Ship Car to Colombia Easily with Expert International Support

Last updated Sep, 29 2026

Ship Car to Colombia Easily with Expert International Support

Car Shipping Colombia

Typical Transport Prices – How Much Does It Cost?

Cost & Time Examples For Hauling a Vehicle

Shipping a car from the U.S. to Colombia costs $1,200–$3,500, with RoRo being the most affordable and container shipping offering greater protection.
Transit to Colombian ports like Cartagena or Buenaventura typically takes 20–40 days, depending on shipping method, port schedules, and customs clearance speed.
Colombia enforces strict import rules: only brand-new, zero-kilometer vehicles meeting Euro 6b emissions standards qualify, plus a 35% duty and 19% VAT apply.

To/From	Ground	Ocean	Days
San Jose, CA to (California port) to Cartagena	$200	$2,900	5+12
Los Angeles to (California port) to Cartagena	$360	$2,900	5+12
Boston, MA to (New York port) to Cartagena	$410	$2,500	5+9
Portland, OR to (California port) to Cartagena	$465	$2,900	6+12
Seattle, WA to (California port) to Cartagena	$550	$2,900	6+12
Charlotte, NC to (New York port) to Cartagena	$575	$2,500	6+9
Detroit, MI to (New York port) to Cartagena	$575	$2,500	6+9
Chicago, IL to (New York port) to Cartagena	$675	$2,500	6+9
Memphis, TN to (New York port) to Cartagena	$800	$2,500	6+9
Dallas, TX to (California port) to Cartagena	$1,025	$2,900	7+12

*Prices and times are estimated. They can vary depending on the season and the type of vehicle.

*Save on ground transport costs by delivering the vehicle to the nearest port.

*Allow an additional 10 days to process the documents.

*Prices are for one car in a dedicated 20ft container. This is the safest and most reliable way to haul a vehicle internationally. Other items may be included in the container to help save you money when moving.

*The RoRo (roll on, roll off) method is less expensive, and shipments can be completed in fewer days. Contact us now for a free RoRo quote.

The first deal-breaker you need to know about exporting or sending an automobile to Colombia is that all vehicles entering the country must now be brand new or at least the current model year. Antique automobiles are the sole exception, and transport of these vehicles requires prior approval from the Colombian port administration. The government does not allow the import of used cars, so if you have an older automobile, you must buy one in Colombia.

Retaining a reliable, forthright shipping company licensed internationally is paramount when importing your vehicle. This is extremely important because you must know and understand all the country’s regulations regulating imports. Before getting a quote from an international shipper, you may want to learn about Colombian customs rules.

Understanding Colombia's Vehicle Import Restrictions

Colombia enforces strict regulations on vehicle imports. Only brand-new vehicles from the current model year with zero kilometers on the odometer are eligible for permanent importation. Used vehicles are generally prohibited, except for classic or collector cars over 35 years old, which require special permits and certifications from Colombian authorities. Additionally, all imported vehicles must comply with Euro 6b emission standards, effective January 1, 2023. Ensuring your vehicle meets these criteria is crucial to avoid complications during the import process.

transport sails from the port to the sea

Your car will probably be leaving the U.S. from one of the several southern ports, for instance, Port Everglades, Miami, Houston, or Galveston, and is most likely to arrive in Colombia at either Cartagena, Buenaventura, or Barranquilla port. Most of these ports have ships departing either weekly or bi-weekly, so you’ll need to check on the exact dates for the port nearest your home location.

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When discussing your shipping needs with a carrier, you’ll want to be prepared to choose either container shipping or RORO shipping (roll-on, roll-off). For container hauling, the car is sealed in a container and is locked for safety; for RORO shipping, the vehicle will be driven on and off the ship via a ramp. Container shipping is the more expensive option but is not the only factor in determining the cost. The price to have your vehicle shipped will also depend on the time of year, the size of your car, insurance (if desired), and whether you need the vehicle picked up at your home or driven to the exit port.

Navigating Import Taxes and Fees

Importing a car into Colombia involves taxes and fees that can significantly impact the total cost. These include customs duties, a 19% Value Added Tax (VAT) on the CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) value, and a consumption tax that varies based on the vehicle's value and engine size. For instance, cars with a CIF value exceeding $30,000 may incur a higher consumption tax rate. Investigating these costs when budgeting for your vehicle import is essential to avoid unexpected expenses.

Top Colombia Destinations:

Other Types Of Vehicles We Haul

Motorcycles

Things to Remember

What You Need to Know Before Shipping a Car to Colombia

Shipping a car internationally involves several steps. While your shipping carrier will likely handle much of the paperwork, knowing the process yourself can help prevent delays and complications.

Gather the Required Documents
Colombian Customs requires a copy of your passport, driver’s license, and proof of vehicle ownership. Having these documents ready early will streamline the shipping and clearance process.

Verify Vehicle Eligibility
Not all vehicles qualify for international shipping. According to U.S. export rules (Title 19 of the Code of Federal Regulations), your car must meet documentation standards and, if there’s a lien have formal permission from the lienholder to ship.

Submit to U.S. Customs
Documents must be filed with U.S. Customs and Border Protection at least 72 hours before your vehicle leaves the U.S. Even if your shipping company handles this, double-check it’s done on time.

