Shipping a car from the USA to Dar es Salaam has become a popular choice for buyers, dealers, and expatriates looking for dependable and affordable vehicle transport to East Africa. With high demand for American cars and a well-established maritime route to the Port of Dar es Salaam, customers now have multiple shipping options to choose from—each offering different benefits in terms of cost, safety, and convenience. Understanding how these methods work is the first step in planning a smooth and stress-free international shipment.
When deciding on the best way to move your vehicle overseas, factors like vehicle type, condition, value, budget, and delivery timeline all play a crucial role. The two primary methods—Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) and container shipping—stand out as the most reliable solutions for this route. Whether you’re shipping a standard sedan, a luxury SUV, or a non-running vehicle, selecting the right method can help you save money, protect your investment, and ensure a seamless arrival at Dar es Salaam.
🚢 1. Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) – Most Common & Cost-Effective
How it works:
Your vehicle is driven onto a specialized RoRo vessel, secured for transit, and driven off upon arrival.
✅ Best For
- Standard cars, SUVs, vans, trucks
- Running vehicles
- Budget-friendly shipments
✅ Advantages
- Lowest shipping cost
- Frequent sailings to Dar es Salaam
- Simple loading/unloading
- No need for a container
⚠️ Considerations
- Vehicle must be operable
- No personal items allowed inside
- Exposed to port environment (not weather)
Typical Transit Time: 35–50 days (depending on departure port)
📦 2. Container Shipping – Safest & Most Secure
How it works:
Your car is loaded into a 20ft or 40ft container—either alone or shared.
✅ Best For
- High-value or luxury cars
- Non-running vehicles
- Vehicles with parts, accessories, or personal items
✅ Advantages
- Fully enclosed security
- Protection from weather and handling
- Can ship multiple cars in one container
- Personal belongings allowed (depending on carrier)
⚠️ Considerations
- More expensive than RoRo
- Slightly longer processing time
Typical Transit Time: 40–55 days
🚛 3. Shared Container – Balance of Cost & Security
How it works:
Your vehicle shares a 40ft container with other vehicles—splitting the cost.
✅ Best For
- Those wanting container security at a lower cost
- Single car shipments
- Non-running or modified vehicles
⚠️ Considerations
- Departure may wait until container is full
Cost: Mid-range between RoRo and full container
🏆 Which Method Is Best Overall?
For most customers shipping to Dar es Salaam:
👉 RoRo is the best option due to:
- Lower cost
- Regular departures
- Simple logistics
However, if the car is luxury, collectible, damaged, or non-running, then:
👉 Container shipping is the better choice for maximum protection.
🌍 Common USA Departure Ports to Dar es Salaam
- Baltimore, MD
- Newark, NJ
- Savannah, GA
- Jacksonville, FL
- Houston, TX
- Los Angeles / Long Beach, CA
📑 Key Documents Needed
- Vehicle Title (original)
- Bill of Sale (if required)
- Photo ID/Passport
- Export Power of Attorney
- Tanzania import documents (after arrival)
💰 Estimated Cost Range
- RoRo: $1,200 – $2,200+
- Shared Container: $1,500 – $2,800+
- Full Container: $3,000 – $5,000+
(Prices vary by port, vehicle size, season, and carrier.)
✅ Final Recommendation
| If You Want… | Best Method |
|---|---|
| Lowest Price | RoRo |
| Maximum Security | Container |
| Shipping a non-running car | Container |
| Shipping multiple cars | Shared or Full Container |
📞 Need Help Shipping a Car to Tanzania?
Contact us for quotes, timelines, and booking assistance:
📧 ship@alltransportdepot.com
📞 +1 (678) 528-5794
📲 WhatsApp: +1 (470) 791-4497