RORO Motorcycle Shipping

Q: What is RoRo motorcycle shipping?

RoRo motorcycle shipping is an ocean service where an operable motorcycle is ridden or rolled aboard a vehicle carrier and secured on an internal deck or motorcycle rack. Unlike container shipping, the bike does not travel inside its own sealed container. RoRo works only on vessel routes and terminals that accept motorcycles, so availability depends on the departure port and destination. A1's international motorcycle shipping guide covers container and other overseas options when RoRo is unavailable.

Q: How much does RoRo motorcycle shipping cost?

As of August 11, 2026, a standard operable motorcycle on common U.S.-to-Europe RoRo routes typically needs a $1,000-$1,200 port-to-port ocean-freight budget. Larger motorcycles, less frequent ports, and extra terminal handling can push the price higher. Inland transport to the departure port, destination handling, customs charges, taxes, and optional coverage may be separate from the ocean rate. A1's motorcycle shipping cost calculator can narrow the estimate for the actual origin, destination, and motorcycle.

Q: Is RoRo or container shipping better for a motorcycle?

For a standard running motorcycle, RoRo is usually the lower-cost, simpler option when the route accepts bikes, while container shipping gives the motorcycle greater separation from other cargo. RoRo bikes are secured on an internal vehicle deck or purpose-built rack; containerized motorcycles travel inside a steel container and may be crated or blocked and braced. Container service is usually the better fit for a high-value, vintage, or non-running motorcycle, and it can serve destinations where motorcycle RoRo is unavailable.

Q: Can I ship a non-running motorcycle using RoRo?

Most motorcycle RoRo services require the bike to be operational and rideable, so a non-running motorcycle usually needs containerized or crated transport instead. RoRo terminals normally need the motorcycle moved aboard and off the vessel through the carrier's standard vehicle-loading process. Tell the shipper whether the bike starts, rolls, steers, brakes, and has any fluid leaks before booking. If a specific carrier will accept an inoperable bike on RoRo, get its loading method, terminal approval, and any extra charges confirmed before delivery to the port.

by Joe Webster

Last updated Aug, 10 2026

Just like other wheeled vehicles that are transported overseas, roll-on/roll-ff transport is one of the primary ways that motorcycles are shipped around the world. The benefit of RORO transport is that it’s a very easy and quick way to load and unload a bike before and after it’s been transported on a cargo ship. By comparison, bikes that are transported in a shipping container require more time and labor to load and unload, which typically increases the time from arrival to when the bike is in your possession.

Getting Your Motorcycle To A Shipping Port

Before your bike can be loaded onto a transport ship, it must first be delivered to a shipping port. This can either be done by driving it there yourself, or you can opt to have it transport by an overland motorcycle transport company. This is important to keep in mind because it adds an additional cost onto the price of shipping internationally. Overland motorcycle transport is generally fairly inexpensive, but it is important that the bike arrive at the specified time so that the loading process isn’t delayed. Take into account that transport ships are very large and, as a result, there are a lot of other vehicles and cargo that need to be loaded as well.

Contact us today to find out why A-1 Auto Transport is one of the premier worldwide motorcycle shipping companies in the industry! We provide transport services for any type of bike shipped to or from any location around the world! Call us at 1-888-230-9116 to learn more about what we offer, or if you’d like a FREE instant price quote! All estimate are 100% FREE and no obligation is required to get a price quote!

Other Transport Options

There are other options for international motorcycle shipping besides RORO transport. Essentially, there are two other choices you can explore: air freight or container shipping. When using air freight, the bike is typically crated (see below) and loaded onto an aircraft for transport. As you can probably surmise, air freight is very expensive and is not frequently used because of the prohibitive price tag attached to it. Air freight is, however, the quickest way to transport a bike, but you’ll have to weigh that benefit against the cost of shipping.