Plan for Vehicle Pickup in Colombia
If someone else is collecting your vehicle at the port in Colombia, provide written authorization to avoid any legal or identity issues.

Complete the Title Transfer
Once your car arrives in Colombia, you must transfer the title under local laws. Depending on your vehicle type and value, this may involve an inspection and payment of taxes or import duties.

The process of registering a vehicle in Colombia.

Required Documents For Hauling A Vehicle To Colombia

Verified import permit
Bill of lading (provided by shipper)
Original invoice
Bill of sale (copy okay)
Vehicle title
Proof of registration

Transporting Of Heavy Equipment & Oversized Cargo

Hiring reputable overseas transporters is in your most significant interest in getting heavy equipment or oversized cargo shipped to Colombia from the U.S. We will ensure your cargo is shipped safely overseas using state-of-the-art hauling equipment and the latest hauling technology. With all that we have access to, there is hardly any type of heavy or oversized equipment we can’t haul internationally.

If you're curious about what types of cargo we mean when we say “oversized” or “heavy” equipment, here are some examples…

Large Vehicles
Heavy Machinery
Farm Equipment
Mining Equipment
Industrial Equipment
Paving Equipment
Hydraulic Machinery
Forklifts
Cranes
Backhoes
Tractors
Engineering Equipment and more…

No matter what type of cargo you intend to ship to Colombia, we will add on free protection through insurance coverage. It may not protect the full value of your cargo, but we offer additional insurance options.

enclosed truck driving under a cloudy sky

International Carrier Options through A1 A-T

We offer four transport methods for those who wish to ship large or heavy equipment overseas. These methods are excellent, safe options, but what is available to you will depend on the type of equipment you’re shipping. Our trained representatives will assist you with your shipping options. Here are the methods of shipping we have available…

Container Transport
Flat Rack Shipping
Roll On/Roll Off Shipping
Lift On/Lift Off Shipping

Container shipping is the most expensive option since it offers the most security, but your cargo must fit into a 40-foot shipping container. The roll-on/roll-off shipping method is the least costly open-air transport option, and it requires your vehicle or equipment to roll onto and off of the ship. Flat Rack shipping secures your cargo to a metal frame for travel, while Lift-on/Lift-off shipping is mainly recommended for crated cargo and those with inoperable vehicles.

a flatbed truck is being loaded with two SUV

Other Services

Overseas Moving Services to Colombia

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I ship a used car to Colombia?

A standard used car generally cannot be permanently nationalized in Colombia under the country's automotive import rules. DIAN states that the Andean automotive framework does not provide for legalizing and permanently importing an ordinary used vehicle. Official Colombian customs doctrine recognizes narrow exceptions for qualifying antique or classic vehicles when the required prior authorization is obtained. Temporary admission is a separate customs process and does not turn an otherwise prohibited used vehicle into a normal permanent import.

How much does it cost to ship a car to Colombia from the U.S.?

As of September 29, 2026, current market evidence places common port-to-port ocean shipping for a standard car from the U.S. to Colombia at roughly $1,500-$3,000. Florida and East Coast departures tend to sit toward the lower end, while dedicated containers, larger vehicles, West Coast departures, and inland pickup can raise the transport charge. Colombian duties, taxes, customs handling, and inland delivery are separate unless the quote specifically includes them. A1's international car shipping rates calculator can help compare current shipment details.

What documents are required to ship a car to Colombia?

Shipping a car to Colombia normally requires proof of ownership, the commercial invoice, the transport document, and Colombian import paperwork applicable to the vehicle. DIAN also requires supporting documents such as an import registration or license when applicable, origin documentation when relevant, and the documents used to establish customs value. For a vehicle treated as used under U.S. export rules, the exporter must file the required Electronic Export Information and present the title to CBP at least 72 hours before export. A1's international shipping document guide covers the export side in more detail.

How are car import taxes calculated in Colombia?

Colombian vehicle import taxes are calculated from the vehicle's customs value and tariff classification, rather than one universal percentage for every car. DIAN examples apply the relevant customs duty to the customs value, then calculate VAT on the customs value plus that duty; the exact tariff can also depend on origin and applicable trade treatment. Certain vehicles may also be subject to Colombia's national consumption tax, while qualifying electric vehicles receive a 5% VAT rate instead of the standard 19% rate. Confirm the vehicle's classification before shipment because the tax treatment can materially change the landed cost.

How long does it take to ship a car to Colombia?

Port-to-port car shipping to Colombia commonly takes about 2-4 weeks from major East Coast gateways, while some West Coast container routings can take 6-9 weeks. Direct Miami-area services may sail faster, but consolidation, vessel schedules, and transshipment can extend the ocean portion. These figures describe ocean transport rather than the full door-to-door move, so U.S. inland pickup, export processing, Colombian customs clearance, and final inland delivery should be scheduled separately. A1's international car shipping service explains the broader overseas transport process. AB Group Shipping

What is the cheapest way to ship a car to Colombia?

Roll-on/roll-off shipping is generally the lowest-cost ocean option for an operable vehicle when a suitable Colombia sailing is available. The car is driven onto the vessel and secured in its vehicle deck, avoiding the equipment and loading costs of a dedicated container. Container shipping usually costs more, but it can make sense when the vehicle needs additional enclosure or when shared-container pricing is competitive on the departure route. Review A1's RoRo shipping guide before choosing between the two methods.