Shipping vehicles from the United States to Cristóbal, Panama has become increasingly popular due to Panama’s strategic location, strong trade links, and growing demand for American vehicles, trucks, and heavy equipment. One of the most reliable and cost-effective ways to ship vehicles to Panama is RORO (Roll-On/Roll-Off) shipping, known for its speed, simplicity, and affordability. Whether you’re sending a personal car, dealership inventory, or construction machinery, RORO shipping offers a proven solution.
At All Transport Depot, we specialize in international vehicle and equipment logistics, offering safe, efficient, and competitively priced RORO shipping from major U.S. ports to Cristóbal. With experienced export specialists, weekly sailings, and full documentation support, we make shipping to Panama easy and stress-free for individuals, dealers, and businesses.
Why Choose RORO Shipping to Cristóbal, Panama?
RORO shipping is one of the most practical methods for transporting vehicles to Panama. Instead of container loading, vehicles are driven directly onto the vessel, secured in place, and driven off at the destination port.
Key Advantages of RORO Shipping
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Cost-effective: Cheaper than container shipping in most cases
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Fast turnaround: Quick loading and unloading
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Reduced damage risk: Minimal handling, no cranes
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Ideal for many vehicle types: Cars, SUVs, trucks, buses, motorcycles
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Perfect for heavy machinery: Excavators, loaders, tractors, forklifts
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Best for running vehicles: Non-running units accepted at extra cost
RORO is the preferred shipping option for both private and commercial vehicle exports to Panama.
Popular RORO Ports in the United States
RORO shipments to Cristóbal depart from several major U.S. ports. The right port depends on vehicle location, transit time, and shipping budget.
Major U.S. RORO Export Ports
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Jacksonville, Florida (JAXPORT) – One of the top ports for Panama
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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 (CA) – Best for West Coast shipments
How to Choose the Best U.S. Port
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Choose the closest port to reduce inland transport costs
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Gulf & East Coast ports offer faster routes to Panama
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Compare sailing frequency and pricing
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Ask All Transport Depot for optimized port selection
Port of Arrival: Cristóbal, Panama
Cristóbal Port, located on Panama’s Caribbean side near Colón, is one of the country’s most important ports for vehicle and RORO cargo.
Why Cristóbal Port Is Ideal
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Modern RORO handling facilities
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Efficient customs clearance process
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Excellent access to Colón Free Zone
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Ideal for commercial, dealer, and fleet imports
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Suitable for oversize vehicles and machinery
Cristóbal is a preferred destination for both domestic use and re-export to Central and South America.
Vehicles & Equipment Shipped via RORO to Cristóbal
RORO shipping supports a wide range of vehicles and rolling equipment, making it highly versatile.
Passenger Vehicles
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Sedans
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Hatchbacks
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SUVs / crossovers
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Minivans
Commercial Vehicles
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Pickup trucks
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Cargo 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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Wheel loaders
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Forklifts
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Tractors
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Agricultural equipment
Other Rolling Cargo
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Motorcycles
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ATVs
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Boats & jet skis (on trailers)
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RVs and campers
Non-Running Vehicles
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Accepted with forklift assistance
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Additional port charges apply
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Must be delivered earlier for inspection
Cost of RORO Shipping to Cristóbal, Panama (2025)
RORO pricing depends on vehicle size, condition, and shipping route. Rates may change based on fuel prices and seasonal demand.
Factors Affecting RORO Rates
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Vehicle size & type
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Port of departure
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Running vs. non-running condition
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Dimensions & weight for machinery
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Shipping season & vessel availability
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Export documentation & port fees
Estimated Price Guidelines
(Exact pricing varies—contact All Transport Depot for a current quote.)
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Sedans: Most affordable category
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SUVs: Slightly higher due to size
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Pickup Trucks: Priced by class and dimensions
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Machinery: Calculated by cubic meters (CBM)
Documents Required for RORO Shipping to Panama
Proper documentation ensures smooth export from the U.S. and fast 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 (provided by All Transport Depot)
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Consignee details in Panama
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Customs broker information (recommended)
Additional paperwork may be required for auction or salvage vehicles.
How to Ship a Vehicle from USA to Cristóbal via RORO
All Transport Depot manages every step of the shipping process.
1. Request a Shipping Quote
Submit vehicle details, pickup location, and destination.
2. Vehicle Pickup or Port Drop-Off
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Door-to-port transport available
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Or deliver directly to the port
3. Port Inspection
Vehicle condition is documented before loading.
4. U.S. Export Clearance
We handle AES filing and customs approval.
5. RORO Vessel Loading
Vehicle is driven onboard and secured.
6. Ocean Transit to Cristóbal
Sailings follow fixed schedules.
7. Panama Customs Clearance
Your customs broker handles:
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Import duties & taxes
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Port & terminal charges
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Vehicle release
8. Final Pickup
Vehicle is collected directly from Cristóbal Port.
Transit Time from USA to Cristóbal, Panama
Transit times depend on departure port and shipping route.
Estimated Transit Times
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Gulf Coast to Cristóbal: ~7–14 days
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East Coast to Cristóbal: ~10–18 days
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West Coast to Cristóbal: ~20–30 days
Weather conditions and port congestion may affect timelines.
How to Save Money on RORO Shipping to Panama
Customers can reduce shipping costs by following these tips:
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Ship from the closest U.S. port
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Avoid peak shipping seasons
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Ensure vehicles are running
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Submit documents early
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Book shipments in advance
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Work with a licensed exporter like All Transport Depot
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Shipping to Panama
Avoid these common errors to prevent delays and extra charges:
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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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Late customs processing
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Exceeding free port storage time
Why Choose All Transport Depot?
All Transport Depot is a trusted logistics provider for shipping vehicles and machinery from the U.S. to Panama.
Our Advantages
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Licensed & bonded FMC NVOCC
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Weekly RORO sailings to Cristóbal
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Competitive pricing with no hidden fees
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Nationwide door-to-port services
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Fast export documentation
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Experience with commercial & heavy cargo
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Dedicated customer support
We focus on reliability, transparency, and customer satisfaction.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Can I ship a financed vehicle to Panama?
Only with written authorization from the lender.
• Does the vehicle need to be running?
Running vehicles cost less, but non-running units are accepted.
• Can I place items inside the vehicle?
No. RORO requires the interior to be empty.
• How long does customs clearance take in Panama?
Typically 2–5 business days, depending on documentation.
• 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

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.