
Vehicle shipping · RORO & container
Ship a car to the Dominican Republic
Whether you are relocating, buying at auction or importing vehicles for resale, we handle the whole process: title validation, export filing, RORO or container shipping, and Dominican customs clearance so you can register and drive.
- Transit
- 7–14 days
- Methods
- RORO · Container
- Vehicles
- Cars, trucks, motos, boats
RORO vs. container shipping
RORO (roll-on/roll-off) is the most economical option: the vehicle is driven onto a specialized vessel and parked below deck. Container shipping costs more but lets you load personal items with the car, and is the best choice for classic, luxury or non-running vehicles.
Documents you need
- Original clean title (no liens) — or lien release letter from the bank
- Bill of sale or auction invoice
- Copy of passport or cédula of the owner and consignee
- Export filing completed 72 hours before departure (we handle this)
Dominican import rules for vehicles
The Dominican Republic restricts imports of light passenger vehicles older than five years from the year of manufacture, and charges duties, ITBIS, first-registration tax and a CO₂ emissions-based surcharge. We calculate an estimate of these costs before you ship, so you know the total landed cost of the vehicle.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to ship a car to the Dominican Republic?
Ocean freight for a standard sedan by RORO is usually the smallest part of the cost; taxes depend on the vehicle value, age and engine. Request a quote with the VIN for an exact estimate.
Can I put personal items inside the car?
Not with RORO — vehicles must be empty. If you want to ship belongings with the car, choose container shipping.
Can you pick up a car bought at Copart or IAA?
Yes. We collect from auction yards, handle the title paperwork and ship it to the Dominican Republic.
How much does it cost to ship a container to the Dominican Republic?
There is no single price. The cost depends on the container type (20', 40', 40' high cube, reefer), the origin port, the destination port (Caucedo, Río Haina or Puerto Plata), current ocean carrier rates and surcharges, whether you need pickup or door delivery, customs clearance, and insurance. Send us the details through the quote form and a freight agent will price your specific shipment.
What documents does DGA require for imports?
The Dirección General de Aduanas (DGA) typically requires a commercial invoice, a packing list, the bill of lading (ocean) or air waybill (air), and the importer's RNC (companies) or cédula/passport (individuals). Some goods also need permits from other agencies. Requirements change, so always confirm with DGA at aduanas.gob.do or ask us before you ship.
How long does ocean or air freight take?
Transit times are estimates only and vary by carrier schedule, port congestion, weather and customs. As a guide, ocean freight from Florida is roughly 4–8 days port to port, from the US Northeast roughly 7–18 days, from Europe roughly 14–22 days and from Asia roughly 30–45 days. Air freight is usually 1–4 days. Customs clearance and inland delivery add time.
Can I ship a car to the DR?
Yes. Vehicles can travel by RORO (driven onto the ship) or inside a container. You will need the original title, the bill of sale and a copy of your ID. The DR has import rules for vehicles, including age limits and taxes calculated by DGA, so check eligibility before you buy or ship. Share the year, make and model in the quote form and we will advise.
What is LCL vs FCL?
LCL (less than container load) means your cargo shares a container with other shippers and you pay for the space you use. It suits smaller shipments. FCL (full container load) means you book a whole 20' or 40' container for your cargo only. It is usually more cost-effective for larger volumes and moves with fewer handling steps.
How do I export from the DR or a free zone?
You need a commercial invoice, a packing list, the exporter's RNC, and an export declaration filed with DGA. Free-zone companies also follow the procedures of their free-zone operator and the Consejo Nacional de Zonas Francas de Exportación. Food, plant and animal products may need phytosanitary or health certificates. We coordinate booking, documents and loading at Caucedo, Río Haina, Puerto Plata or the airports.
What can't I ship?
Prohibited and restricted items include weapons and ammunition, illegal drugs, explosives and flammable liquids, counterfeit goods, and some chemicals. Lithium batteries, perfumes, aerosols, medicines and food often have special rules, especially by air. If you are unsure about an item, describe it in the quote form or ask us on WhatsApp before you pack.
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No rate sheets
What affects your price
Every shipment is priced on its own details. These are the factors a freight agent looks at when preparing your quote.
Estimate volume and weightMode of transport
Ocean (LCL or FCL), air or RORO. Air is fastest; ocean is usually the most economical for heavy or bulky cargo.
Volume and weight
Ocean freight is mostly priced by volume (CBM); air freight by actual or volumetric weight, whichever is greater.
Origin and destination
The ports or airports involved, the distance, and current carrier schedules and surcharges on that lane.
Container type
A 20', 40', 40' high cube, reefer, flat-rack or open-top container each has its own cost.
Customs clearance
Duties and taxes are set by the authorities, not by us, and depend on the goods, their value and their classification.
Cargo insurance
Optional coverage is based on the declared value of your goods.
Pickup and door delivery
Collecting at your door or delivering to an address adds trucking, compared with port-to-port or drop-off.
Request a quote
Tell us about your shipment
Fill in what you know — a freight agent will review it and contact you with a quote. Prefer to chat? Message our Dominican office on WhatsApp.