Quick Answer: Shipping a car from Miami to Colombia costs $1,150–$2,400 USD in ocean freight, with 7–12 day transit to Cartagena or Barranquilla. Consolidated container runs $1,150–$1,650 per vehicle; exclusive 20' container runs $2,100–$2,400. On top of freight, you pay 35% tariff and 19% VAT to DIAN.
- Ocean freight Miami → Cartagena: $1,150–$1,650 in consolidated LCL and $2,100–$2,400 in exclusive 20' FCL. Real transit: 7–12 days port-to-port.
- Freight is only 40% of total cost. DIAN charges 35% tariff + 19% VAT on the CIF value of the vehicle.
- A used car valued at $12,000 USD can end up costing $22,000–$24,000 delivered to Bogotá, adding freight, duties, customs broker fees, and inland transport.
- The embedded calculator on this page gives you real freight rates by make, model, and destination port in seconds, no signup required.
This guide separates freight from duties, because they're two separate invoices with two different payers. Here you'll see real Miami-Colombia corridor pricing for 2026, transit times by port, and the documents CBP and DIAN require without exception.
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Use the calculator above →How much does it cost to ship a car from Miami to Colombia in 2026?
Quick Answer: Shipping a car from Miami to Colombia costs $1,150–$2,400 USD in ocean freight in 2026. Consolidated container costs $1,150–$1,650 per vehicle. An exclusive 20' container costs $2,100–$2,400. Transit to Cartagena takes 7–12 days.
Price depends on three variables: shipping method, vehicle size, and destination port. With thousands of shipments processed annually across the Miami-Latin America corridor, these are the current 2026 rates we handle.
| Shipping Method | Price Range | Transit | Destination Port |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consolidated LCL (2–4 cars in 40'HC) | USD $1,150–$1,650 | 7–12 days | Cartagena (COCTG) |
| Exclusive 20' FCL | USD $2,100–$2,400 | 7–12 days | Cartagena / Barranquilla |
| 40'HC with 2 vehicles | USD $2,900–$3,400 | 7–12 days | Cartagena / Santa Marta |
| RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) | USD $1,400–$1,900 | 9–14 days | Cartagena, subject to schedule |
What's included and what's not in that freight rate?
The quoted freight covers the international leg and basic port charges. It doesn't cover anything that happens after the vessel docks in Colombia.
- Included: Origin THC at PortMiami, Bill of Lading issuance, ISPS, BAF/CAF, cargo manifest, and consolidation at Miami CFS.
- Not included: 35% tariff, 19% VAT, Colombian customs broker fees, port storage, or inland transport.
How does price change by destination port?
Cartagena (COCTG) is the most economical port with the most weekly sailings from Miami. Barranquilla (COBAQ) adds $80–$150 to freight. Buenaventura (COBUN) adds $350–$600 because it requires transshipment via Panama.
Bogotá is not a seaport. If you request delivery to the capital, add $600–$900 in inland freight from Cartagena. Medellín and Cali work the same way: the inland leg is quoted separately.
Miami(USMIA)
Cartagena(COCTG)
Miami(USMIA)
Barranquilla(COBAQ)
Miami(USMIA)
Buenaventura(COBUN)
Vehicle size matters. A full-size pickup like a Ford F-150 or Chevrolet Suburban exceeds 5.5 CBM and takes up nearly half the usable space in a 40'HC. In those cases, an exclusive container often makes more sense than fighting for space in a consolidated shipment.
Direct sailing PortMiami → Cartagena with weekly departures. It's the shortest and most stable transit on the Miami-Colombia corridor for vehicle cargo.
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Enter make, model, and destination port. Get real freight rates in seconds.
Use the calculator above →How does the car shipping calculator work?
Quick Answer: The calculator asks four pieces of information: vehicle make and model, pickup city in Florida, destination port or city in Colombia, and whether the car runs. It returns real freight in seconds, no signup and no follow-up calls.
