RORO and container · Updated October 2026
Vehicle Shipping from the USA to Argentina and Uruguay
Shipping a standard car from the USA to Zárate, Argentina or Montevideo, Uruguay by RORO costs about US$1,660 in sea freight, or US$2,730–3,780 for a motorhome, based on IVSS quotes in the last 90 days. Ships sail from Baltimore, Jacksonville and Freeport (Texas). Import costs in Argentina and Uruguay are high and are paid locally on top.
- Instant pricing in about 2 minutes
- Customs clearance support
- BIFA and FIATA member
Standard car, RORO, USA to Zárate or Montevideo
from US$1,660
Typical price about US$1,660 · Confirmed with your sailing
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Car from
US$1,660 sea freight (RORO)
US departures
Baltimore, Jacksonville, Freeport (Texas)
Arrivals
Zárate, Argentina; Montevideo, Uruguay
Export documents
Original US title, free of any lien (or with a signed letter from the lender authorising export)
US port escort
About US$50–125
Import costs, Montevideo
About US$1,000–1,400 for a car (estimate)
Container from
US$3,000 (20ft, Miami or Houston to Montevideo)
Book ahead
4 months to 3 weeks before sailing
How much does RORO shipping cost?
Typical RORO sea freight from Baltimore or Jacksonville to Zárate or Montevideo, including BAF, LSL and bill of lading, based on IVSS quotes for this route in the last 90 days (rates October 2026). Montevideo usually costs more than Zárate. Import costs in South America are extra (see below).
| Vehicle | Typical sea freight | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Car (saloon/hatchback) | about US$1,660 | Get a quote |
| 4x4 / SUV | about US$1,990 | Get a quote |
| Van | US$1,990 – 2,940 | Get a quote |
| Campervan / motorhome | US$2,730 – 3,780 | Get a quote |
| 4x4 camper / overlander | US$1,990 – 3,300 | Get a quote |
| Expedition truck | US$3,930 – 5,670 | Get a quote |
How much does container shipping cost?
Container is the choice for classics, high-value vehicles and anything you want to pack with belongings.
Container from the USA to Montevideo
| US port | 20ft | 40ft |
|---|---|---|
| Oakland, CA | US$3,500 | US$4,950 |
| Newark, NJ | US$3,250 | US$4,750 |
| Miami, FL | US$3,000 | US$4,500 |
| Houston, TX | US$3,000 | US$4,500 |
Includes all export costs, customs clearance, stuffing and trucking. Import costs in Montevideo are paid direct to the local agent and are high: estimated at US$1,000–1,250 per vehicle in a shared container, about US$2,000 for a 20ft and about US$2,500 for a 40ft.
How the container share works
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| Join a share | Complete our booking form and we add you to an open container share or look for a partner for you. |
| Deposit | The deposit is only taken once a partner is found. |
| Booking | Containers are usually confirmed 4–6 weeks before sailing. |
Shared space is subject to availability. See our open container shares.
Not included: marine insurance, destination charges, or costs from a customs inspection, verification or delay. Lithium-ion batteries must be declared and are shipped as hazardous, usually for US$700–1,000 or more. No gas cylinders. Container prices are confirmed for your sailing.
Why are you shipping your vehicle to Argentina or Uruguay?
Touring / Overlanding
Start a South American trip
Ship from the US East Coast and drive south from Buenos Aires or Montevideo.
Read moreMoving to Argentina or Uruguay
Check before you ship
Used vehicle imports are tightly restricted; we check your case first.
Read moreClassic and collector cars
Ship a classic in a container
Sealed containers from Miami, Houston, Newark or Oakland to Montevideo.
Read moreTrade and business
Trucks, projects and plant
RORO for oversized vehicles, or containers from four US ports.
Read moreEntry rules
What are the rules for temporary entry, permanent import and transfer of residence in Argentina and Uruguay?
Most vehicles shipped to Zárate or Montevideo are touring vehicles that enter temporarily. Permanent imports of used vehicles are tightly restricted in both countries.
