Roll on & Roll off (RORO) Shipping Costs
RORO, or “Roll on and roll off,” refers to the term international shipping companies use when they ship cargo with wheels that are driven or rolled on and off the ship. This kind of shipping was introduced by Japanese car companies who needed to ship their cars overseas by driving them directly to these specially designed ships called “vehicle carriers.” RO-RO is a good way and efficient way to ship your car from one country to another, especially since RORO shipping costs are quite low.
Why Not Use a Container?
You can use RO-RO or container to ship your car, but why do most people recommend RO-RO auto shipping and not container? Simply put, RO-RO is very easy and cheaper than a container. It works out cheaper because of the following reasons -:
- The cars are driven into the vessel and secured on the decks. Once secured, they are safe from wind, rain, and rolling waves during transport.
- No packing is required, and there is no need to hire or pay for an export warehouse for car crating.
- Also, when you opt for a container, be prepared to face a lot more paperwork for international shipments. So contact an auto shipping company that can advise you on what to choose for your car.
When to Use a Container.
While RO-RO shipping is available for all major international ports, it is not available for remote and smaller car transport ports. In such cases, when no RO-RO shipping service is available for a port, the only option left is to take a container. Also, use a container when you want to get protected shipping for your car.
Tips to Lower Your RO-RO Shipping Costs.
- RoRo shipping costs $800–$2,000 on most international lanes, making it significantly cheaper than container shipping for standard operable vehicles.
- Ocean transit takes 10–45 days depending on route and vessel frequency; dropping off at the terminal instead of using door-to-door service reduces total cost.
- U.S. Customs requires the original title 72 hours before export; cargo insurance typically costs around 2% of the declared vehicle value plus applicable port fees.
Even though RORO is the cheapest way to get your car shipped, here are a few tips to lower your roll-on and roll-off (RORO) shipping costs.
- Condition of the car—If your vehicle is not drivable, you must pay additional charges to have it hauled or towed inside the ship. So, to avoid paying extra, ensure your car is in good condition.
- Door-to-door shipping is the most expensive kind of shipping, but you can cut costs by driving your car to the terminal and then picking it up from the destination terminal again.
- Insurance—Get only the cargo insurance that you actually need, not what the moving company tries to foist upon you. Usually, insurance will cost around 2% of the total value insured, and there might also be a base fee, which could be an additional $65 to handle the processing charges and to get it mailed or faxed to you. So, looking around for car transport companies that sell the same package at competitive rates does not hurt.
- Protection—When the car you are getting shipped is not a new or expensive one, you can choose the lower protection deals and not gofor the more expensive protection schemes.
- Choosing the route: Shipping companies will charge a lot more when they have to change their route for you. Instead, look around for ships that take your route to avoid customs shipping rates.
- RORO tracking—When time is not a constraint, you do not have to choose expensive options, such as RORO tracking.
- Shipping time - Generally, the shipping costs will be higher during summer and lower during winter. So, if your car will not be affected by the weather, get it shipped during the cheaper winter months when the business is low.
Other Costs To Expect.
There could be a terminal handling fee, which you might be required to pay at the starting point. It could be around $40 -$190, depending on the destination port. There might also be import duties, which the auto shipping company must find out for you beforehand from the Consulate of the destination country, or you can do the same yourself by looking at http://www.embassy.org/ . There might also be an extra cost of $175 when you expect your car shipping company to clear your title for you, but you can also do it yourself to cut costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is roll on roll off (RORO) shipping?
Roll-on/roll-off shipping is an ocean-freight method that moves wheeled cargo by driving or towing it over a vessel’s built-in ramps. Cars, trucks, buses, RVs, trailers, and heavy equipment are assigned to decks based on their dimensions and weight, then secured with lashings or wheel restraints. Because cargo rolls aboard instead of being lifted into a container, RoRo reduces packing and crane handling. Carriers may also place non-self-propelled cargo on wheeled handling equipment for the voyage.
How much does roll on roll off shipping cost?
As of August 5, 2026, port-to-port RoRo ocean freight for a standard running car on common international lanes typically costs $900 to $2,000. Larger SUVs, trucks, machinery, and routes with limited vessel service can cost more because rates reflect cargo dimensions and available deck space. Base ocean freight may exclude inland transport, terminal charges, destination fees, duties, taxes, storage, and optional marine insurance. A1’s international car shipping rates calculator can narrow the estimate by vehicle and port.
How long does roll on roll off shipping take?
Port-to-port RoRo transit commonly takes 2 to 6 weeks on established international lanes, though direct short routes may be faster and transshipment services longer. Direct North Atlantic examples can take about 10 to 12 days, while routes to West Africa or from China commonly run 25 to 40 days. Booking, terminal delivery, export clearance, vessel cutoff dates, and destination release occur outside the sailing period. Weather, port rotation, and missed connections can extend the complete shipment timeline.
What is the RORO shipping process?
The RoRo shipping process starts with a booking that identifies the vehicle, VIN, dimensions, origin port, destination port, and requested sailing. You then prepare the vehicle, complete the export paperwork, and deliver it before the terminal cutoff. Port staff inspect the unit, drive or tow it over the vessel ramp, assign its deck position, and secure it for transit. After unloading, customs and the destination terminal release it for collection or onward delivery. A1’s international car shipping by sea guide explains the broader ocean-shipping steps.
Is RORO better than container shipping?
RoRo is usually the better value for a standard running vehicle when both ports have direct RoRo service, while container shipping provides more enclosure and loading flexibility. RoRo avoids container packing, but the vehicle normally travels empty and must meet the carrier’s operating and dimension rules. A container is often the stronger choice for a high-value, classic, modified, damaged, or non-running vehicle, or when approved parts must travel with it. A1’s enclosed auto transport options provide protected inland transportation to or from the port.
What vehicles can be shipped on a roll on roll off ship?
RoRo vessels can carry cars, SUVs, pickups, motorcycles, buses, RVs, commercial trucks, trailers, agricultural machines, and construction equipment that can roll safely aboard. A standard vehicle booking normally requires the unit to start, drive, steer, and brake during terminal handling. Carriers may accept non-running or non-self-propelled cargo on a trailer, MAFI platform, or other wheeled equipment, but approval depends on dimensions, weight, condition, tie-down points, and terminal capability. A1’s heavy-equipment RoRo shipping guide covers high-and-heavy cargo.
What documents are needed for RORO shipping?
For a used self-propelled vehicle exported from the United States by vessel, prepare ownership evidence, vehicle identification data, export filing, and carrier documents. Under 19 CFR 192.2, the vehicle and required ownership documents generally must be presented to CBP at least 72 hours before export; the port director establishes where and how presentation occurs. You may also need photo identification, a bill of sale, lienholder authorization, booking confirmation, and destination-specific import forms. Confirm the receiving country’s requirements before delivering the vehicle to the terminal.
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