The car shipping calculator Miami to Colombia is not a lead-capture form. It returns a price on screen, not a promise that someone will call you.
- Select make and model. This automatically defines the vehicle's CBM and weight.
- Enter the origin: Miami, Doral, Hialeah, Orlando, or Jacksonville.
- Choose the destination: Cartagena, Barranquilla, Santa Marta, Buenaventura, Bogotá, Medellín, or Cali.
- Mark operational status. If the car doesn't run, add $150–$300 for winch and special handling.
How does the calculator convert vehicle measurements?
The system multiplies length × width × height in meters to get CBM. An average sedan occupies 4.2–4.8 CBM. A mid-size or large SUV occupies 5.5–6.5 CBM.
That CBM determines how many vehicles fit in the consolidated shipment and what portion of the total freight you pay. That's why a Honda Civic and a Tahoe never pay the same, even if they sail on the same vessel.
What does the result show?
- All-in freight origin-to-destination with itemized charges, not a single number.
- Estimated destination charges at the Colombian port.
- Date of the next weekly sailing from PortMiami.
Pro Tip
We use the same calculation logic on other corridor routes. You can see how price variables behave in FCL Miami to Panama 2026: Cost Calculator and Rate Factors, where we break down every surcharge line by line.
One important limit: the calculator quotes freight, not duties. DIAN tariffs depend on the customs valuation, which we explain below.
Consolidated, exclusive container, or RoRo? Method comparison
Quick Answer: Consolidated container is the most economical option for a single vehicle, $1,150–$1,650. Exclusive 20' container makes sense for large pickups or when you're shipping spare parts and household goods with the car. RoRo is fast but has fewer direct sailings to Colombia.
Consolidated LCL
We load 2–4 vehicles in a 40'HC container. It's the cheapest option per unit. The trade-off: you wait for consolidation, which takes 3–7 days at Miami CFS before departure.
Exclusive 20' or 40' FCL
You control all the space. You can load boxes, spare parts, and household goods inside the vehicle, always under a declared packing list on the Bill of Lading. It's the required option if you're also doing an international household move.
RoRo (roll-on/roll-off)
The car drives onto the vessel under its own power. It doesn't allow interior cargo. It requires the vehicle to run and you must hand over a key to the terminal. In Colombia, direct RoRo sailings are limited compared to Ecuador or Chile, as we detail in our analysis of shipping cars from Miami to Ecuador.
Enclosed container
Your car travels sealed and protected from weather and third-party handling. It allows declared interior cargo. It's the preferred option for high-value vehicles, classics, and collector cars. Cost goes up, but risk exposure drops significantly.
RoRo
Less crane handling and direct ramp loading. The vehicle doesn't get lifted into a container. Usually faster at port. In exchange, it travels on shared deck, no interior cargo, and port personnel have access to the vehicle interior.
Operating rule of thumb: if the vehicle exceeds 6 CBM or is worth more than $30,000 USD, the exclusive container almost always justifies the $700–$900 difference. If you're moving a full container, check the cost structure in FCL Miami to Cartagena: Pricing and Transit Guide 2026.
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Compare consolidated, exclusive container, and RoRo for your specific vehicle.
Use the calculator above →How much do you pay in tariff and VAT when importing a used car to Colombia?
Quick Answer: Colombia charges 35% tariff and 19% VAT on the CIF value of the vehicle per DIAN's current tariff schedule. A car with $14,000 CIF value generates about $4,900 in tariff and $3,592 in VAT, plus customs broker fees.
The formula is cumulative, not parallel. VAT is calculated on the CIF plus the tariff already added.
- CIF Value = vehicle price + freight + insurance
- Tariff = CIF × 35%
- VAT = (CIF + tariff) × 19%
| Vehicle FOB Value | Estimated CIF Value | Tariff 35% | VAT 19% | Total Landed Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD $8,000 | USD $9,500 | USD $3,325 | USD $2,437 | USD $15,262 |
| USD $14,000 | USD $15,500 | USD $5,425 | USD $3,976 | USD $24,901 |
| USD $25,000 | USD $26,700 | USD $9,345 | USD $6,848 | USD $42,893 |
The figures don't include customs broker fees ($350–$700), port storage, or inland transport. With those items, a $12,000 car can end up at $22,000–$24,000 delivered to Bogotá.