| Option | Who it is for | Duty and tax | What you need |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary entry, Argentina (visitors and tourists) | Foreign tourists | None while the vehicle leaves in time. Up to 8 months, extendable if immigration extends your stay | Title in your name (or a notarised authorisation), a driving licence valid in Argentina and liability insurance covering Argentina |
| Temporary entry, Uruguay (visitors and tourists) | Tourists | None. Up to 1 year from entry | Passport, ownership document, MERCOSUR insurance and the electronic declaration. A vehicle arriving as cargo is cleared by a customs broker |
| Permanent import | People keeping the vehicle in the country | Both countries ban used vehicle imports, except returning residents, new permanent residents in Argentina, and classics over 30 years (Argentina: worth at least US$12,000). | Classics: Argentina needs prior Industry Secretariat authorisation; Uruguay needs a ministerial certificate, allows exhibition or competition use only and bars sale for 48 months. Ask us before you ship. |
| Transfer of residence | People moving to Argentina or Uruguay | Argentina: one used car free up to US$15,000 customs value after 2+ years abroad, or for new permanent residents; 1–2 years abroad pays tax. Uruguay: free for Uruguayans back after 2+ years; foreigners only as qualifying retirees. | Car in your name: registered 3+ months before arrival (Argentina) or owned 1+ year (Uruguay). Passport and consular residence papers. No sale for 2 years. Ask us before you ship. |
| Classic / historic vehicles, Uruguay | Classics at least 50 years old for exhibition or club events | Free of customs charges, with Ministry of Economy approval | Proof of ownership, age and classic status. The vehicle cannot be sold in Uruguay |
A temporarily imported vehicle must leave before its permit ends. In Uruguay overstaying is fined US$20 a day, and in Argentina it can bring customs penalties.
Official sources: ARCA (Argentine customs): vehicles of travellers resident in other countries · gub.uy: temporary entry of vehicles by non-MERCOSUR tourists · IMPO: Uruguay Law 17.887, ban on imports of used vehicles · IMPO: Uruguay Decree 101/022, classic vehicles · Argentina: Decreto 110/1999, Art. 7 (used vehicles) · ARCA: Argentines returning to live · IMPO: Ley 18.250, Art. 76 (returning Uruguayans)
Customs clearance is through our broker, a local agent we introduce, or your own broker. Rules change; we confirm them for your vehicle before you ship.
Touring / Overlanding
How do I start a trip in Argentina or Uruguay?
Buenos Aires and Montevideo are common starting points for a trip through South America. No carnet de passages is needed; your vehicle enters on a temporary permit.
What you need
- Original US title, free of any lien (or with a signed letter from the lender authorising export), for US export
- Passport and driving licence
- MERCOSUR liability insurance
- An address and phone number in the USA and at arrival
Before you ship
- Book 4 months to 3 weeks before sailing
- Empty all gas bottles
- Declare any lithium batteries and any motorbike carried on the vehicle
- Ask us what you may pack: one service to Zárate requires an empty vehicle
MERCOSUR insurance
Liability cover for Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Paraguay, Chile, Peru and Bolivia costs about US$240–300 for 6 months.
Starting on the West Coast?
Tourist vehicles shipping from the West Coast need proof of entry into the USA. If you do not have it, ship from the East or South.
Shipping home
When your trip ends we ship from Zárate and Montevideo to Europe, the USA and South Africa.
Paperwork
What happens at export from the USA and arrival in South America?
Paperwork starts before the ship leaves. Our broker, a local agent we introduce, or your own broker can handle clearance on arrival.
- US export
- Send us the original US title, free of any lien (or with a signed letter from the lender authorising export). US Customs must receive it at least 72 hours before export.
- Port escort
- US ports require an escort when you deliver the vehicle, usually US$50–125.
- Arrival in Montevideo
- A clearing agent is optional. Port fees are charged by weight and include up to 5 days' storage, then about US$60 a day.
- Arrival in Zárate
- A clearing agent is required. 7 days' free storage, then about US$10 a day plus 21% VAT.
- Second vehicle on board
- A motorbike carried on or in the vehicle adds import fees. Tell us before you book.
Trade and business
Do you ship for dealers, projects and businesses?
We ship vehicles, trucks and equipment from the USA to Argentina and Uruguay for businesses as well as travellers, by RORO or container, subject to local import rules.
RORO
From Baltimore and Jacksonville to Zárate and Montevideo. Oversized units are charged by the cubic metre.
Containers
20ft from US$3,000 from Miami or Houston to Montevideo. See container prices above.
Other routes
We also ship from the USA to Colombia, Chile and Ecuador, and from South America back to the USA and Europe.
Price match
We will try to match or beat any valid quotation.
Why ship with IVSS?
Advice you can use
Temporary and permanent import, paperwork and insurance, explained before you book.
Trusted agents only
We only use agents we know, which avoids surprise costs.
Kept informed
We update you at every stage, from booking to collection.
We have done it ourselves
We have shipped our own vehicle around the world.
How does shipping from the USA work?
Book 4–8 weeks ahead. We handle the booking and paperwork, and help with customs.
