vehicle type and size
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U.S. port of departure
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Running vs. non-running condition
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Weight & dimensions (machinery priced by CBM)
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Shipping season and demand
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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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Sedans: Lowest-cost 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)
Documents Required for RORO Shipping to Panama
Proper documentation ensures smooth export from the U.S. and faster customs clearance in Panama.
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 Panama
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Bill of Lading
Additional documents may be required for salvage vehicles, commercial imports, or re-export shipments.
Step-by-Step Process: How to Ship a Vehicle from USA to Balboa via RORO
All Transport Depot manages every stage of the shipping process.
1. Request a Quote
Provide vehicle details, pickup location, and Panama destination.
2. Deliver Vehicle to U.S. Port
Door-to-port or self-drop-off options available.
3. Vehicle Inspection at Port
Vehicle must be clean and empty.
4. U.S. Export Clearance
All Transport Depot files export documentation.
5. RORO Vessel Loading
Vehicle is driven onboard and secured.
6. Ocean Transit to Balboa
Sailings operate on fixed schedules.
7. Arrival & Panama Customs Clearance
Your clearing agent handles:
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Import duties & taxes
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Customs inspection
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Terminal and port fees
8. Vehicle Release
Vehicle is collected from Balboa Port or transferred for re-export.
Transit Time from USA to Balboa, Panama
Transit time varies by U.S. port and sailing schedule.
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East Coast to Balboa: ~10–18 days
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Gulf Coast to Balboa: ~7–14 days
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West Coast to Balboa: ~12–20 days
RORO remains one of the fastest shipping options to Panama.
How to Save Money on RORO Shipping to Panama
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Ship from the nearest U.S. port
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Avoid peak shipping seasons
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Keep the vehicle running
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Submit documents early
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Avoid port storage delays
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Work with a licensed logistics provider like All Transport Depot
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Shipping a Vehicle to Panama
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Sending vehicles with personal items inside
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Missing or incorrect documents
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Incorrect consignee information
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Shipping non-compliant vehicles
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Delayed customs clearance
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Using unlicensed agents
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 heavy equipment from the USA to Panama.
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Licensed & bonded in the United States
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Extensive experience with Panama-bound shipments
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Frequent RORO sailings to Balboa
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Competitive and transparent pricing
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Door-to-port & port-to-port services
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Dedicated customer support
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Fast export documentation processing
Our mission is to make international shipping simple, transparent, and affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Can I ship a financed vehicle to Panama?
Only with written authorization from the lienholder.
• Does the vehicle have to be running?
Running vehicles are cheaper, but non-running units are accepted.
• Can I put personal items inside the vehicle?
No. RORO vehicles must be completely empty.
• How long does customs clearance take in Panama?
Typically 2–5 business days.
• What is the cheapest way to ship a car to Panama?
RORO is usually the most affordable method.
✈️ 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.