RORO shipping from the USA to Mongolia provides a practical, cost-conscious way to move cars, trucks, and heavy equipment overseas. In short, you drive the vehicle onto a Roll-On/Roll-Off vessel at the departure port and drive it off at the destination hub; consequently, the method reduces handling and often lowers freight charges compared with container shipping.
What is RORO shipping?
RORO (Roll-On/Roll-Off) refers to vessels built with ramps and decks that let wheeled cargo roll on at origin and roll off at destination. It suits operable vehicles, specialized machinery, and some trailer-mounted boats. Moreover, RORO eliminates the need for crane lifts that container loading requires.
Why choose RORO for Mongolia?
- Lower ocean freight: For operable vehicles, RORO usually costs less than containerized transport.
- Faster port turns: Because vehicles are driven on/off, terminals process shipments quickly.
- Reduced handling risk: Less lifting means fewer touchpoints and therefore lower damage risk.
- Flexible sizes: From sedans to construction equipment, RORO accommodates many vehicle classes when operable.
How the process works — step by step
1. Get a tailored quote
First, request a rate. All Transport Depot calculates your cost using vehicle dimensions, origin port, and your chosen routing to Mongolia. Then, we present transparent options for RoRo or container transport if needed.
2. Prepare documents and the vehicle
Next, gather required paperwork and ready the car. Typical documents include:
- Original title and registration
- Bill of Lading (from carrier)
- Commercial invoice or bill of sale
- U.S. export declaration
- Mongolian import declaration and permits
- Marine insurance certificate
- Power of attorney if an agent handles clearance
3. Deliver to the departure terminal
Then, send your vehicle to the chosen U.S. RoRo terminal — for example, Baltimore, New York/New Jersey, Los Angeles, or Galveston. Alternatively, All Transport Depot can arrange inland pickup and trucking to the port.
4. Loading and sea transit
At the terminal, staff inspect and secure vehicles. Afterwards, the vessel sails to the agreed arrival port. Transit times vary with route and departure; therefore, check schedules and allow buffer days for customs and inland connections.
5. Arrival, customs and inland delivery
Because Mongolia is landlocked, shipments typically arrive at a nearby seaport (for example, a Chinese or Russian port), then move inland by rail or road to Ulaanbaatar. All Transport Depot coordinates customs clearance and the overland leg so your vehicle reaches its final destination.
Tip: Always photograph your vehicle before handover and keep fuel at about a quarter tank. Remove personal items — many ports and customs agencies forbid them in RORO vehicles.
Estimated costs (typical ranges)
Costs depend on vehicle size, routing and inland transport. As a guideline:
- Standard passenger car (RoRo ocean leg): $1,500–$3,500
- Large vehicle / machinery: $2,500–$6,000+
- Container option (non-running or high-value car): $3,500–$7,000+
- Inland rail/road to Ulaanbaatar, customs, duties: variable — ask for a full door-to-door quote
For an exact number, use the rates calculator above or Request a Quote.
U.S. departure ports commonly used
- Port of Baltimore: strong RoRo facilities for Atlantic routes.
- Port of New York / New Jersey: high frequency sailings to Europe and beyond.
- Port of Los Angeles / Long Beach: ideal for Pacific connections.
- Port of Galveston / Houston: Gulf gateways with global reach.
Arrival strategies for Mongolia (landlocked)
Because Mongolia lacks a seaport, choose an arrival strategy that balances cost and transit time:
- Chinese port → rail to Mongolia — common, reliable routing.
- Russian Far East port (e.g., Vladivostok) → rail/road — alternate corridor.
- European port → multimodal routing — sometimes efficient for specific door-to-door plans.
Required documents — quick checklist
- Original vehicle title (clear of liens or with export authorization)
- Bill of Lading
- Commercial invoice / purchase receipt
- Export declaration (U.S.)
- Import declaration and licenses (Mongolia)
- Insurance certificate
- Power of attorney (if agent/broker handles import)
Non-running vehicles — options
Because RORO normally requires operable vehicles, you have two practical choices when a vehicle does not run: ship it in a container, or arrange special port handling for forklift loading (the latter increases cost). Therefore, obtain quotes for both methods before deciding.
Insurance & claims
Purchase marine cargo insurance that covers both ocean and inland legs. If you discover damage, report it immediately and preserve photos as evidence for the carrier and insurer.
Customs & duties in Mongolia
Mongolian customs and import duty rules change occasionally. Consequently, engage a licensed Mongolian customs broker to calculate duties, file declarations, and speed clearance. For official guidance, consult Mongolian Customs: customs.gov.mn.
Why ship with All Transport Depot?
- Transparent, competitive quotes with no hidden fees
- End-to-end coordination: export, ocean freight, customs brokerage, inland delivery
- Experienced handling for oversized and special cargo
- Tracking and client support from pickup to delivery
Practical tips for a smooth shipment
- Remove personal items and disable alarms.
- Document vehicle condition with date-stamped photos.
- Keep fuel low (≈25%) and secure loose parts.
- Confirm pickup and terminal arrival windows to avoid storage fees.
- Ask your broker about temporary permits or homologation rules if you plan to register the vehicle in Mongolia.
Transit time estimates
Expect multi-leg transit: typically 2–6+ weeks for the ocean leg (depending on departure port and routing) plus 2–4+ weeks for inland rail/road into Mongolia. Therefore, plan total lead time accordingly and allow extra days for customs procedures.
FAQs — quick answers
Can I leave personal items inside the car?
No. Most ports and customs agencies prohibit personal belongings inside RoRo vehicles.
Can I ship a non-operable vehicle via RORO?
Usually not. Instead, choose container shipping or request special port handling with additional fees.
How do I track my shipment?
Carriers issue a Bill of Lading number. In addition, All Transport Depot provides tracking updates and status notifications during transit.
Contacts & next steps
If you’re ready to ship, use the rates calculator above or click below to request a personalized quote. We’ll handle export, ocean freight, customs, and inland delivery to Ulaanbaatar.
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.