Shipping vehicles from the United States to Porto, Portugal has grown steadily in popularity, driven by demand for American cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, classic vehicles, and specialized machinery. Many individuals, car dealers, expatriates, and collectors choose Portugal due to its strategic location within the European Union and its well-developed port infrastructure.
One of the most efficient and cost-effective shipping methods is RORO (Roll-On/Roll-Off) shipping. Known for its speed, simplicity, and affordability, RORO shipping allows vehicles to be driven directly onto specialized vessels and unloaded just as easily at the destination. Whether you’re shipping a personal vehicle to Porto or exporting commercial equipment, RORO provides a reliable and streamlined solution.
At All Transport Depot, we specialize in global vehicle and machinery logistics, offering safe, seamless, and competitively priced RORO shipping from major U.S. ports directly to Portugal. With years of experience, regular sailings, and expert export handling, we make shipping vehicles to Porto stress-free and efficient.
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Why Choose RORO Shipping to Porto, Portugal?
RORO shipping is one of the most practical methods for transporting vehicles to Portugal. Instead of using containers, vehicles are driven directly onto the vessel, secured in place, and driven off upon arrival at the port.
Key Advantages of RORO Shipping
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Cost-effective: Often cheaper than container shipping
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Fast loading & unloading: Reduces handling time and 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, vans, buses, motorcycles
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Perfect for heavy machinery: Tractors, excavators, forklifts, loaders
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Best for running vehicles: Non-running units are accepted at additional cost
RORO is especially popular for European imports due to predictable schedules and efficient port operations.
Popular RORO Export Ports in the United States
RORO shipments to Portugal depart from several major U.S. ports. Choosing the right port depends on your vehicle’s location, shipping cost, and sailing frequency.
Major U.S. RORO Ports Serving Portugal
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Newark, New Jersey (EWR) – One of the most common ports for Europe
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Baltimore, Maryland (BAL) – Strong RORO infrastructure
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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 – 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 ports usually offer faster transit to Europe
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Select based on sailing frequency and price
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Ask All Transport Depot for optimized port options
Porto (Leixões Port) – Main RORO Gateway in Northern Portugal
Vehicles shipped to Porto arrive at Port of Leixões, located just outside Porto city. It is one of Portugal’s most modern and efficient ports, handling both commercial and private vehicle imports.
Why Choose Leixões Port
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Efficient customs clearance procedures
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Strong RORO and vehicle-handling facilities
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Easy access to northern Portugal and Spain
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Ideal for personal imports, dealerships, and EU redistribution
All imports must comply with Portuguese and EU regulations, including emissions and registration standards.
Types of Vehicles & Machinery Shipped via RORO
RORO shipping supports a wide variety of vehicles and equipment, making it ideal for both private 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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Tractors
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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 and campers
Non-Running Vehicles
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Accepted with special handling
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Additional charges apply
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Must be delivered earlier to the port
Cost of RORO Shipping to Porto, Portugal (2025 Guide)
RORO shipping rates vary depending on multiple factors. While pricing fluctuates based on demand and fuel costs, the following elements influence the final rate.
Factors That Determine RORO Rates
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Vehicle type and dimensions
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Port of departure in the U.S.
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Running vs. non-running condition
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Weight and height (important for EU ports)
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Machinery measured in cubic meters (CBM)
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Seasonal demand
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Documentation and port fees
Typical Price Ranges (Estimated)
(Exact pricing varies — contact All Transport Depot for real-time quotes.)
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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 dimensions
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Machinery: Based on CBM
Documents Required for RORO Shipping to Portugal
Accurate documentation is essential for smooth export from the U.S. and import clearance in Portugal.
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 details in Portugal
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Portuguese tax number (NIF) for registration (import side)
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Additional compliance documents may be required for EU standards
Step-by-Step: How to Ship a Car from USA to Porto via RORO
All Transport Depot manages the full export process.
1. Request a Quote
Provide vehicle details and pickup location.
2. Vehicle Pickup or Port Drop-Off
Door-to-port or self-delivery options available.
3. Port Inspection
Vehicle condition verified before loading.
4. U.S. Customs Export Clearance
We handle AES filing and export compliance.
5. Loading onto RORO Vessel
Vehicle is driven aboard and secured.
6. Ocean Transit to Porto
Vessels follow fixed sailing schedules.
7. Arrival & Portuguese Customs Clearance
Your customs agent handles VAT, duties, and inspections.
8. Vehicle Release
Vehicle is collected from Leixões Port.
Transit Time from USA to Porto, Portugal
Transit time depends on the port of departure.
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East Coast to Porto: ~12–20 days
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Gulf Coast to Porto: ~18–26 days
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West Coast to Porto: ~30–40 days
RORO remains one of the fastest shipping methods for vehicles entering Europe.
How to Save Money on RORO Shipping to Portugal
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Ship from the closest U.S. port
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Book early for better vessel availability
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Keep the vehicle running
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Submit documents early
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Avoid peak summer shipping seasons
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Use a licensed exporter like All Transport Depot
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Missing or incorrect documents
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Leaving personal items inside the vehicle
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Incorrect consignee or tax details
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Using unlicensed shipping agents
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Delaying EU compliance paperwork
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Ignoring port storage deadlines
Why Ship With All Transport Depot?
All Transport Depot is a trusted international logistics provider for USA-to-Portugal vehicle shipping.
Why Customers Choose Us
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Licensed & bonded U.S. exporter
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Extensive experience with European ports
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Regular RORO sailings to Portugal
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Competitive and transparent pricing
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Door-to-port & port-to-port service
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Fast export documentation
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Dedicated customer support
Our goal is to make international vehicle shipping simple, secure, and affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Can I ship a financed car to Portugal?
Only with written authorization from the lender.
• Does the vehicle have to be running?
Running vehicles cost less, but non-running units are accepted.
• Can I place personal items inside the car?
No. RORO requires vehicles to be empty.
• How long does customs clearance take in Portugal?
Typically 3–7 business days, depending on documentation.
• What is the cheapest way to ship a car to Portugal?
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
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.