Shipping vehicles from the United States to Matadi, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is steadily increasing due to demand for American cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, commercial vehicles, and heavy machinery. One of the most reliable and cost-effective methods for transporting vehicles internationally is RORO (Roll-On/Roll-Off) shipping. Whether you are importing a personal vehicle, a fleet for business, or construction and mining equipment, RORO shipping provides a practical and efficient solution.
At All Transport Depot, we specialize in international vehicle and heavy equipment logistics, offering safe, affordable, and fully managed RORO shipping services from major U.S. ports to Matadi. With extensive experience in Africa-bound shipments, competitive pricing, and consistent sailing schedules, we ensure your cargo arrives securely and on time.
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Why Choose RORO Shipping to Matadi, DRC?
RORO shipping is widely used for vehicle exports because of its simplicity and reduced handling. Vehicles are driven directly onto specialized vessels, secured in place, and driven off at the destination port.
Key Benefits of RORO Shipping
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Cost-effective: Lower cost compared to container shipping
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Fast loading & unloading: Minimizes port delays
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Lower risk of damage: No cranes or container stuffing
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Ideal for all vehicle types: Cars, SUVs, trucks, buses, motorcycles
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Perfect for heavy machinery: Excavators, bulldozers, mining equipment
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Best for running vehicles: Non-running units allowed with extra fees
Major RORO Ports in the United States
RORO vessels bound for Matadi depart from several major U.S. ports. Choosing the right port helps reduce inland transport costs and transit time.
Popular U.S. RORO Export Ports
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Newark, New Jersey (EWR)
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Baltimore, Maryland (BAL)
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Savannah, Georgia (SAV)
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Jacksonville, Florida (JAXPORT)
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Galveston, Texas (GLS)
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Freeport, Texas
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Los Angeles / Long Beach (California)
How to Choose the Best Port
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Select the closest port to reduce domestic trucking costs
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East Coast ports typically offer faster routes to Central Africa
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Compare sailing frequency and pricing
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Consult All Transport Depot for optimized routing
Port of Arrival: Matadi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
The Port of Matadi is the primary maritime gateway for the DRC and the country’s only deep-water port. It plays a crucial role in handling vehicle imports and heavy cargo.
Why Ship to Matadi Port?
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Primary RORO-capable port in the DRC
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Handles passenger vehicles, commercial trucks, and machinery
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Serves Kinshasa and inland regions via road and river links
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Suitable for mining and construction equipment
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Established customs and inspection procedures
Vehicles & Machinery Shipped via RORO to Matadi
RORO shipping supports a wide range of vehicles and mobile equipment, making it ideal for both personal and commercial shipments.
Passenger Vehicles
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Sedans
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SUVs and crossovers
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Minivans
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Coupes
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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Skid steers
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Mining and agricultural equipment
Other Equipment
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Motorcycles
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Boats and jet skis
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RVs and mobile homes
Non-Running Vehicles
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Accepted with forklift loading
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Additional charges apply
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Early delivery to port required
Cost of RORO Shipping to Matadi, DRC (2025 Guide)
RORO shipping rates depend on vehicle size, condition, departure port, and current market conditions. Prices may fluctuate due to fuel costs and vessel availability.
Factors That Affect RORO Rates
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Vehicle type and dimensions
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U.S. departure port
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Running vs. non-running condition
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Weight and size of machinery (CBM-based pricing)
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Seasonal demand
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Documentation and port fees
Estimated Pricing Overview
(Exact pricing varies—contact All Transport Depot for up-to-date quotes.)
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Sedans: Most economical option
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SUVs: Higher due to size and height
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Pickup trucks: Priced by class and dimensions
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Heavy machinery: Charged by cubic meters (CBM)
Documents Required for RORO Shipping to the DRC
Proper documentation is essential to avoid delays during U.S. export and Congolese import clearance.
Required Documents
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Original vehicle title
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Bill of Sale
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Copy of passport or U.S. ID
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Export Power of Attorney (provided by All Transport Depot)
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Consignee’s full contact details in the DRC
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Customs broker or clearing agent details (recommended)
Additional documents may be required for auction or salvage vehicles.
Step-by-Step: How to Ship a Vehicle from the USA to Matadi via RORO
All Transport Depot manages every stage of the shipping process.
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Request a Quote – Provide vehicle and destination details
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Vehicle Pickup or Port Delivery – Door-to-port service available
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Port Inspection – Vehicle condition verification
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U.S. Export Customs Clearance – Filing handled by All Transport Depot
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RORO Vessel Loading – Vehicle driven and secured onboard
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Ocean Transit to Matadi
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DRC Customs Clearance – Duties, inspections, and terminal charges
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Vehicle Release at Matadi Port
Transit Time from the USA to Matadi
Transit time depends on departure port and shipping route.
Estimated Transit Times
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East Coast to Matadi: ~20–30 days
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Gulf Coast to Matadi: ~24–34 days
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West Coast to Matadi: ~40–55 days
Transit times may vary due to weather, congestion, or schedule changes.
How to Save Money on RORO Shipping to the DRC
Planning ahead can significantly reduce shipping expenses.
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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Ensure the vehicle is running
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Submit documents early
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Avoid last-minute bookings
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Work with an experienced Africa-focused shipper
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Shipping to Matadi
Avoiding these common errors helps prevent delays and added costs:
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Missing or incorrect documentation
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Leaving personal items inside vehicles
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Incorrect consignee information
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Working with unlicensed agents
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Delayed customs processing
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Exceeding port storage time
Why Ship with All Transport Depot?
All Transport Depot is a trusted logistics partner for shipping vehicles and heavy equipment to Central Africa.
Our Advantages
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Licensed & bonded FMC NVOCC
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Experience with DRC-bound shipments
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Regular RORO sailings to Matadi
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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
Our mission is to make international shipping reliable, affordable, and stress-free.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Can I ship a financed vehicle to the DRC?
Only if the lender provides written export approval.
• Do vehicles need to be running?
Running vehicles cost less, but non-running units are accepted with added fees.
• Can personal items be shipped inside the vehicle?
No. RORO requires empty interiors.
• How long does customs clearance take in Matadi?
Typically 5–10 business days, depending on documentation and inspections.
• What is the cheapest way to ship a vehicle to the DRC?
RORO shipping is usually the most economical 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
Kevin is a skilled auto mechanic specializing in vehicle inspections at Big Apple Auto Shippers. His thorough inspections guarantee that every car is in optimal condition before embarking on its journey. Kevin’s dedication ensures the reliability of every shipment.