What tariff classification applies?
Passenger automobiles fall under HS code 87.03. The correct classification changes the tariff. Hybrid and electric vehicles receive preferential treatment with substantially lower rates.
Does Colombia allow used vehicle imports?
Not as a general rule. Colombia restricts used vehicle imports. Exceptions are limited and verifiable.
- Household goods of Colombians returning from abroad after residing overseas
- Collector vehicles with certified age
- Diplomatic missions and international organizations
- Special regimes like San Andrés and Providencia
Specialized sources in the industry agree on this point. You can verify the current framework at Importing a Vehicle from the USA to Colombia in 2026 and Car Shipping to Colombia (updated 2026).
DIAN won't accept your invoice alone
DIAN values the vehicle using its own reference databases, not just your Bill of Sale. A declared value below market triggers reasonable doubt and holds the cargo at port. While it's resolved, storage and demurrage charges accrue. Declare the real purchase value from the start.
Customs valuation mechanics work the same for other capital goods. We explain the full procedure in Customs Duties: Importing Machinery from USA to Colombia — Complete Guide 2026.
Before you buy the vehicle, validate your case with a licensed customs broker in Colombia. AB Group Shipping is a freight forwarder, not legal or tax counsel.
What documents do you need to ship your car from Miami?
Quick Answer: You need the original Certificate of Title free of liens, bill of sale, passport or ID, and vehicle presentation to CBP 72 hours before departure. On the Colombian side, you need an import registration with the Ministry of Commerce and an import declaration with DIAN.
Documents on the US side
- Original Certificate of Title — copies are not accepted under any circumstance
- Bill of Sale with real purchase value
- Lien release if the vehicle had financing
- Power of Attorney if you're not the registered owner
- ISF 10+2 filed 24 hours before loading onto the vessel
CBP Rule 19 CFR 192.2 — 72 hours
Per CBP regulation, the original title must be delivered to the export port at least 72 business hours before departure. One day late means missing the vessel and waiting for the next weekly sailing. This is the number-one cause of rescheduling for vehicle cargo at PortMiami.
Documents on the Colombian side
- Import Registration with VUCE (Single Window for Foreign Trade)
- Import Declaration with DIAN
- Certificate of Origin if you claim US-Colombia FTA preference
- RUT and NIT if you're a business, or ID if you're an individual
- Cargo Manifest and original Bill of Lading
If you're coming under household goods regime as a returning Colombian, additional requirements apply. You must prove minimum continuous residence abroad and meet strict timelines for vehicle arrival relative to your return date.
Physical vehicle preparation
- Fuel tank at less than 1/4 capacity
- No loose personal items if shipping RoRo
- Battery charged and in good condition
- Duplicate key handed to the terminal
- Alarm disabled and anti-theft system unlocked
How long does shipping from Miami to Cartagena, Barranquilla, or Buenaventura take?
Quick Answer: Direct ocean transit from PortMiami to Cartagena takes 7–12 days. Barranquilla and Santa Marta add 1–3 days. Buenaventura requires transshipment via Panama and takes 14–21 days. Add 5–15 additional business days for customs clearance with DIAN.
| Destination Port | Code | Sailing Days | Sailing Frequency | Estimated Clearance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cartagena | COCTG | 7–12 days | Weekly | 5–15 business days |
| Barranquilla | COBAQ | 8–13 days | Weekly | 7–15 business days |
| Santa Marta | COSMR | 8–14 days | Bi-weekly | 7–15 business days |
| Buenaventura | COBUN | 14–21 days | Weekly via transshipment | 10–20 business days |
Cartagena has the best container infrastructure in the country. It receives direct services from Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM, and Hapag-Lloyd from PortMiami. It's the destination we recommend by default.
