⚡ Quick Answer: How Does RoRo Shipping to the Dominican Republic Work?
RoRo shipping to the Dominican Republic is used for eligible running cars, trucks and self-propelled equipment, with Caucedo and Haina among the main gateways to compare. For a standard running vehicle, use roughly $1,100–$2,700+ as a broad planning range before Dominican customs, taxes, port charges and local delivery. Used passenger vehicles are generally limited to five years of manufacture or newer; salvage vehicles and right-hand-drive vehicles are prohibited under the normal import rules, so eligibility should be checked before purchase or booking.
USA → DOMINICAN REPUBLIC RORO SHIPPING
A Dominican Republic RoRo shipment should be planned around the exact vehicle or machine, its manufacture year, running condition, U.S. pickup point and the receiving terminal. All TransportDepot coordinates nationwide pickup, title review, AES/EEI filing, terminal delivery and carrier booking for eligible vehicles and mobile equipment moving to Caucedo, Haina or another confirmed Dominican gateway.
FMC Licensed & Bonded NVOCC #021693 • Nationwide U.S. Pickup • Vehicle & Equipment Export Support
RoRo Shipping Navigation: RoRo Shipping from USA → Caribbean RoRo Hub → Dominican Republic
What Can Ship by RoRo to the Dominican Republic?
Cars, SUVs & Pickups
Best suited to operable units that start, steer and brake and meet destination eligibility.
Commercial Trucks
Eligible vans, trucks and fleet vehicles may move by RoRo when dimensions and carrier acceptance are confirmed.
Heavy Equipment
Self-propelled loaders, forklifts, tractors and selected construction equipment may qualify. Oversized or static cargo may require MAFI, flat rack or breakbulk service.
Dominican Republic RoRo Ports & Routing
DP World Caucedo
A principal Santo Domingo-area gateway and one of the first terminals to compare for imported vehicles and rolling cargo.
Haina Oriental
An important alternative cargo gateway for Santo Domingo-area imports depending on the carrier and vessel rotation.
Other Dominican Ports
Puerto Plata or other terminals may be used for specific services. The confirmed booking—not the city name alone—determines discharge terminal.
RoRo Shipping Cost & Transit Planning
For many standard running vehicles, a broad planning range is $1,100–$2,700+. Larger trucks and machinery are quoted from overall dimensions, weight, operability and current carrier rate.
| Cargo | Planning Approach | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Standard car / SUV | $1,100–$2,700+ planning range | Often about 2–5 weeks overall |
| Pickup / van / truck | Size and route based | Schedule dependent |
| Machinery | Dimensions, weight and handling based | Acceptance dependent |
Destination taxes, customs, terminal handling, storage, local delivery and special handling are additional unless included in writing.
Dominican Republic Vehicle Import Rules & Customs
Dirección General de Aduanas states that Law 04-07 prohibits used vehicles with more than five years of manufacture. DGA also states that salvage vehicles are not accepted under the normal import rule, and its legal framework prohibits right-hand-drive vehicles.
Vehicle Eligibility
- Used passenger vehicles: generally 5 years of manufacture or newer.
- Salvage vehicles: prohibited under the normal DGA rule.
- Right-hand-drive motor vehicles: prohibited.
- Confirm manufacture year before buying at auction.
Core Customs Documents
- Commercial invoice for a new vehicle or title for a used vehicle
- Bill of Lading
- DUA customs declaration
- Certificate of origin when claiming eligible DR-CAFTA treatment
Documents for RoRo Shipping to the Dominican Republic
U.S. Export Side
- Original title or acceptable ownership document
- Bill of sale / auction invoice
- Shipper identification
- AES/EEI filing and ITN where required
- Carrier booking and terminal receiving paperwork
Dominican Import Side
- Bill of Lading
- Title or commercial invoice
- DUA declaration
- Importer / consignee records
- Certificate of origin when applicable
How the RoRo Shipping Process Works
1. Send Cargo Details
Provide VIN or serial, dimensions, weight, condition and pickup ZIP.
2. Check Import Eligibility
Review manufacture year, title status and steering configuration before dispatch.
3. Confirm Carrier Acceptance
Verify the unit can move safely as rolling cargo.
4. Arrange Pickup
Coordinate auction, dealer, home or yard collection.
5. Complete U.S. Export
Prepare title and AES/EEI records before cutoff.
6. Clear in Dominican Republic
The consignee or broker completes DGA entry, taxes and terminal release.
RoRo vs Container Shipping to the Dominican Republic
Choose RoRo
For eligible operable vehicles or self-propelled equipment moving as a complete rolling unit.
Choose Container
For non-running, high-value or smaller cargo needing enclosed loading or approved additional cargo.
Frequently Asked Questions About RoRo Shipping to the Dominican Republic
What are the main RoRo ports?
Caucedo and Haina are principal gateways to compare; the actual discharge terminal depends on the booking.
Can I ship a vehicle older than five years?
DGA states that used vehicles with more than five years of manufacture are prohibited under Law 04-07.
Can a salvage vehicle be imported?
DGA states salvage vehicles are prohibited under the normal import rule.
Are right-hand-drive vehicles allowed?
Dominican customs rules prohibit right-hand-drive motor vehicles.
Can non-running cars use RoRo?
Usually not under standard RoRo. Special approval or container handling may be needed.
Can heavy machinery ship by RoRo?
Yes when the machine is self-propelled, safe to operate and within carrier limits.
Can All TransportDepot pick up from Copart or IAA?
Yes. Nationwide auction pickup can be coordinated after title and destination eligibility are confirmed.
Are Dominican customs charges included?
Not unless specifically included in writing. Destination taxes, customs, terminal and local delivery are normally separate.
Request a Dominican Republic RoRo Quote
Send the VIN or serial number, pickup ZIP, running condition, dimensions and destination for current routing and pricing.
Ian Mariamu is part of All TransportDepot Inc., an FMC-licensed and bonded NVOCC (License No. 021693) with more than 20 years of experience in international shipping and export logistics. The company handles vehicle shipping, RoRo, containerized cargo, heavy machinery and equipment, boats and yachts, inland transportation, and commercial ocean freight. Through major U.S. ports and international carrier networks, All TransportDepot Inc. supports individuals, dealers, exporters, businesses, and project cargo customers shipping from the United States to destinations worldwide.