Ship Car To Cartagena
Car Shipping Cartagena
Cartagena is the 5th largest city in Colombia and home to three large container shipping ports. The Port Society of Cartagena, the Muelles El Bosque and the Container Terminal of Cartagena make shipping a vehicle to the city a relatively easy task to accomplish. International shipping is not the same as shipping from state to state within the same country. When you ship a vehicle to Cartagena you will need to follow some strict guidelines administered through Colombia Customs as well as rules set by the auto transport company that you hire for shipping services. Prior to shipping a vehicle internationally the shipping agent will require you to provide several legal documents. These documents include:
- Driver’s License
- Social Security Card
- Vehicle Title and Registration
- Vehicle Insurance Certificate
- Power of Attorney Statement (Signed)
You will need the Power of Attorney Statement in order to have the auto transport company provide pick-up and delivery service to transport or drive your vehicle to the exit port in the United States. There are more than ten Major Shipping Ports in the U.S. and your car will need to be delivered or personally driven to the one nearest you that provides shipping service to Cartagena. You will also need to acquire International Shipping Insurance for your vehicle for the overseas journey. This insurance can be obtained through the auto transport company if your personal auto insurance does not already include it.
Customs in Colombia will allow Diplomats to import used vehicles into Cartagena, but this without Diplomat status may only import new vehicles or vehicles less than one year old and with zero mileage accrued on them. Diplomats must provide a Diplomat registration form, an import permit, and a Diplomatic permit. These forms can be acquired through the Foreign Ministry, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Incomex Institute. You will also need a Quality Certificate from the Department of Environment. Your shipping agent will be able to assist you with accessing the necessary documents for Customs clearance or you can also contact the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency for further information. Failure to provide all of the necessary documents to Customs for clearance of the vehicle can result in the vehicle being held and large fines accessed for holding.
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Ways to Ship to Cartagena
Your shipping agent will discuss the details of shipping your vehicle overseas and will let you know what preparations you may need to do with the vehicle prior to shipping. Be sure to get a detailed final quote in writing from the Shipper to confirm all total amounts that you will need to pay prior to as well as upon delivery of the vehicle. Depending on the way you choose to ship your vehicle, you may need to steam clean and/or remove all personal items and paperwork from the interior of the vehicle. There may also be exterior parts that may need to be removed prior to shipping internationally.
There are three ways to ship a vehicle to Cartagena and these are the choices you will have:
- Ro-Ro Shipping- Ro-Ro Shipping literally means roll-on roll-off. This is the quickest and most efficient way to ship a vehicle internationally from the United States. It is also the most widely chosen form of sea transport for cars. Your vehicle is driven up a ramp onto the ship at the port in the U.S. and then driven off once it reaches Cartagena. You will need to remove all interior items and paperwork to ship with Ro-Ro.
- Container Shipping- Container Shipping is the perfect source for those who need to ship household goods and personal items along with their vehicle. Your vehicle and any personal belongings that need to be shipped can easily be loaded into a container (20 foot or 40 foot) and then loaded onto the ship for travel. Once the ship reaches the designated port in Cartagena the container will be unloaded and the vehicle may either be driven to your location or re-loaded to a train or truck for delivery.
- Air Shipping- When you need to have your vehicle in Cartagena as fast as possible, then shipping by air is the best choice for you. While a bit more expensive than shipping by sea, air shipping provides the quickest way to have access to your vehicle when you need it the most.
Shipping your vehicle to Cartagena is an easy process when the auto transport company is there to guide you through each step of the journey. Being able to drive your own vehicle in Cartagena will not only allow more freedom when traveling but will also provide a way to save money when you do not have to hire taxis or rental cars to get to and from the places you need to be.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a car to Cartagena from the USA?
Shipping a car to Cartagena from the United States typically costs $1,200 to $3,000, depending on vehicle size, shipping method, port of departure, and seasonal demand. Standard sedans shipped via RoRo shipping are usually cheaper, while container transport costs more but offers added protection. U.S. ports such as Miami, Jacksonville, and Houston often provide the lowest rates because of frequent sailings to Colombia. You can estimate current pricing using a car shipping rates guide.
How long does it take to ship a car to Cartagena?
Shipping a vehicle from the United States to Cartagena generally takes 10 to 25 days, depending on the departure port, shipping method, customs clearance, and vessel schedule. Direct sea routes from Florida ports are often the fastest, sometimes arriving within 10 to 14 days, while shipments leaving from the West Coast can take closer to 3 to 4 weeks. Weather conditions in the Caribbean and port congestion may also influence the final delivery timeframe.
What documents are required to ship a car to Cartagena, Colombia?
To ship a car to Cartagena, you typically need the original vehicle title, bill of sale (if recently purchased), passport copy, and a completed shipping authorization form. Colombian customs may also require an import permit and proof of ownership before releasing the vehicle at the Port of Cartagena. International shipments must comply with regulations monitored by U.S. export authorities and port customs offices. Most transport companies assist with documentation during the international car shipping process.
Can I ship a non-running vehicle to Cartagena?
Yes, but non-operational vehicles usually require container shipping or specialized equipment because RoRo vessels generally require cars to be drivable. Additional loading equipment, port handling fees, and secure bracing may increase the total shipping price. Transport companies coordinate inland pickup and port delivery before export. Vehicles that cannot move under their own power are typically handled through specialized international transport services such as car transportation services.
What shipping methods are available for shipping a car to Cartagena?
The two main options are Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) and container shipping. RoRo is usually the most affordable option, where vehicles are driven directly onto the vessel deck. Container shipping costs more but protects vehicles from salt air and weather during transit. It is commonly used for luxury cars, classic vehicles, or high-value imports. Some carriers also combine multiple vehicles in one container to reduce costs for international vehicle shipments.
Is shipping a car to Cartagena through RoRo shipping reliable?
Yes. RoRo vehicle shipping is one of the most widely used international transport methods and is commonly used for shipping vehicles to major ports like Cartagena. Vehicles are secured on enclosed vehicle decks and monitored by the shipping carrier during the voyage. Because RoRo ships transport hundreds of vehicles per trip, it is often more cost-efficient than container shipping. You can learn more about pricing and logistics through RoRo shipping costs.
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