Buenaventura only makes sense if your final destination is Cali or the Coffee Triangle. Transshipment goes through Manzanillo or Colón in Panama and adds 7–9 extra sailing days.
Documentary cut-off, yard cut-off, and ETD are not the same
Three different dates that people confuse all the time. Documentary cut-off closes first. Yard cut-off closes next. The vessel's ETD is last.
The title at CBP must arrive 72 hours before cut-off, not departure. That 2–3 day difference is what makes most first-time importers miss the vessel.
Pro Tip
Free time (free days) in Cartagena is usually 5–8 days. After that, storage and demurrage run $80–$150 daily. Have your customs broker contracted before the vessel departs, not after it arrives. If you need to move spare parts urgently while the car is at sea, check How to Calculate Air Freight Rates USA to Colombia: Per-Kilogram Formula 2026.
How to lower the total cost of bringing your car to Colombia?
Quick Answer: You can cut $400–$1,200 from total cost by choosing Cartagena as your port, consolidating with another vehicle, delivering the car directly to Miami CFS, and buying cargo insurance separately instead of bundled with freight.
- Direct delivery to Miami warehouse: saves $150–$400 versus home pickup, depending on your Florida city.
- Share a 40'HC with another vehicle: cuts per-unit cost up to 30% versus exclusive 20' FCL.
- Choose Cartagena and hire local inland transport: a Colombian carrier to Bogotá or Medellín usually costs less than closed door-to-door service.
- Quote insurance separately: market range is 1.5%–2.5% of declared value. Never ship uninsured, but compare before accepting the bundled package.
If you're using an exclusive container, use the remaining space. You can move household goods, furniture, and valuables with the vehicle. For artwork and antiques, check the techniques in shipping antiques and artwork with custom packing from USA to South America.
The most expensive mistake
Buying the car before confirming it qualifies for import into Colombia. If DIAN rejects entry, freight is not recoverable and the vehicle ends up abandoned or must be re-exported. Validate the applicable regime with a licensed customs broker before you sign the Bill of Sale.
Other corridor operators use similar cost-optimization criteria, as documented in guides on importing cars to Latin America.
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Real price by make, model, and destination port. No signup, no calls.
Use the calculator above →Next step: quote your vehicle now
Quick Answer: The next step is to quote freight with real vehicle data, then validate the import regime with a customs broker in Colombia. The calculator on this page gives you freight in seconds. DIAN eligibility is confirmed before you buy the car.
We depart weekly from PortMiami to Cartagena, Barranquilla, and Santa Marta. We handle consolidated, exclusive container, and RoRo depending on sailing availability.
Use the car shipping calculator Miami to Colombia at the top of this page. Enter make, model, origin city, and destination port. Get all-in freight with the next sailing date in seconds. No mandatory email and no follow-up calls.
$1,150–$2,400 USD in ocean freight from Miami, depending on method. Consolidated container costs $1,150–$1,650 per vehicle and exclusive 20' FCL costs $2,100–$2,400. On top of that, you pay 35% tariff and 19% VAT on the CIF value to DIAN.
Not as a general rule. Colombia restricts used car imports and only allows it in specific cases, such as household goods of Colombians returning after living abroad, collector vehicles, diplomatic missions, and special regimes like San Andrés. Confirm your case with a licensed customs broker before you buy the car.
7–12 days of sailing from PortMiami to Cartagena, with weekly departures. After arrival, customs clearance with DIAN takes 5–15 additional business days, depending on whether the cargo is selected for physical inspection.
Yes, but only if you ship the vehicle in an exclusive container and declare all contents on the packing list and Bill of Lading. RoRo prohibits it: the terminal requires the vehicle empty. Shipping undeclared items is the number-one cause of holds in Cartagena.
No. The calculator on this page quotes international freight and origin and destination port charges. The 35% tariff and 19% VAT depend on the customs valuation DIAN assigns to your vehicle, and your customs broker in Colombia settles them.