1
Get a quote
Fill in the 2-minute form for instant pricing.
2
Book your sailing
We confirm the carrier, date and port delivery instructions.
3
Prepare
Clean the vehicle, remove loose items, send your registration document and passport copy.
4
Drop off
At the terminal, normally 4–7 days before sailing.
5
Sea crossing
We track the vessel and keep you updated until arrival.
6
Clearance and collection
Customs is cleared by our broker, a local agent or your own; collection is normally 2–3 working days after arrival.
Do I need marine insurance for the crossing?
Your road insurance does not cover the sea crossing. We arrange All Risks marine insurance from the departure port to the arrival port, with or without a condition survey.
Motorhomes, expedition trucks and 4x4 campers: when insured through us, personal items inside the vehicle are covered up to €15,000, where your route allows belongings in the vehicle.
- Insured value up to €25,000€200 single trip, €400 multi-trip
- Insured value up to €50,000€300 single trip, €600 multi-trip
- Insured value up to €100,000€425 single trip, €850 multi-trip
- Higher values, up to €1,000,000In bands, shown on your quote; above that, ask us
Excess €500 per claim. Cover is subject to the insurer's policy wording, which we send with your booking confirmation. Damage, theft and claims
Questions about shipping from the USA
How much does it cost to ship a car from the USA to Argentina or Uruguay?
RORO sea freight for a standard car costs about US$1,660 from Baltimore or Jacksonville, based on IVSS quotes in the last 90 days. Import costs in Zárate or Montevideo are extra; at Montevideo they are about US$1,000–1,400 for a car.
What documents do I need to export a vehicle from the USA?
The original US title, free of any lien (or with a signed letter from the lender authorising export), plus your passport and the bill of sale if you bought the vehicle recently. US Customs must have the title at least 72 hours before the vehicle is exported, so send it to us in good time.
Zárate or Montevideo?
Zárate is usually cheaper. Montevideo can suit travellers who start in Uruguay but costs more. We quote both.
Can I bring my vehicle into Argentina or Uruguay as a tourist?
Yes. Argentina allows a tourist's vehicle for up to 8 months and Uruguay for up to 1 year, as long as it leaves again. See the entry rules table above.
Can I pack belongings in the vehicle?
It depends on the carrier. On one service vehicles to Zárate must be empty, and gas bottles are not allowed on any service. Tell us what you plan to pack before you book.
Is there an age limit?
One carrier does not take vehicles over 20 years old. We choose a service that accepts your vehicle.
When are the next sailings?
Live schedules from the carriers we book with. Dates move; we confirm yours at booking.
USA to Argentina and Uruguay
RORO
Next sailing: Clover Ace from Baltimore on 15 Nov 2026, arriving Zarate on 12 Dec 2026 (27 days). About 3 sailings a month. Updated 12 Nov 2026.
Calls at Zarate
| Vessel | From | Departs | Zarate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clover Ace | Baltimore | 15 Nov 2026 | 12 Dec 2026 |
| Viking Brasilia | Freeport, Texas | 1 Dec 2026 | 24 Dec 2026 |
| Grand Vega | Jacksonville | 10 Dec 2026 | 3 Jan 2027 |
| Polaris Leader | Freeport, Texas | 29 Dec 2026 | 28 Jan 2027 |
| Michigan Highway | Jacksonville | 3 Jan 2027 | 30 Jan 2027 |
| Viking Brasilia | Freeport, Texas | 23 Jan 2027 | 21 Feb 2027 |
- Clover AceFrom Baltimore 15 Nov → Zarate 12 Dec · 27 days
- Viking BrasiliaFrom Freeport, Texas 1 Dec → Zarate 24 Dec · 23 days
- Grand VegaFrom Jacksonville 10 Dec → Zarate 3 Jan · 24 days
- Polaris LeaderFrom Freeport, Texas 29 Dec → Zarate 28 Jan · 30 days
- Michigan HighwayFrom Jacksonville 3 Jan → Zarate 30 Jan · 27 days
- Viking BrasiliaFrom Freeport, Texas 23 Jan → Zarate 21 Feb · 29 days
Also via Antwerp to Montevideo (about 37–64 days). Ask us for dates.
Schedule as at 12 Nov 2026. Dates are the carriers' estimates and can change; we confirm yours when you book.
Related routes and guides
Member of
IVSS is a member of BIFA, the British International Freight Association, and FIATA, the international federation of freight forwarders.
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Prefer to talk it through? Call +44 203 787 4201, Monday to Friday.