Container shipping is also done on a cargo ship, but instead of loading the bike directly onto the ship, it is first placed and secured in a shipping container. Most of the cargo shipped around the world is done using with shipping containers, which makes it easier for the transport company to load a containerized bike along with other cargo using the same process. It is certainly more convenient from the perspective of the shipper, but it does take longer to load and unload the bike.

RoRo motorcycle shipping internationally costs $400–$1,200, with port fees, fuel surcharges, and motorcycle size influencing final rates.
Transatlantic RoRo routes typically take 2–4 weeks; shipments to Asia or Africa require 4–6 weeks, plus customs clearance time.
Motorcycles must be operational for RoRo loading; non-runners require crated container shipping, and all vessels are DOT-regulated maritime carriers.

Crating Your Bike

Crating a motorcycle just means that it is attached to a wooden pallet or secured inside a box like structure so that it can be loaded onto the ship more easily. Crating also provides some protection against possible damage since it provides an opportunity to cover the bike on all sides should you choose complete crating. Palletized transport is more common and only requires a wooden pallet underneath the bike so that it can be moved on and off with equipment that’s designed to move pallets. It should also be noted that even with RORO motorcycle shipping, some ports may require that the bike be palletized or crated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is RoRo motorcycle shipping?

RoRo motorcycle shipping is an ocean service where an operable motorcycle is ridden or rolled aboard a vehicle carrier and secured on an internal deck or motorcycle rack. Unlike container shipping, the bike does not travel inside its own sealed container. RoRo works only on vessel routes and terminals that accept motorcycles, so availability depends on the departure port and destination. A1's international motorcycle shipping guide covers container and other overseas options when RoRo is unavailable.

How much does RoRo motorcycle shipping cost?

As of August 11, 2026, a standard operable motorcycle on common U.S.-to-Europe RoRo routes typically needs a $1,000-$1,200 port-to-port ocean-freight budget. Larger motorcycles, less frequent ports, and extra terminal handling can push the price higher. Inland transport to the departure port, destination handling, customs charges, taxes, and optional coverage may be separate from the ocean rate. A1's motorcycle shipping cost calculator can narrow the estimate for the actual origin, destination, and motorcycle.

How long does RoRo motorcycle shipping take?

Port-to-port RoRo motorcycle shipping on common U.S.-to-Europe routes generally takes 3-6 weeks, although individual sailings vary by departure and arrival port. Some northern European routes from the U.S. East Coast run closer to three or four weeks, while West Coast or longer European routings can approach 6-7 weeks. This is ocean transit rather than the complete door-to-door timeline. Inland transport, vessel cutoff schedules, export processing, customs clearance, and destination release occur outside that sailing window.

Is RoRo or container shipping better for a motorcycle?

For a standard running motorcycle, RoRo is usually the lower-cost, simpler option when the route accepts bikes, while container shipping gives the motorcycle greater separation from other cargo. RoRo bikes are secured on an internal vehicle deck or purpose-built rack; containerized motorcycles travel inside a steel container and may be crated or blocked and braced. Container service is usually the better fit for a high-value, vintage, or non-running motorcycle, and it can serve destinations where motorcycle RoRo is unavailable.

Can I ship a non-running motorcycle using RoRo?

Most motorcycle RoRo services require the bike to be operational and rideable, so a non-running motorcycle usually needs containerized or crated transport instead. RoRo terminals normally need the motorcycle moved aboard and off the vessel through the carrier's standard vehicle-loading process. Tell the shipper whether the bike starts, rolls, steers, brakes, and has any fluid leaks before booking. If a specific carrier will accept an inoperable bike on RoRo, get its loading method, terminal approval, and any extra charges confirmed before delivery to the port.

What documents are needed for RoRo motorcycle shipping from the U.S.?

For a used motorcycle exported from the United States by vessel, prepare ownership documentation tied to the VIN and the required Electronic Export Information filing through AES. CBP requires used self-propelled vehicles and the required export documentation to be presented according to its 72-hour export rule. The destination country can add its own import, registration, tax, or inspection paperwork. Check A1's motorcycle international destinations information, then confirm the final checklist with the export port and destination authority.