Roll On/Roll Of Auto Transport (RORO) is the most common mode of shipping used to move motor vehicles from the mainland U.S. to the Hawaiian Islands. If that’s the first time you’re hearing the term “RORO,” it’s a method of car transport that refers to being moved in a storage area of a large ship designed to move vehicles. The name comes from way the vehicle is loaded onto the ship, which is by simply driving it into the cargo area, securing it for the trip to Hawaii, and then driving it off when it arrives—the car is “rolled on,” transported, and then “rolled off.”
Hawaii Auto Transport Price & Time Examples To Move Your Vehicle
| Shipping To/From Hawaii | cost | Distance | Estimated Time In Transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville to Hawaii | $2558 | 4263 miles | 10 - 12 days |
| Local Area to St. Louis | $2437 | 4062 miles | 10 - 12 days |
| Hawaii to Chicago | $2516 | 4193 miles | 10 - 12 days |
| City Limits to Pittsburgh | $2759 | 4598 miles | 10 - 12 days |
| San Antonio to Hawaii | $2168 | 3614 miles | 8 - 10 days |
| Minneapolis to Local Area | $2350 | 3916 miles | 8 - 10 days |
About RoRo Vessels
RORO ships are large boats that are equipped with a ramp to make it easier to load cars onto the ship where they are stored for shifting, usually below the deck in a cargo hold. Using tie downs, each car is individually anchored in place so that they can safely be transported. The holding area is much like a large parking garage that is designed to hold many vehicles, sometimes as many as several hundred cars. One of the biggest advantages of using RORO ships to move your car to Hawaii is the fact that it is the least expensive option to safely relocate a car, truck or other vehicle by ocean transport.
A-1 Auto Transport is a nationwide and international car shifter with over 30 years of experience transporting vehicles. We offer FREE price quotes for all shipments, including to and from Hawaii, and our professional staff is available 24 hours a day. Call us today at 1-888-230-9116 for a FREE, no obligation estimate for RORO services to or from Hawaii!
Preparing Your Car For Roll On, Roll Off (RORO) Transport
Before your vehicle can be loaded onto the RORO carrier, there’s a few basic steps you’ll need to take in preparation, which include the following:
- Your car will need to be emptied of all personal content including luggage or boxes.
- The fuel tank should be no more than one-quarter full of gas.
- The car should be clean and make sure all dirt is removed from the wheels and undercarriage, so it will not blow onto the other cars during shipment.
- You will need to show proof of ownership as well as the title and registration prior to the car being loaded for transport.
One of the biggest advantages of using RoRo ships to move your car to Hawaii is the fact that it is the least expensive option to safely relocate a car, truck or other vehicle by ocean transport. On average, a RoRo ship will carry up to 300 cars per shipment.
If you live close to the port you can drive your car there yourself otherwise you can arrange highway transfer with the auto relocating business. Door-to-door delivery can be easily arranged for when the vehicle reaches Hawaii saving you the trouble of traveling to the port to collect it. When you choose a business to relocate your vehicle to Hawaii via RORO they should also be able to handle the overland transit from the mainland to the port and from the port to its final destination in Hawaii.
Car Shipping Resources
Hawaii Auto Transport - Learn more about our car shifting services and delivery options to and from Hawaii from our official shipping page, as well as other companies that deliver vehicles in the area.
Military POV Shipping To Hawaii - Are you a member of the military in need of car hauling services for your POV to Hawaii? We’ve got a great service for you too that includes a military discount! Click on the link to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does roll on roll off shipping to Hawaii cost?
Roll on roll off shipping to Hawaii usually ranges from $1,100–$1,800 for standard vehicles shipped from West Coast ports. Pricing is influenced by vehicle size, departure port, fuel surcharges, and seasonal demand. Sedans are typically cheaper than SUVs or trucks due to space requirements. See detailed breakdowns in the roll on roll off shipping costs guide.
What is roll on roll off shipping when shipping your car to Hawaii?
Roll on roll off shipping is a method where your vehicle is driven directly onto a specialized ocean vessel and secured for transit. It is commonly used for shipping your car to Hawaii because it avoids crating and minimizes handling. Vehicles must be operable and meet port safety standards. This method is widely used for Hawaii car transport due to consistent sail schedules and lower overall costs compared to container shipping.
What documents are required for Hawaii auto transport by sea?
Hawaii auto transport by sea requires a valid government issued photo ID, vehicle title or lienholder authorization, and a signed booking agreement. Vehicles must be clean, operable, and free of personal items. Agricultural inspections are required upon arrival in Hawaii. These requirements are standard for ocean based vehicle transport, including international car shipping by sea.
How long does Hawaii car transport take using RoRo service?
Hawaii car transport using roll on roll off service typically takes 7–14 days port to port after vessel departure. Timing depends on the mainland port, sailing frequency, seasonal demand, and port congestion in Hawaii. West Coast ports generally offer faster departures. Weather conditions across the Pacific and booking cutoffs can also influence delivery windows.
Can non running vehicles be shipped to or from Hawaii using RoRo?
Non running vehicles generally cannot be shipped using roll on roll off service because they must be driven onto and off the vessel. Vehicles that do not start or steer typically require containerized or lift on lift off transport. For operable vehicles, RoRo remains the most efficient option for Hawaii car transport.
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