Shipping vehicles from the United States to Panama has become increasingly popular due to strong demand for American cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, and commercial vehicles. One of the most efficient and affordable ways to transport vehicles to Panama is RORO (Roll-On/Roll-Off) shipping, especially through Manzanillo International Terminal, one of Panama’s most important automotive import hubs. Whether you are shipping a personal car, dealership inventory, or heavy equipment, RORO shipping offers a fast, secure, and cost-effective solution.
At All Transport Depot, we specialize in international vehicle and machinery logistics, providing reliable RORO shipping from major U.S. ports directly to Manzanillo, Panama. With years of experience, competitive pricing, and dependable sailing schedules, we help individuals, dealers, and businesses ship vehicles to Panama with complete peace of mind.
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Why Choose RORO Shipping to Panama?
RORO shipping is one of the most preferred shipping methods for vehicles entering Panama. Vehicles are driven directly onto specialized RORO vessels, secured safely during transit, and driven off the ship upon arrival at Manzanillo 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 speeds up delivery
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Reduced risk of damage: No cranes or container stuffing
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Ideal for all vehicle types: Sedans, 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
Popular RORO Ports in the United States
RORO shipping to Manzanillo, Panama is available from several major U.S. ports. Selecting the right port helps reduce inland transport costs and improves transit time.
Major U.S. RORO Export Ports
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Jacksonville, Florida (JAXPORT) – Most popular for Panama routes
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Miami / Port Everglades, Florida
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Savannah, Georgia
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Baltimore, Maryland
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Galveston, Texas
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Freeport, Texas
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Los Angeles / Long Beach, California – West Coast shipments
How to Choose the Best Port
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Choose the closest port to minimize inland transport costs
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Florida and Gulf ports usually offer the fastest routes
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Sailing frequency affects price and timing
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All Transport Depot helps secure the most cost-effective port option
Manzanillo International Terminal – Panama’s Key RORO Port
Manzanillo International Terminal (MIT), located on Panama’s Atlantic side near Colón, is one of the most advanced ports in Latin America and a major gateway for vehicle imports.
Why Manzanillo Port?
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Dedicated RORO handling facilities
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Efficient customs and inspection processes
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Handles personal, commercial, and dealership vehicles
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Strategic access to Panama and Central America
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Suitable for cars, SUVs, trucks, buses, and machinery
Manzanillo Port follows strict customs and inspection procedures to ensure compliance with Panamanian import regulations.
Types of Vehicles & Machinery Shipped via RORO to Manzanillo
RORO shipping supports a wide variety of vehicles and equipment, making it ideal for both personal and commercial shipments.
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 equipment
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 charges apply
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Early delivery to port required
Cost of RORO Shipping to Manzanillo, Panama (2025 Guide)
RORO shipping costs depend on multiple variables. While rates fluctuate due to fuel prices and vessel availability, the following guide explains the main pricing factors.
Factors That Affect RORO Shipping Rates
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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 Categories
(Exact pricing depends on port, season, and vessel availability. Contact All Transport Depot for accurate quotes.)
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Sedan: Lowest-cost category
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SUV: Moderately higher due to size
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Pickup Truck: Based on length and height
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Heavy Machinery: Charged by cubic meter (CBM)
Documents Required for RORO Shipping to Panama
Proper documentation is critical for smooth export and quick clearance at Manzanillo Port.
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 (name, address, phone)
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Licensed customs broker or clearing agent (recommended)
Additional paperwork may be required for auction or salvage vehicles.
Step-by-Step: How to Ship a Car from USA to Manzanillo via RORO
All Transport Depot manages every stage of the shipping process.
1. Request a Quote
Submit vehicle details, pickup ZIP code, and destination port.
2. Vehicle Pickup or Port Drop-Off
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Door-to-port service available
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Or deliver the vehicle directly to port
3. Vehicle Inspection at the Port
Mandatory condition and compliance inspection.
4. U.S. Export Customs Clearance
All export filings and AES submissions handled by All Transport Depot.
5. RORO Vessel Loading
Vehicle is driven onto the ship and properly secured.
6. Ocean Transit to Manzanillo
RORO vessels operate on fixed schedules.
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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Terminal and port fees
8. Vehicle Release
Vehicle is picked up directly from Manzanillo International Terminal.
Transit Time from USA to Manzanillo, Panama
Transit times depend on departure port, vessel routing, and sailing schedules.
Estimated Transit Times
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Florida / East Coast USA: ~10–18 days
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Gulf Coast USA: ~14–22 days
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West Coast USA: ~25–35 days
RORO remains one of the fastest vehicle shipping methods to Panama.
How to Save Money on RORO Shipping to Panama
Proper planning and working with an experienced shipping provider can significantly reduce costs.
Cost-Saving Tips
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Ship from the nearest U.S. port
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Avoid peak seasons when possible
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Submit documentation early
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Keep vehicles running to avoid extra fees
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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 a Car to Panama
Many delays occur due to preventable errors.
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Missing or incorrect documents
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Leaving personal items inside the vehicle
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Incorrect consignee information
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Using unlicensed exporters
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Delaying customs clearance in Panama
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Ignoring port storage deadlines
Avoiding these mistakes saves time and unnecessary expenses.
Why Ship to Manzanillo with All Transport Depot?
All Transport Depot is a trusted partner for shipping vehicles and heavy equipment from the USA to Panama. Our experience with Caribbean and Central American routes ensures smooth processing and reliable delivery.
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Licensed & bonded U.S. exporter
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Extensive experience with Panama shipments
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Reliable RORO sailings to Manzanillo
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Competitive pricing
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Door-to-port & port-to-port options
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Dedicated customer support
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Fast documentation handling
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 the lender provides written export authorization.
• Does the vehicle need to be running?
Running vehicles are cheaper, but non-running units can be shipped.
• Can I put personal items inside the vehicle?
No. RORO shipping requires empty interiors.
• How long does customs clearance take in Panama?
Usually 3–7 business days, depending on customs volume.
• What is the cheapest way to ship a car to Panama?
RORO shipping is typically the most affordable and efficient 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
Maria is the operations manager at SoCal Auto Movers, where she oversees the daily operations of their car shipping services. Her efficiency and problem-solving skills ensure that each shipment, whether local or long-distance, goes off without a hitch.